Linzess and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Sno...
• January 5, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Unlike most people who post on here, beware: my experience with this drug has been horrific. After taking as directed by the manufacturer, one hour before the first meal, I almost instantly become deathly ill. Cramping and spasms so severe I can hardly breathe and feel like I am going into shock. This lasts for two hours. I couldn't call 911 if I tried. I can't move, I'm so sick. After the episode, I can barely walk, I'm so weak. My chest hurts terribly for hours afterward. I've been so desperate to have a bowel movement that I have tried this drug several times with the same result. Never again! I do eventually have severe diarrhea toward the end of the episode. This drug is not for me."

• Anonymous
• December 27, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Have suffered from chronic IBS with constipation for 35 years. Nothing has ever helped. I would go up to two weeks with no bowel movements, spending hours on the toilet for relief, which usually involved severe cramping that caused vomiting and passing out. I started Linzess almost a year ago. It has changed my life. I started with taking it every other day as soon as you wake up! Then you can function normally through the day. If you take it any other time, it can cause diarrhea. If you want a good cleansing, then take it with food in the AM. My body has adjusted now, and I need to take it every day. What I've noticed lately is that it's not as effective anymore. I'm worried that after long-term use, it will no longer be effective."

• Wlb...
• February 20, 2013

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I'm on day 3 and have had horrible cramps, sweating, nausea, and diarrhea after every dose. Within 1 to 3 hours after taking the pill, I feel sick until it all comes out! But if it helps me go more than 1 time every 10 to 14 days, I'll take these symptoms over that. But I agree, stay close to the potty."

• jak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "In the past, I was on 30 mg of Morphine Sulfate 2 x a day with 50 mcg of Fentanyl for a chronic pain situation involving a complete reverse left shoulder replacement, a spinal fusion of L4-L5, and a right hip replacement. In 2012, I had a small bowel resection for an obstruction. Consequently, the chronic OIC started. I had taken Lactulose, Relistor, Trulance, etc. Still, no substantial relief. Started Linzess 2 days ago and WOW, great results!! No bloating, no cramps, or abdominal pain whatsoever. Complete evacuation!! 5 stars!!"

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had constipation for one year. My Dr. had me try all the usual after having a colonoscopy. A high-fiber diet did not help. Had a CT of the abdomen and pelvis, with no problems. Also had a gallbladder scan. The first 2 days on Linzess were awful: cramps, bloating, nausea, and unexpected diarrhea. It took about 10 days for me to acclimate. My gastroenterologist tweaked the dose to take the capsule after breakfast. Then, after another adjustment (taking the capsule every other day), everything is fine. Routinely, I do not plan to be away from a bathroom for 2 hours after taking a capsule."

• Moe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I was going about every 2 weeks since April and would have an 'explosion.' I would all of a sudden, without warning, start puking and have diarrhea and severe cramping in my stomach area. My doctor started me on the lowest dose of Linzess, worked the first and second days. Had to increase to middle dose due to feeling full and bloated... While taking Linzess, still had an 'explosion' and I am still unable to have a regular bowel movement. I guess Linzess isn't for me. I am requesting additional testing to see if there is something inside that is wrong. I would give anything to have results that some of these people get for relief."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 24, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been using Linzess for about 1-2 years. Since I thought it was great at first, but now I'm having pain and trouble with my kidneys. Also, weight gain and wondered why some days I am so bloated and nauseous. My doctor was sure he was aware of my kidney stones. Why is this still on the market with all these side effects? I also have cramps in my legs and buttocks. I have so many stomach issues I don't need anymore. Doesn't make sense, does it?"

• Sun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I tried this new medicine from my doctor's sample. 290 once a day. It worked the first time within one hour from swallowing. I usually have a movement once a week, I had fourteen movements that one day. Unfortunately, they became all water after the first couple. I took the following couple of days off to get rehydrated and then tried it again. I think I am on my tenth movement in three hours from taking. The pill did take away my pain and cramps, but I had to cancel my plans for the day. But it is well worth not having the pain and cramps of constipation."

