Cholestyramine for Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea User Reviews (Page 3)

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 4, 2022

"Gallbladder removed early 2019. Started having severe diarrhea soon after. After two years and many visits to my doctor, I was told about this medication by a retired doctor. I started on it about a year ago, and the diarrhea ceased almost immediately. I was angry I suffered two years with diarrhea that my doctor had never mentioned this as a possible solution. I started taking one pack a day of the powder, and it worked well. I had occasional constipation, and I would stop taking the powder for one day to help clear my system. In the last couple of months, I have noticed diarrhea coming back, and it appears the medication dose I’m taking needs to be adjusted. I will be going to two packs per day of the powder, and hopefully, this will get me back on the right track. All I can tell you is that life when I was not taking the medication was very miserable, and I am able to function normally again. I’m 71, male, 240 lbs, 6’"

• Fai...
• November 20, 2020

"I had my gallbladder out in 2006, and the diarrhea began immediately. I could not swallow more than a few bites of food, and I had to head right to the bathroom or risk an accident. No one ever told me this was a possibility after surgery, or I would have declined it. I was sick for almost 2 years. Finally, I learned about cholestyramine, and it changed my life. The instructions I was given were to take it in the morning, before any food is eaten, mixed with water or orange juice because it has an orange flavor. If I don't have this with me, and I am going to eat, I have to take Imodium, at least 4-8 capsules, sometimes more, or I know I will be sorry. I try to keep the packets in my car and purse always, just in case. I have had no side effects at all, except for amazing cholesterol numbers of 120. Based on my experience before using this, any side effects would have to be pretty serious for me to stop using this."

• Hei...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 31, 2024

"I have been taking Questran Lite for 10 years. I’m in my early 70s. Started off with one sachet at night before a meal and got it down to half a sachet until recently when I was diagnosed with pancreatic insufficiency, and now have to take CREON (enzyme to help digest food). Now I have to take a Questran Lite sachet before breakfast and also the evening meal and think I will have to take another one, maybe at night before bed. It does work. My doctor seems happy to let me adjust the dosage as needed. When my bile is high, I use some hand cream on the toilet paper and have had no anal irritation. So far, Questran doesn’t seem to be causing any issues. I take a probiotic, multivitamins, and Vit D liquid drops. Apparently, the absorption of water-soluble vitamins can be affected by having no gallbladder, so I have regular blood tests. Mostly you have to work at balancing medications and diet, and the results will be different for everyone, especially if you have other medical conditions to consider."

• PAM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2021

"I had my gallbladder out 16 months ago and did not have any significant problems after. About two months ago, something triggered horrible diarrhea, don’t know what. It would not stop, so I started looking for a solution. I thought I had a stomach virus from my frequent overseas trips, but it did not feel like a virus attack. I completely changed my diet and eliminated red meat, pork, and anything fried or greasy. No sweets, milk, or spicy food. I started taking Pepto-Bismol and that helped a bit, but no long-term cure. After a month, I saw my doctor and I told him my problem and asked about cholestyramine. He agreed and I got the powder that you have to mix with liquids. I am taking a teaspoon once a day after lunch. After my first dosage, this can be called a miracle drug. My diarrhea stopped with no significant side effects. I am on my third week and it continues to work, I continue to stick to my new diet. I have lost 4 pounds, which is okay."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2017

"Cholestyramine powder did help with the diarrhea, but I felt constant pressure and felt like I had to urinate every minute. I was up every 2 hours during the night, and finally, due to exhaustion, I quit taking it. I had just started the second can. My worst diarrhea is in the morning, so I have to get up extra early to go anywhere because I need to visit the bathroom 4-5 times during the first 2 hours after waking up."

• Jmp...
• June 24, 2016

"I started taking this medication about a month ago. Works fine, but I take it with water, and then go brush my teeth. Now I feel like I have a little ulcer-like rash on the upper inside of my lip. No one told me this could happen."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2022

"I'm just going on cholestyramine sachets, not for diarrhea this time. I had it after my gallbladder removal, and it settled my tummy well. But for the past year and a half, I am permanently suffering with acid reflux. The taste in my mouth is always there, and although after two gastritis attacks they doubled my omeprazole dose to 60 mg daily, I'm still suffering. So my specialist hopes the sachets will help me as they mop up excess bile, I think. Anyone experienced this as well as tummy problems and WC nearby syndrome like me?"

• Cor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2016

"After having emergency gallbladder removal, I started having constant diarrhea. Unannounced, uncontrollable, and awful. I went to the doctor and was given Questran. After day one, I never had any more problems. He said I would have to take it the rest of my life. Surely not, because it costs $95.00 a can for 45 days. No side effects. If I get to feeling constipated, I stay off for one day and stay home near the bathroom."

