Cholestyramine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• Dut...
• January 3, 2016

For Crohn's Disease "Suffering from Crohn's disease for the past 15 years. Participated freely with new medicine testing, all tests failed, condition decreased. In 2013, an infected bowel section was removed, finally. Still problems: cramps, diarrhea. Then cholestyramine came around the corner. Since then, no Crohn's symptoms anymore, only one very rare occasion. Very happy now with cholestyramine, life is back to normal as much as possible."

• Jul...
• March 20, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "About 1 year ago, I started to have chronic diarrhea. It would come and it would go, and eventually, it just plain overtook my life. Now, with cholestyramine, I am now having regular formed stools. Where has this drug been all my life? Is how I think every day."

• No ...
• January 9, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "When I was 6 years old, I realized something was wrong with my stomach. Always going to the bathroom and horrible cramping. Ran all kinds of tests on me but never found anything wrong. Always blaming it on nerves because I was little. Went through my whole life scared to death to travel or even just go out to dinner. I hardly ever ate or drank anything, afraid I would have to go to the bathroom. I am 5 ft 3 in, and my whole life I never weighed more than 110 lbs. My life has changed after a GI specialist prescribed cholestyramine powder, 4 grams, drink 1 a day. I can actually do things and go places with my family, and I've put on some weight. Give this a try, you won't regret it. Now I have to hit the gym like everyone else.:)"

• Cgr...
• April 26, 2019

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I had similar symptoms to the other reviewers. Began cholestyramine in the packets, using a drug coupon as insurance did not cover. Started once a day, and now taking every other day, but don’t dare miss that. I was so glad I found these reviews right after gallbladder removal surgery because no one told me of diarrhea side effects after surgery. Had my gallbladder out last July. So thankful for this drug. Coupon took it from 120.00 to 70.00, and it varies each refill. It has given me assurance when I leave the house that I won’t be looking for the nearest bathroom every 5 minutes."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I've been having troubles with IBS-D symptoms for the last 10-12 years of my life (I'm only 22). About 2 years ago, after I had my appendix removed, it started becoming worse, so I went back to my doctor for them to tell me I have gallstones a year later, and my life has become extremely unbearable. I can't eat, drink, or do anything without having to go to the bathroom almost immediately after. I believe I may also be lactose intolerant. But about a month ago, I went to see my doctor, who gave me this medicine and told me to take it 3 times a day, either an hour before my meal or 2 hours after. This is difficult because I also have to take a thyroid pill on an empty stomach. So most of my day, I'm either waiting around to eat or to take my medicine."

• Gre...
• December 13, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I've had stomach issues my whole life since I was very young. I've always had what I thought was IBS. I never knew when I might have to use the bathroom, and as you all know, that makes it very hard to live life. Riding on airplanes was a nightmare for me. Then 8 months ago, I had my gallbladder removed. This made my diarrhea 100 times worse. My life was so stressful, I couldn't make plans with friends because I needed to be near a toilet constantly. I've tried everything for the diarrhea, but it didn't do much for me. I finally got the courage to get a colonoscopy and endoscopy, and everything was clear. My doctor prescribed me cholestyramine, and it has been a dream come true. Thank God I'm normal again!"

• Cua...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 4, 2017

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "For anyone that's had their gallbladder removed, you all know the pain that comes after. I was first prescribed this by accident because the doctor thought I had a bile problem associated with gallbladder surgery. He prescribed one scoop a day with water. It helped, but I took it for years, and if I missed a day, I felt it. A few years later, I went to a new doctor who knew what this was, and he totally changed how and when to take it. As soon as I went in to see him, he had a half-filled water bottle, and I would fill the rest with 8 scoops. I would do this for 3 days, after that, I would take 4 scoops for 4 days. It seemed crazy, but it worked. After 3 days, I became constipated and have never had to take it again."

• IBS...
• February 27, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have IBS-D, and my gastro and GP recommended cholestyramine. I took it once a day for 10 days. No improvement. Dr. told me to increase to twice a day, which I did for a week. Little, if any, improvement. Just increased to 3x a day. Any words of advice? How long did it take before effective? I read the postings and see lots of success stories, but I don't seem to be one of them (or not yet at least). Would welcome input."

