Cholestyramine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome User Reviews (Page 3)

• Liv...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 20, 2018

"I'm 55 and have had stomach issues since my early twenties. It became worse after my ileum resection. I've been a prisoner of the bathroom for so long, avoiding outings and trips, having many embarrassing 'accidents' stories. Well, it got so bad that I had severe diarrhea for 3 months straight and couldn't eat anything. After many tests and visits to different doctors, a miracle happened and its name is cholestyramine. It made me wonder why it was kept a secret for so long? I have such a happy life now! I can eat salad and vegetables, I can drink coffee, and so many other things that used to bother my stomach! I just have to go easy on whole wheats and lactose. Bathroom? Once or twice a day, that's it! The only side effect I've had was when I used one whole packet. I had a severe headache every time I took it. I'm down to 1/2 and I'm fine. Thank you to the doctor who prescribed it!"

• jud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2017

"I've had stomach issues my entire life, complained about this to so many doctors and taken so many ineffective drugs. Finally found the right doctor who prescribed the right medication. I wish it hadn't taken so long. It's amazing to feel normal."

• Min...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 30, 2020

"I started cholestyramine 2 years ago after years of terrible IBS-D, most days I was late into work or couldn't make it in at all. I had changed my diet and eliminated so many trigger foods, but still so many accidents and pain. I am now living a normal life and have not had one single accident since taking this miracle cholestyramine. I take 2 at night mixed with orange cordial. I still have to be careful what I eat as I do get pain, but I am a happy person now who can live life."

• 5An...
• October 16, 2017

"I've been living with IBS-D for 10+ years, and symptoms got much, much worse within the last several years. I had my gallbladder removed and tested positive for many food sensitivities. I thought I would just have to live with this the rest of my life. My Dr. recently prescribed this drug, and I started taking it a month ago. I take it with food in the morning and with food at night mixed in a glass of water, and it doesn't taste bad, it's like Tang. The results are miraculous! I have normal BMs and have started eating foods I previously avoided, and I've been fine! It's still shocking to me that this works so well. I only wish I would've known about it sooner."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2015

"Post gallbladder surgery, 1 month. Couldn't keep any food in me whatsoever. Went down to 94 pounds and was told this wasn't normal after gallbladder removal. Dr. wanted to run tests, but I did research and found Questran. My Dr. did prescribe it, and it has made a big difference. I tried to stop taking it when I felt a little better, but I can't. Mostly drink lots of fluid and have fiber or you can go the other way."

• sal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2019

"I have used this medication for about 4 months now along with Immodium and am still having problems. At first, I was using 2 packets a day and cut back to 1 as per the doctor and to use 1 Immodium. Yesterday, I stopped taking the cholestyramine as I was losing my hair, it seemed that each time I washed my hair, a lot was coming out in the comb. I started using a quality conditioner to help out with this, and yesterday my hands were full of hair after putting the conditioner in my hair. This med seemed to not be working as well toward the end anyway. Off to the doctor again!!!"

• Anonymous
• July 22, 2011

"Cholestyramine powder has saved my life. In January of 2006, my gastroenterologist was finally able to diagnose my stomach problem by taking biopsies during a colonoscopy. For years, starting in the early 1970s, I had been told I had irritable bowel syndrome and controlled my flare-ups by changing my diet. But around 2002, my condition became so serious, I was fighting to keep 100 lbs. on my 5'2" frame. I looked like a skeleton covered by skin. My doctor and I tried various medications, and I tried to control my stress. Nothing was working until my doctor did a colonoscopy with biopsies. Now if I have a flare-up, I use 1 tbsp of Cholestyramine powder in 8 oz of room temperature water before bedtime, and I'm good to go."

• sho...
• September 16, 2016

"Great drug and works like a charm. The only problem I found is it depletes your magnesium and potassium, and I got muscle cramps so bad I thought I was having a heart attack. Even was rushed to the hospital. They said, no heart attack. Finally, I figured it out on my own, eliminating things because all the doctors wanted to do was push more drugs on me. Cannot take the drug. I have had part of my large colon removed due to diverticulitis and then gallbladder surgery as well as adhesion removal surgery. For those that are able to take it, I highly recommend it."