• cou...
• December 2, 2013

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I am currently having horrible cramps and constant diarrhea. I cannot even bend over to pick something up without having to run to the bathroom. I am very sore at the other end, and my bowel movements are like water."

• Cor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "If you're taking samples currently, please read this. I have to love and hate this medicine. Pros: It does what it says it does. It makes you go! It doesn't give you full-on diarrhea if you take it every few days. Just soft stools, which is a great thing! Cons: You cannot take this medication every day, no matter what the doctor tells you. Maybe it's my body or something, but I can promise you, your body will soon reject the medication if taken every day for more than 5 days. If continued in such a fashion, you will bloat, cramp, and become MORE constipated than before. It will plug you up FOR REAL. It's not strong enough to make you go a lot the next day if you need it. Take a weak laxative with it. Still, the best IBS/Constipation meds I've found."

• One...
• September 11, 2013

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Took one Linzess and 30 minutes later had massive cramping from my stomach and intestines. If I even took a sip of water, it got worse. Rolled up in a ball, crying all day. No one, not the doctor or pharmacy, had any idea of how long it would last. Best guess was 24 hours. It stopped at 9 pm for the most part and started at 5:30 am. Today my entire body is sore to touch, bloated, and has a horrible stomach ache. Can't eat anything."

• rii...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have suffered from irritable bowel syndrome-constipation for 16 years, and I had tried just about everything on the market. I finally gave up, and after a few years of having nothing, my new doctor gave me Linzess. I was sure it would be like most of the others, but it worked right away and has continued to work for 3 months. I love it. Thank you to the pharmaceutical company for this product. My bloating and bad cramps have gone away. I did have to change how I take it, it says to take 30 minutes before I eat, but I take it after I have eaten some of my meal because it seems to work better. I will say that you must be near a bathroom when the urge to go hits because you can't hold off."

• rab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 12, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "IBS-C my entire adult life (44-yr-old female). I have done it all - tried everything natural and prescribed. I cut out dairy, gluten, red meat... was drinking prune juice, using Fleet supps almost daily, NEVER having a decent or 'normal' BM. My GI doc gave me samples of Linzess yesterday; I took it this morning, and exactly one hour later: WHA-LA. A 'perfect' BM!!! NO cramps. NO diarrhea. If you have trouble going, please try this. I am absolutely thrilled! Not sure what my insurance will cover, but I don't even care - this is my miracle pill, and it is going to make a huge difference in my life."

• BRN...
• August 13, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have had IBS most of my life with feelings of fatigue from constipation and cramping. Tried not eating certain foods, no gluten, no dairy, but never seemed to overcome this issue. Tried every bottle for sale to help with this and seemed to make issues worse and only a temporary solution. I got a script for Linzess 145 and decided to try it out in the evening after dinner to see what would happen. I finally had a normal BM. Decided to then take it as directed in the morning on an empty stomach, it also works but will give you the squirts. Will try the evening again and morning as my schedules allow. The main thing is I'm moving my food through now and no cramping, etc. Love it so far."

• un-...
• February 11, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "It works! After taking Seneca for quite a few years, it stopped working. Plugged up, cramps. Doctor put me on Linzess, and each morning I take it 2.5 hours before I leave for work. Usually flushes me out 3-4 times within a 30-minute period of time."

• Gei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I started this a week ago because I was having incredibly intense cramps and nausea every time I needed to poop. I experienced massive diarrhea about an hour after I took it. I have other digestive issues, including gastroparesis, GERD, and kidney problems, so I'm used to these issues. So, I continued to take it and deal with the fallout diarrhea. Yesterday, I had the best day I've had in months. When I took the Linzess, I didn't have the diarrhea and, in fact, had a normal day! I think this stuff might be effective if you can get past the initial diarrhea part and let it work for a week or so. I'm a little nervous about reports that it stops working after a month, but I'm going to see what happens."