• Sti...
• April 15, 2021

"My gallbladder has been gone for about 9 years now, and I don't know what I would do without the Prevalite powder. What a lifesaver! I mix 1 tablespoon of Prevalite with 1 tablespoon of Metamucil in a glass of Sunny D every morning, and I am good to go the rest of the day. I used to have so many stomach troubles and diarrhea, as soon as I ate, I would have to find a bathroom."

• Jon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 13, 2023

"About 6 months after having my gallbladder out, I started having emergent diarrhea after eating slightly fatty foods. Then about 18 months after my gallbladder was removed, I started having explosive, urgent, watery diarrhea every day no matter what I ate and especially if I hadn’t eaten in more than 8 hours. Nothing worked, and I couldn’t leave the house and had lots of accidents. It was terrible. I’m young, so this was really embarrassing. I mean, just because no one else my age has been through this, and I couldn’t really talk about it, and they got frustrated with me canceling all the time or running to the bathroom, and then I got malabsorption too. So, this really saved my life on the one hand, but I also get terrible indigestion, nausea, and eventually vomiting just to release the pressure that lasts for several hours about 50% of the time when taking it. I’ve been trying different doses, and I’m hoping that works. Anyone have a solution? Antacids haven’t worked."

• Cho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2021

"Starting this medication today! For over 6 years of unexpected diarrhea throughout the day. Travel plans are a nightmare, a change of clothes in the car just in case, constantly being asked if this food will make you sick, exhaustion after bouts of diarrhea, I know every restroom within a mile of our house. I will let you know how it goes. Reading your messages was eye-opening...same experiences, so here's to my new medicated life."

• Pur...
• October 19, 2020

"If you have pain, get a test. My doctor said that people live with their gallbladder full of stones and refuse to remove them. I had emergency surgery. Reported to my sons that I almost died, said it was the ugliest lot of gallbladder stones ever. They had to leave some in. Discharged, not improving, ER questioned its removal, looked like it was still there. They nicked the bile duct and had to get a stent and wear a bag to drain. My cousin just had hers out. Share. God bless you."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 13, 2023

"Generic does not work as well as name brand Questran, so try the brand if you feel generic is not working for you. Also, the light options have sugar substitutes. This causes a severe reaction for me. This medication was a lifesaver for me."

• Sel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 4, 2025

"My final post about this drug. First of all, I don't understand the posts that equate this drug with muscle pain and statin-like symptoms as this drug is not absorbed into the bloodstream. It passes through the digestive tract only. Recently, after having open-heart surgery to replace a calcified aortic valve and three cardiovascular bypasses, I was put on a regime of prescriptions to maintain a healthy heart. They included a statin, rosuvastatin, for lowering my LDL. For whatever reason, I no longer need cholestyramine to control what was post-cholecystectomy diarrhea, but I do have to contend with the fact that my new 'tissue type' aortic valve will not last forever??"

• sel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 20, 2023

"Follow up to two previous posts. I now take a heaped coffee-sized spoon every morning, first thing. I do not take any other medications until 2 hours have passed. I don't think I could live a normal life without this medication, as my bathroom trips are predictable and not as urgent if indisposed to find a restroom. I take 10 or so packets, open them, and pour them into a sealed container in order to control the dosage better. What works for me may not be the same for others, but I suggest experimenting with dosage and timing to get the results you can live with. I'm 71 years old and trying to live a normal life."

• Non...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2022

"I had my gallbladder removed 15 years ago and always had periodic bouts with diarrhea. My mom has been on this for IBS for years with great results. She suggested I ask my doctor for a prescription. I did, and today is my first day. Hoping I get the great results everyone else is."

• Buz...
• January 17, 2020

"This has been a life saver for me!!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2023

"Cleared up my husband's post-gallbladder removal diarrhea right away! Our lives are normal again! Can't say enough good about this! He said he feels human again and is thankful for this medicine."

• Shu...
• February 5, 2020

"I have severe IBS, constant diarrhea after 2 days using Questran. I can live a normal life. I can go out without having to be near a bathroom. It has saved my life."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2016

"One dose a day brought me immediately back to normal. Previously, I had been experiencing daily severe diarrhea post-op for 6 months."

• Shi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2017

"Have a hard time getting the right amount to keep between diarrhea and constipation."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2020

"To the first poster for Questran Light and these reviews, you absolutely can get Questran in Australia."

• LTr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 25, 2022

"Works great for my condition. Would love a pill format."

• Gig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2023

"2 years post-op and I still have endless diarrhea and now (bile acid) GERD, IBS, and SUI. The operation ruined my life. The meds help, but I will have to take them forever."

• kro...
• February 3, 2018

"I hope this helps just started today."