• tj4...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2016

"Has worked extremely well since started, only reason for a 9 is eating too soon causes exhaustion and makes me go into a deep sleep for a couple of hours. The pros outweigh the cons, and I'm glad I can really eat my favorite foods again."

• Dee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 12, 2018

"The best! I can now go outside my home with reasonable confidence. As long as I watch what I eat and stay to small portion meals, all is well. So very grateful to my gastroenterologist who prescribed this for me. It's a lifestyle changer."

• Jul...
• March 20, 2018

"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

"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.:)"

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

"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

"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!"

• IBS...
• February 27, 2021

"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."

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

"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!"

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

"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!"

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

"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!"

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 1, 2018

"I just started this. Have had IBS diarrhea for as long as I can recall, but it has always been controllable with Lomotil. Was diagnosed with SIBO this summer, and it's been slowly downhill from there. I'm only on day 3 of Questran, but so far, so good! I'm hopeful!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 19, 2024

"Life-changing digestive aid, but now there is a shortage. And those who have to rely on this medication for short bowel syndrome are in a real dilemma. I can't digest anything without it. So once mine runs out, I'll try a few other options and see what happens, but for now it feels like I've been handed a death sentence."

• Mus...
• March 13, 2021

"Two words. UNTRUSTWORTHY FARTS. I mean, I’m ngl (Not Gonna Lie), I’ve been able to belch the alphabet since I was 4. But I’ve never farted in front of anyone on purpose. The thought of it terrifies me. I always leave the herd prior to uncaging a beast. I don’t have a choice now. These things blast out with no warning and aren’t always trustworthy AT ALL. Sometimes thunderous, sometimes dead silent. Always reminiscent of a busted sewer pipe. And SOMETIMES, wet. I couldn’t possibly be any more humble at this point. This medicine gave me false confidence. I guess it has improved somewhat. Had 2 semi-solid poops the first month. But overall, meh. I wish it were the life changer everyone else has experienced, but it’s just not. Yet?"

• Bob...
• April 28, 2024

"Great stuff. I had IBS for many years, which got progressively worse. I was buying Imodium in bulk plus Pepo. Taking Cholestyramine really changed my life for the better. I now have relatively normal bowel habits, with just an occasional dose of Imodium. What a relief. I wish it came in a pill rather than the gritty suspension stuff I drink, but that is a very minor issue compared to the great relief from IBS."

• GEH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2023

"I have had IBS-D problems for 40 years. Over the past couple of years, it seemed worse, and I consulted a gastroenterologist. He ordered rule-out tests for pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and inflammatory markers. He finally suggested I try cholestyramine 4gm once a day, 20 minutes before my main meal. Within a week, the diarrhea was almost completely stopped. After about 3 weeks, I reduced it to 1 packet every other day, unless I was eating something risky, in which case I took a packet. Then after another couple of weeks, I started taking 1/2 pack every other day. I haven't had diarrhea at all for the last month. Well-formed bowel movements most of the time. I go just 2-3 times a day at the most, whereas before it could be 8 times. For me, it has been an amazing product. The doctor told me to keep on it for another 3 months, and maybe I can stop it. I hope so-it is hard to find and rather gross to take, but the results are too exciting, so I use it. I wish you all good luck with this."

• Ama...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 30, 2023

"My gallbladder was removed in the early '90s, since then, I suffered worsening IBS symptoms, and many foods I ate gave me very painful, gushing bowel movements and bloating. I started taking Olestyr about five years ago. This medication was and is a life changer. Why my previous doctors didn't prescribe this years ago is a mystery, but thank God I found this stuff, and I can have my life back."

• Fee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2023

"After trying almost every IBS solution available and severely limiting my diet, I finally found something that worked. I had a problem where every 5 to 10 days, I would get sick and have to use the bathroom urgently. I felt like something was building up inside me, and after a certain amount of time, it had to come out. I could be eating the same thing I ate prior, yet this time I got sick after eating. I tracked it very closely and could never get past 10 days without getting sick. I got on this medicine 4/2, and it is now 8/25, and I have not been sick even once compared to every 5 to 10 days prior to using it. I take 1 1/2 teaspoons each morning with some Citrucel. I also take 1 Imodium tablet as soon as I wake up. This is half the recommended dose. I go to the bathroom regularly twice in the morning and one more time in the afternoon and the afternoon movement is not urgent at all, then I feel great the rest of the day."