Linzess and Pain: What Users Say

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2014

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I'm 36 years old. I've battled with constipation for as long as I can remember. It got so bad I was taking a pill laxative once weekly routinely, which, as you know, was painful. I got Linzess 290 samples from my doctor. I took it at 4 p.m. In less than 2 hours, I felt my stomach rumble as if I may have diarrhea. Thank goodness I was near a bathroom. Anyway, it cleared me out, no pain. I take it when I want to go. It works, just be near a bathroom. I swear I can't live without it now. Being constipated is far worse than diarrhea any day, in my opinion!"

• Anonymous
• July 10, 2014

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have had irritable bowel syndrome all my life, and I'm 26 years old. I'm very healthy and work out daily. I've been to many doctors, and I was told to add more fiber to my diet but was never prescribed Linzess until now. Before now, I would have a bowel movement maybe once every two weeks with bloating and pain. Now I have a bowel movement once a day. You do need to plan accordingly, but if you do, it works perfectly! Love it!"

• sin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2013

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I just started taking Linzess, and it is a miracle worker for me. I've been constipated for over 30 years, and nothing helped me. Even Amitiza didn't help, it just bloated me, gave me gas, and pain. Linzess works most of the day, so I don't take it when I'm out and about. This morning, I took 290 mcg, and within an hour, I had a bowel motion. I recommend it to anyone who suffers from constipation like me."

• Kan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2014

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "The first time I took it, it cleaned me out like a colon cleanse. It was sudden and uncomfortable. I waited a few days and tried again. The second time, it worked beautifully and no side effects. The third day, I have been in complete agony all day. No bowel movement and constant pain. I will not take a fourth."

• Tob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Like many others, I had high hopes. After a year of stool softeners, laxatives, exercise, water, high fiber, etc., with a bowel movement 1 or 2 times/week and rarely feeling like I was 'empty,' I got a 30-day RX filled (my ins paid). I didn't experience anything for a couple of days, then a few soft stools. As the days went on, I would have an occasional bowel movement, but I started having horrible gas! I tried to stick with it since I figured it would just take time to regulate everything, so I refilled RX. Well, today is MY LAST DAY TAKING LINZESS!! I have been more bloated today than ever in my life, I have pain from my sternum to my pelvis, my abdomen is so distended. Gained 4 lbs in 6 days!! MIS.ER.A.BLE!!"

• taz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I've been on Linzess, the low dose, for about a month now. I had diarrhea the first day every couple of hours, but I had no bloating, gas, or that horrible stabbing pain. Over the first week hurdle, I noticed that the more water I drank at the time I took my medicine, the more the likelihood of diarrhea was. So I wake early in the morning, take it, and go back to sleep, and this way, I've been able to tell when I will go, which is usually 30 minutes after I eat. This medicine has been life-changing, I feel almost normal, have energy again, and most of all, I don't have that dooming hopelessness. I go about three times a day and feel like I am really going. Although some days I experience a little pain at night, it's nothing compared to my restless nights."

• Sad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I was reluctant to try Linzess, and I wish I'd listened to myself! Horrid pain for hours, cramping, stomach pain, belching, lightheaded, chills, and now spasms, definitely a setback in my GI saga. I'm irritable and completely out of sorts too - my poor family! At one point, I thought I'd faint and need urgent care. I'm lucky my kids were here to help. I took it as directed, so that's not the issue. I'm just posting in case anyone else experiencing a negative reaction is wondering if they're alone. You're not. It's not for everyone."

• Act...
• May 31, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "So, I’m in my mid-30s and have had chronic constipation due to pain management medications for 10+ years. I’ve tried many, many things to try and get myself regular. Stool softeners never seemed to do anything, and laxatives would cause me to actually go, but it would be painful. I’ve tried high fiber, both with and without high fat, magnesium, and a bunch of other things. I also exercise 4 times a week. Nothing has really worked. Until Linzess! Linzess, on the other hand, actually has worked so far! I went to my primary care, with a pain that was seemingly a hernia or appendicitis. After a quick exam and some questions, he suggested I try Linzess. I took one (145 mg I think it is) pill around 5 pm and was able to have a decent BM this morning. While it wasn’t “perfect,” it was not painful and felt like it was a complete BM. If something changes, I’ll repost or edit. But I’m happy thus far!"

