Cholestyramine and Cramps: What Users Say

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2018

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I had my gallbladder removed in April 2018. Since that day, I have had severe diarrhea, nausea, major cramping in my stomach, dizziness, and major weight loss. The only thing I could eat was flavored rice, which I have eaten for months. I contacted the surgeon, who told me he didn't do anything wrong! He never has tried to do any tests or offer any advice on what to do. I changed my general practitioner, she is a nurse practitioner, and she ran tons of lab work. All the lab work was normal. She told me about cholestyramine but told me most insurances won't pay for it. I asked her to try anyway. I went to the pharmacy to pick up other meds, and my insurance company covered it! I have been using it daily, 2 times a day, and all of the symptoms are gone! I am very happy! Thank goodness for my nurse practitioner! Shame on the surgeon who got paid for the surgery and couldn't be bothered to handle the side effects of his work!"

• Meg...
• July 22, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I was on dicyclomine for about 2 years after having my gallbladder removed and barely worked, I was taking it before every meal but still experienced extreme cramping. One week with cholestyramine and all my symptoms vanished. It was absolutely amazing. I've been taking it for about 7 months and haven't had any problems since!"

• APS...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 8, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had my gallbladder out in 2012. About 6 months after, I developed IBS-D-like symptoms. Cramping, diarrhea within an hour after eating. It was completely unpredictable and not diet-dependent, and I suffered for about 3 years until one day I almost didn’t make it to the restroom at work. My doc prescribed cholestyramine, and after one dose of this medication, I was back to normal. It’s amazing, and I can’t live without it. If I miss a dose, I know about it the next day. And because it’s a cholesterol maintenance drug, a 90-day supply costs me nothing out of pocket under my plan."

• Aja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2020

For Dumping Syndrome "I took cholestyramine after my gall bladder was removed, and at first, it was great for dumping syndrome. Then all the side effects hit. Abdominal cramping, rectal bleeding, etc.; it even made me have a period for 2 weeks. It took a month for my body to recollect itself after I stopped taking it. I know this helps a lot of people, but it didn't help me."

• 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."

• 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!"

• REB...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 16, 2018

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "After gallbladder surgery in 2006, had constant diarrhea, yellow bile, and upper right side pain, lost 18 lbs in a few weeks. Knew I was going to die. Diagnosed with problems with the Sphincter of Oddi muscle that regulates bile flow. Can happen after gallbladder surgery. Tried dozens of meds. Changed family doctors, my new one put me on Cholestyramine Light, and immediately stopped cramps and diarrhea!! I took it for months, then was able to stop. I still would take a dose if a flare-up. THIS SAVED MY LIFE!!! Unfortunately, I started diarrhea and side pain again. I started back on the Cholestyramine Light. Has not worked as well, SEVERE LEG AND FEET MUSCLE CRAMPS! They last forever, feels like a limb is being ripped off. Smaller cramps while sleeping. Can happen when older. I was 58 then and now 70. Breaks my heart. THIS IS A MIRACLE DRUG. PLEASE TRY IT."

• Mlg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2021

For Crohn's Disease "Changed my life. I was running to the loo up to 20 times a day and very often with extreme urgency. One powder a day has sorted that out! And changed my life. Now I don’t have to worry about a thing and can live a normal life. I go to the loo regularly once per day and it’s solid. Cramps and pain are long gone. Why don’t more IBD doctors tell patients about this drug? I’ve had Crohn's for 35 years and only just this year heard about this medicine."

• Lyn...
• August 28, 2016

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I have been using cholestyramine powder for over three years now. I take it first thing in the morning with 6 oz. of water. I now have one normal movement, what a relief. I ran out and missed a day and was back to cramps and running to the restroom. It has been an absolute lifesaver for me."

• Hea...
• July 9, 2016

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I've been suffering with terrible diarrhea after gallbladder removal surgery for 4 months. This surgery and diarrhea have made me lose over 40 pounds thus far and taken my appetite. I've taken Levsen, Lomotil, and those medications only helped somewhat with the terrible cramping I had, and Lomotil would make me get constipation some days, and other days the same dosage did nothing to help the terrible dumping syndrome symptoms. I was prescribed the orange-flavored packets twice before my heaviest meals. I'm not immediately dumping my meals like I previously was, and my appetite is returning. Big win for me! I'm still fine-tuning my dosage, and having some diarrhea, so I can't give a 10."

• Hap...
• August 13, 2017

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "This drug has given me my social life back. Immediately after gallbladder removal (4 years ago), my digestive/bowel issues began. As soon as I ate, cramping and then uncontrollable bowel movements occurred. I was afraid to eat out in public and had several embarrassing incidents in public, actually soiling myself. My life was negatively impacted. My PCP, at last, recommended Pravalite, and my control over my life has returned. I take about 1/2 packet about 1/2 hour before a meal. As I usually only eat 2 meals a day, I might skip a dose or two if those meals are at home. I always carry a pack with me 'just in case.' Since I don't use it every day, it is very affordable and also is covered by my insurance plan."

• And...
• January 1, 2010

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I wouldn't be able to leave the house without this medication. I had gallbladder surgery and since then have suffered major cramps and diarrhea daily."