• Spi...
• February 19, 2021

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "Have had digestion issues ever since gallbladder removal in 2006. Almost right after eating, I needed to find a restroom. This medication, cholestyramine, is a LIFE CHANGER for me! I'm now able to eat without worry. I take it after morning coffee and right before breakfast, as I sometimes get an upset stomach if I take it prior. Bad days are few and far between...most of the time it's because I forgot to take it or I took it too late in the day the day prior. I have health anxiety and recommend at least giving it a go. It does not take long for the medication to do its job :) TIP: I use a small Tupperware container to put my powder in, add the water, and then shake it. It makes sure everything mixes properly. The brand ANI has been my favorite, it has a Tang taste to it. **DO NOT USE Zydus brand. It does NOT mix well, balls up in the back of your throat upon drinking, and will leave you with a nasty powdery feeling in your mouth."

• Sha...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 21, 2020

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I have been taking this medication, cholestyramine, for 20 years once a day. It has improved my quality of life 100%. Finding it very difficult to get in Australia now and have been told nothing else like it in the market. Extremely worried about what this will do to me."

• War...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2019

Cholestyramine "I haven’t been taking this long. It makes my stomach hurt so bad, but the doctor says it’s normal and will go away. My biggest complaint is this powder is almost impossible for me to drink and tolerate without wanting to throw it back up. The best thing I’ve found that has made a huge difference is taking it with Country Time pink lemonade. The powder is so gritty that it feels like you’re drinking sand, and the powder is nasty. But I noticed a huge difference from taking it with water, applesauce, and tea compared to the lemonade."

• lea...
• November 13, 2018

"I was diagnosed with collagenous colitis after 4 months of diarrhea with no other symptoms. A colonoscopy with many biopsies was conclusive for 'collagenous.' I have been taking cholestyramine (Olestyr brand) for 3 weeks. 2 packs a day. It has worked. I have a tip for those who find the powder difficult to take. I use a small half glass of water to mix the powder, then use 2 straws to quickly get it down. If I position the straws to the back of my mouth, I can swallow it, and it bypasses most of my taste buds and my teeth. I then drink a large glass of water - 750 ml - again with the straws, and I'm careful to thoroughly rinse the back of my throat, as the tingly sensation tends to linger. Any product that can damage tooth enamel can't be good for the lining of my mouth and throat either. I then brush my teeth. I'm happy with this product so far, but hopeful for a remission. Good luck and thanks to all who have shared their stories on this forum."

• Suz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "After 2 months of GI issues and tests, with no known cause found, I am now at the end of a week of use of cholestyramine powder. There is amazing improvement. I mix a half envelope in applesauce. I am a tiny person, and that amount is working for me. I am hoping that, in time, I will no longer need this, but for now I am very grateful!"

• Dod...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 10, 2018

For Dumping Syndrome "After having my gallbladder removed over a dozen years ago, I had daily, constant, uncontrollable diarrhea, always after eating; greasy or not. I never scheduled dinner then a movie or theater, it always HAD to be dinner last, so I could immediately head home to my bathroom or have to locate one onsite. Just tremendously embarrassing and inconvenient. I put up with this miserable condition for over 6 years until my partner saw a documentary on TV that recommended cholestyramine as a treatment. It has very much allowed me to return to my prior lifestyle. However, if I skip one day, I am back to the constant D again. I have found the Sandoz product does not work as well as the PAR Pharmaceuticals powder. My pharmacy can no longer get the PAR product; I am getting ready to try a 3rd option made by ANI Pharmaceuticals. I find dissolving the powder in very hot water helps to minimize the gritty texture and gross taste. After reading recommendations, I will try mixing it into applesauce."

• Kri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have had chronic diarrhea (IBS-D) for the past 8 years! I had to quit my job, and going out was a nightmare not only for me but for my family because I never want to go out due to having an accident! I was prescribed cholestyramine yesterday! I've read most of people's reviews and hope and pray I get the same outcome! Will keep posted!"