• Joj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 31, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had chronic constipation my whole life. I am 52. I have tried everything on the market. I have chronic pain (fibromyalgia), and in trying to have some quality of life, I moved on to opioid meds, which make the constipation way worse. Linzess 290 has changed everything! I take it at 3-5 am (whenever I happen to wake up). I had been on Amitiza 2x/day, which I still take along with 1 oz of George's Aloe in the am, and 3 oz before bedtime mixed with 2 tsp of Natural Calm (mostly magnesium). I no longer take senna-s or Miralax. I go a lot, 1-2 times per day. No diarrhea, no bloated abdomen, and no pain. I believe that the aloe (which tastes like water) combined with Linzess and Amitiza have changed my life! Lots of fruit and veggies and water too!"

• 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."

• M27...
• July 6, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I'm 29 years old, and I haven't had a problem with BMs really until the last 2 years, and then the last few weeks I have had ZERO/zip/no movement. I have been in so much pain and agony, being so constipated with no relief, and I tried EVERYTHING at home. Enema, laxatives, stool softeners, ice cream (sometimes it helps)... absolutely nothing helped. I finally went into my doctor after a night of throwing up blood (not sure what was up with that), and finally, he referred me to a specialist but also prescribed me Linzess. This is a MIRACLE PILL. It took about an hour and 45 minutes for it to kick in, but it helped and continues. Ask your doctor for a co-pay card, it may help with price. It is expensive."

• 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?"

• Cra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 9, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Miracle drug for me! I’d suffered from lifelong constipation without any hope of a cure. Finally, my doctor prescribed Linzess after determining that I had a redundant colon. Talk about amazing results! I didn’t even know what diarrhea was after a lifetime of pain and suffering, passing petrified rocks through my sphincter. When others refer to “blowout” results, this brought tears to my eyes! No more pain. No more bloating. No more heartburn. Nothing but pure joy! After a few weeks, my doctor lowered my dosage to 145 mcg, so I could walk the streets and go to work without fear. The most important thing is to take it daily and drink water, otherwise, blockages will return and then you may have pain or bloating again with the good fighting with the bad to get to the finish line. Otherwise, I didn’t know it was even possible to have a bowel movement daily (I’d averaged once a week), let alone multiple times without bleeding or blowing an O ring in the process. Amen for Linzess!"

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I am on methadone maintenance. I have been on it for years. It causes serious constipation for me. I had to manually pull it out! Pain, bloating, you name it. My Dr gave me samples of Linzess. I took it at 2 pm and just took a seriously satisfying poop. Miracle drug. No side effects, yet. I strongly recommend it for anyone chronically constipated."

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2022

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have IBS-C and a significant history with constipation in redundant colon and volvulus. Since beginning Linzess 75 a week ago, my constipation, bloating, and pain have actually worsened. I'm confused because the hallmark response to Linzess is diarrhea. I can't find any information about Linzess worsening constipation. But I'm miserable and will be discontinuing the Linzess."

• Ang...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 28, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I did not have any diarrhea when I started it, and I have been using it for 6 months. I have noticed a big difference in the last 3 months in that my stools are much smaller and softer. The biggest difference for me is pain reduction. My episodes of crippling abdominal pain have all but stopped. That has changed my life!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been suffering with CIC (chronic idiopathic constipation) for years. It's days in between bowel movements, and they can be so painful. The doctor prescribed Linzess. He started me on the highest dose. In my opinion, I'm not sure why you wouldn't work up to a higher dosage, but I didn't go to med school. I took the medication as prescribed and couldn't leave the house for hours. I guess you can say it works, but at what price? I need to go to work. I thought if I changed the time of day I was taking it, that would help. It just became a nuisance. Ultimately, I'm back taking Miralax."

• Psy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2017

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had a positive experience with Miralax, but I'm not supposed to use that long-term. I tried Linzess for 2 weeks. I wound up with constipation, hemorrhoids, blood, and pain. Not fun! I'm back with what works for me. Linzess was a waste of my time. I'm now gun-shy to try anything else."

