Cholestyramine and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• EZa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 9, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have been dealing with IBS for 3 years. Diarrhea was a major factor in my going to my GI doctor, along with acute stomach pain. First, I went in for an upper GI scope, which found gastritis, so I got meds for that. Eventually, my diarrhea worsened. Back in for both colonoscopy and upper GI, which found IBS. The doctor put me on cholestyramine, and immediately the diarrhea subsided along with the stomach cramps. I stopped using the cholestyramine for about a year until I had prostate cancer and prostate removal. Following that surgery, my IBS returned. Severely. I started up the cholestyramine again, and boom, it works great. It seems like this medication does have other positive effects. Hopefully, it continues to work."

• hwi...
• February 25, 2012

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had diarrhea at least once, sometimes several times, every day for the past 3 years. I had a small bowel resection and was told it would just be that way for the rest of my life. Stomach cramps and diarrhea every day, within minutes of eating. Finally, my GI recommended I give this a shot - 1/2 scoop every night just before bed. First night my stomach was a little gurgly, but it worked GREAT! 2 cons: powder does not dissolve in water; works only for 1 day. If I don't take it one night, I am right back to a sensitive digestive system."

• Mia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "The only problem I have is my bowels are not solid yet. I may need to take two doses, but they said to do the one packet first for a while. After I drink it, my stomach gurgles like crazy, and I still have a lot of gas at night, but the doctor said it could take time. No idea why my stomach gurgles after drinking the solution. I just put it in very cold water, and down it goes. Make sure you brush your teeth afterward."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2018

For Dumping Syndrome "I have fecal incontinence, and this powder has saved my life and job. I take 1 scoop per day and limit large meals, but I still eat pretty much what I want. I do try to eat healthy most of the time. I can work without fear of ruining my clothes, and I don't have to live in fear when I go shopping or fly to other states. No more loose stools unless I'm on a strong antibiotic or I have an upset stomach from eating contaminated food from a restaurant. You never know unless you grow your food or prepare it yourself."

• 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."

• 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."

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

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "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?"

• Fra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2023

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "This medication stopped diarrhea within 12 hours. I occasionally get a stomach ache, but it is much better than having diarrhea all day. I take 2 grams twice a day. It’s sufficient for me."

• Pat...
• June 10, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "This stuff is a joke! All it does is take the edge off my pain, same as my heating pad! Does not stop the stomach spasms."