• For...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 10, 2016

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "Had gallbladder removed, suffered with diarrhea. A friend said her doctor put her on cholestyramine for the same problem. I suggested it to my MD and he wrote an Rx. My life is back to normal! I take 1/2 packet in the morning, the other half before dinner. I can eat anything and no looking for a bathroom. I take it in apple juice. Have to make frequent dental appointments. Be sure to brush after taking."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "In addition to having IBS, my gallbladder was removed last year, which reduced the amount of bile taken out in my intestines and increased the likelihood of diarrhea. When IBS recurred recently, one packet of cholestyramine immediately improved it. A few days of it twice a day and I am back to “normal.” It is amazing!"

• JER...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 8, 2019

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "Terrific, think everybody who had gallbladder removed should be alerted to cholestyramine, this life-changing option if you have diarrhea after gallbladder surgery. My gut was a mess, a year of regularity now."

• Mad...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 25, 2018

For Dumping Syndrome "Did not have gallbladder removal, but have IBS-D (irritable bowel syndrome - diarrhea) and dumping... have had for many years, and travel and socialization, plus career, have been rocky obstacle courses at best. Excellent doctor suggested cholestyramine and I'm down to a couple teaspoons a day. I now get to plan my day, instead of Crabby Gut having the final say! Hurrah!"

• Juj...
• February 9, 2018

For Dumping Syndrome "Had my gallbladder removed 7 years ago. Prior to that, suffered from bouts of diarrhea and constipation for almost 20 years. About a year and a half ago, I started having horrible cramps, uncontrollable diarrhea, the worst ever. I thought it was anxiety or something worse. GI diagnosed in 1 minute as bile dumping syndrome. I've been playing with skipping the PM packet, depending on where I am and what I'm eating. Had some constipation issues once or twice, so keep adjusting. Plan to discuss how to take and keep things moving properly. This drug has saved my life! I could not go anywhere, forget dating, without knowing exactly where the restrooms were, take long car trips with friends, travel. Just depressing. I really wish more general MDs knew about this. The final month before I saw the GI was excruciating, and the fix was so simple!"

• Jea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2024

"This drug has powerful binding properties. It is used by the US military for servicemen with exposure to deadly toxins at poisonous tar pits in the Middle East. It pulls the toxins out of the body and brain. The same concept is used with mycotoxins from biotoxin illness. It pulls them out of the body and brain. No other product is as powerful in doing this. Mycotoxins are deadly byproducts of toxic mold and have no place in the human body. With mold illness, it’s the mycotoxins that make you sicker than the actual mold itself."

• Sel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2018

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I suffered from morning diarrhea up to 3-4 bouts after eating and drinking coffee for breakfast. I found cutting out the coffee lessened the intensity, I think caffeine stimulates bile production, but I love my coffee. My doctor told me for years I could control my problem with a high-fiber diet-wrong! I finally confronted him with a medical article about cholestyramine, and he agreed to put me on it. My insurance covers all generics. My symptoms have cleared up, but I am still trying to fine-tune timing and dosage in order to be consistent between loose and constipated stools. Reading the comments here has given me a few ideas to try. Maybe earlier in the morning. I tried two doses (evening & morning), and it was too much, but one dose in the morning was not quite enough. Any ideas???"

• dix...
• July 13, 2015

Cholestyramine for Hyperlipoproteinemia "Mix it with Tang, it makes it much easier to drink. All you get is Tang and a little grittiness. I am experiencing an inability to overeat and some resultant weight loss. I have been on it for about a month."

• Vic...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 31, 2018

For Dumping Syndrome "I had my gallbladder out in 1992, and since then, I had bad diarrhea. I knew where every bathroom was in 15 miles. I hated going out to eat or on trips. Ten years later, I had to change meds for insurance purposes. I was telling my doctor about the diarrhea, he put me on Questran. I take 1/2 teaspoon in water twice a day, and it has been like a miracle drug for me. If I miss one dose, I pay for it - not to say I don’t have flare-ups - but I can now live. Thank you."

• Joh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 4, 2020

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "Have had a right hemicolectomy and then several ops for bowel obstruction, so missing the terminal ileum and bile acids don’t get absorbed. The cholestyramine 3 times daily makes diarrhea manageable, usually only in the mornings. Without it, I have bile-stained motions all day, often with little warning, and can’t really go out anywhere safely. Hoping it doesn’t go out of production, as my life would become very difficult."