• Aan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Took for about 3 weeks. TERRIBLE! Started on 145 mg, took a couple of days to work, finally did with diarrhea for 2 days, which was fine compared to my chronic constipation, BUT it did not continue to work, then went up to the 290 dose and only worked minimally, became extremely backed up, and this medicine made me constantly belch, which was never a problem before. It was the type of painful belching that never gives you relief. I also developed heartburn, burning in my entire stomach, pain, nausea, bloating, and just a lot of acid. I felt so sick I couldn't even eat. After a trip to the ER and a CAT scan to rule out anything serious (which showed that I was still extremely backed up), I realized that maybe it was this medicine making me feel this way. Then I read reviews with similar effects, not to mention the serious long-term side effects this medicine can cause. NO THANK YOU! I've never felt worse since taking Linzess and would not recommend."

• Anonymous
• April 26, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "My experience with this medication has been absolutely horrible! I have been taking it for 2 months. I have severe bloating, gas, and bad diarrhea. Can't even leave my home. My doctor told me to cut back to one pill every other day, and it's like it has completely stopped working. I have bad pain and nothing coming out! I have had IBS-C for 14 years, and I just wish they could come up with something that works and that's not so harsh on your bowels! It's absolutely terrible!"

• ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 1, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have chronic idiopathic constipation due to opioid pain medications and also have chronic Hep C. I'm in the fibrosis late stage. Having fibrosis of the liver affects the secretion of chloride and bicarbonate into the intestinal lumen, mainly through activation of cystic fibrosis. Hence, I have had cramps, pain, fullness, unable to eliminate stools completely. Even with laxatives and Miralax, I still had a hard time even getting the urge. Hard stools, sometimes I would cramp so hard I would scream in pain, unable to move. Even an enema didn't work. Then I started this medication 3 days ago. It worked the first day well. I took it in the morning and went the next morning and eliminated completely. I feel so much better, no more fever, not nauseated anymore."

• IBS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have struggled with severe constipation (IBS-C) for years. Nothing worked... fiber, laxatives, Rex meds. Linzess worked too well and painfully. I can't leave the house after taking this. I read on one reviewers' post to try Nopalina... I thought, why not, I've tried everything else. It definitely helped. I take Nopalina capsules every day as directed, and drink lots of water and sometimes add Miralax to my routine (if needed). Changed my life!!!"

• abe...
• February 4, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "It worked from the first day, but I also had at least one episode a day of severe D. I used it for 22 days and then called the manufacturer for some input. They said D was the usual complaint when there was a complaint, and they had no recommendations except to speak to my doctor. I decided to try it every other day and have done that only for the last 4 days. There is a slight improvement, very slight in the D attacks. I will do this for the next 3 weeks (using it every other day) and then see what point I am at. I no longer get these terrible, painful IBS C attacks where I thought I was going to die from the pain. No more blood in the John. The doctor told me to take the Linzess with Colace and Senna, but I was afraid to do that."

• Sup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "The drug works, but works a little too well and is highly unpredictable. I was prescribed Linzess 72 mg by my doctor after a month of severe, unexplained constipation and pain in my abdomen. The drug didn't seem to work at all the first week, with no noticeable changes in my bowel movements. However, about 8 days into the Linzess, I had incredibly bad, spontaneous diarrhea for an entire day. The same diarrhea occurred the following 2 days with stomach cramps and the worst pain I have ever felt in my life coming from my rectum. I was told to immediately stop taking the Linzess, but days followed with bad abdomen cramps about every 15 minutes and 'pounding' in my upper intestinal tract. I'm writing this as a 19-year-old college student, so please rethink this drug if you have unavoidable classes or a very busy lifestyle."

• mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2024

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "At around 8 years old, I began to have painful constipation that grew worse. I didn't know any better either and thought it was normal. Then, around 45 years old, the constipation became so severe I began to take senna every day for relief. I still had issues but got some relief every few days. The movements kept getting further apart over time, and having mentioned this to the doc, he told me lots of people my age complain and told me to take Metamucil. I had been on the stuff for years with no positive results and now was not able to go unless I took an herbal lower bowel stimulator (over-the-counter Nature's Sunshine). This worked but with lots of pain. The label states not to be used on a regular basis, so I knew I needed more help. Finally, I took the quiz and provided this to my doc (who had already decided to recommend Linzess). This week, I began and am on day 3 with great results. Yesterday, I took it later in the day at around 2 pm, but it caused a mess overnight."