• Poo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I struggled with agonizing constipation for decades! My entire digestive system is slow! Drinking up to a gallon of water a day, exercise, fiber, nothing worked unless I took Dulcolax, and it often came with nausea, unbearable cramps (I even fainted on several occasions). I have a severe back issue, and the constipation doubled the pain because of the constant pressure. Finally went to the doctor (GI specialist), and he prescribed LINZESS. When I picked up the medication and googled it, I figured out it was the same medication for which I participated in a study back in 2009. It's a lifesaver!!!! Going every other day is awesome, and I was able to put off my back surgery for at least 6 more months. No funky side effects!"

• Dai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have suffered with chronic constipation for years. I recently had to have pelvic surgery, which has worsened my constipation due to a rectocele that was done. I went to the ER twice and was told to go home and take Miralax AM and PM. It stopped working, so the surgeon ordered Linzess 145 mg, which started out great, I would go after 2-3 hours. But the problem is now it is taking longer to work. Anyway, the surgeon ordered 290 mg, which seems to be working. Maybe the dose I need for my constipation was 290 mg. It is great not to be impacted anymore. Still have cramps and bloating. Only been on medication 3 months now."

• Joh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I can't believe my insurance agreed to cover this! It's $10 per pill otherwise. The 145 mcg is a high enough dosage. 290 mcg and your system will go nuts. This medicine works great and usually within 12 hours. Take it at night, not in the morning like the instructions say. Make sure you have the day off. Best way to take it: have a light dinner, wait one hour, have dessert. In one hour, you will have bloating, cramps, and gas. The cramps and bloating are normal. It means your system is moving. By the next morning (maybe sooner), the bowel movements will start. DO NOT TAKE THIS EVERY DAY! Your body will build an immunity if you do. Keep hydrated as you will lose quite a bit of water."

• Cww...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "This worked fast and worked extremely. While it did help with the colon spasms, it gave me severe diarrhea and abdominal cramping. I was waking in the middle of the night, having to urgently use the toilet. This medicine does work, it's just not for me."

• Me1...
• October 27, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Makes you go with 3-5 hours of diarrhea. Also have severe cramps/abdominal pain. May take this once in a while as it does clean the system. Will not take daily due to severe pain about 10 hours after taking the pill."

• Peg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Took the 290 mg dose, and in less than an hour had severe cramping and bloating! Passed a lot of foul-smelling gas, and about an hour later had explosive watery diarrhea! I will not recommend this drug, although it helped with the impaction quickly, the smell is awful, and the cramping and diarrhea is not worth it unless it’s a last resort! Try lactose medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, which works much better with fewer side effects."

• rmu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2024

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "It’s working great for me so far! I take the 72 mg dose in the morning with a glass of water about 30 minutes before eating, then I have a good BM about 1 hour later. Sometimes I have a small looser BM about an hour after that, but luckily never any urgency so far. I have not noticed any new flatulence, bloating, or cramping. It is likely best to be near a toilet until you know how it affects you. Linzess is working better than osmotic laxatives ever did for me."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I used Linzess for 8 days. My doctor said that I would go every day. I did have severe constipation and was desperate. During the 8-day period, I had 4 days that I did not go! I was drinking at least 64 ounces of water every day. I also had a lot of cramping that didn’t let up for over a day, even though I was cleaned out the day before using large amounts of Miralax! This medication is very expensive, so I found out through my daughter-in-law, who has a master's in nutrition, told me about a natural product to use. I wish I could share this on this website. It is totally natural. It contains 1035 mg elemental magnesium and 99 mg elemental potassium. (It is not a regular vitamin supplement, not the same thing)."

• Jod...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had problems all my life having a BM, and as I got older, it became harder and harder to go at all, then I could not go at all. I have tried everything, some things worked a couple of times and then stopped. I was desperate, I had to give myself a colonic to empty my bowel. Then I tried Linzess, and it works, but it does not completely empty my bowel, and I take 290! I have to take Miralax with it, and that helps. I go like three times a day, but not to completion. My life has changed drastically, as I don't have to spend hours in the bathroom giving myself a colonic. Also, it does not cause cramps, nausea, and dizziness, all of which other products did."