Linaclotide and Bloating: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Cj ...
• June 19, 2014

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I had bad IBS-C for almost 10 years. I'm a 23-year-old male who has tried everything and had enough of it. I tried Linzess 290 mg, and it was too much. I was very excited. I went down to 145 mg, and now I have my life back. I was so worried about leaving my house, but now it's the total opposite, this drug is a miracle drug for me. What I normally do is take the 145 mg at 9 am, drink water until 9:30, then at 9:35 I will eat and relax. In an hour or a little more, I will have a BM. The rest of the day I will hardly go, but I will feel good-no bloating, no tummy ache, no worries!!! I hope this helped!"

• 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!!"

• Mka...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2021

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Linzess did not work for me, so my doctor doubled the dosage, and it still did not help with the constipation. It made me feel bloated. I went and saw a functional medicine doctor who recommended Restore. It comes in liquid form. I take one teaspoon with water or with a little prune juice and a couple of glasses of water, and the constipation goes away."

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2013

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "After 20 years of constipation and swallowing all the products on the market (MiraLax, Senokot, Phillips, etc.), I think this Linzess product may be the answer. I have been on it for almost a week, and today the diarrhea is gone. I notice that after I eat a meal, I get really bloated. I guess I need to give this medicine more time. I do hope this is my answer!"

• DH1...
• February 1, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have suffered my entire life with IBS-C. Like many other people, I have been to several specialists, increased fiber, water, and taken several types of laxatives. My best experience with prescription medication has been with Zelnorm. Linzess is comparable in that it helps me have a bowel motion without cramping, and I do feel evacuation is complete. HOWEVER, I will add that the bloating is horrible, which is a problem initially. Zelnorm did not make me feel that way. My stomach was flat, I felt amazing. The upside to Linzess is that it works, and I'll take diarrhea over miserable constipation any day. I only take the minimum dose once a week, and I make sure it's on a day I'm not going to leave the house. I won't take this every day."

• cle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2014

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been suffering from constipation since I had my lap band surgery. It's been horrible, and after using Miralax for a while, it stopped working. Yesterday I finally decided to take Linzess yesterday evening since I can't take it in the morning due to my work schedule... wow, it worked within 2 hours. It cleaned me out and was still working in the morning. I probably will not take it on a regular basis due to how well it worked. I did have bloating and gas with the medication."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been on Linzess for over a year now. I suffered for years with bloating, constipation, hard tummy and fever to the touch, lethargic, unable to get up some days. After many doctors' appointments and an emergency room visit where they thought I had everything from gallstones to appendicitis, I was referred to a gastrointestinal doctor. He wanted to do what doctors before did: more fiber, stool softener, even anti-depressant drugs to see if that relaxed the intestines. He diagnosed me with IBS-C, which taking supplemental fiber or eating fibrous foods inflames even more. I did the research myself and argued with him I wouldn't do what I'd done for years and demanded I get Linzess. I am 100% normal and cured. Take the pill! It works."

• Pud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2020

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've suffered from constipation for about 6 months. My doctor gave me 145 mg of Linzess. After only one dose, I developed horrible bloating where it was difficult to breathe. The flatulence was like being in a sewer. I had a horrible headache and nausea. My daughter suggested I was having a reaction to Linzess, had me take 2 Benadryl, and symptoms subsided in a half hour. No more for me!"

• Tez...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 5, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been taking Linzess for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation for about 9 months. It has been very helpful. I take one 290 mg tablet every day a half hour before dinner and have a comfortable bowel movement first thing the following morning. I have never been this regular before. It is such a relief to know that I will not spend the day with cramps, bloating, and gas. The only issue is that my stomach is very noisy and bubbly during the night, but I find that oddly comforting because it means the Linzess is working!"

• CLa...
• October 10, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "If you take a couple of Senna tablets with the Linzess, it works great! I use it about every 2-3 days because it completely cleans me out, and it's enough. I do need to make sure I can get to a bathroom in a reasonable amount of time, but my stomach gurgles and gives me enough warning. It's a lifesaver! It works for me! Also, I have lost weight, not gained! And my stomach is now flat instead of distended from all the waste and bloat."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 27, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Terrified. My husband takes this 145 mg. He has taken it for over a year. It worked on all diarrhea, and then, after a while, he began to be bedridden for months. Day in and day out, I watch him suffer, and there is nothing I can do about it. He's had diarrhea, horrible stomach pain, extreme bloating, bloody stools, vomiting. He's been to the hospital. It wasn't until recently when his arms, hands, and legs started swelling that it was discovered what was wrong. It doesn't tell you that it also causes blood clots, and it doesn't let you know that there have been multiple deaths. Seeing and knowing what I know, I absolutely know that this medicine will and has caused deaths. I really pray that if you start experiencing this, you stop it before it's too late!"

• Jay...
• May 17, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "For as far back as I could remember, I always had issues going to the bathroom. Constipation. Bloating. Straining just for 'pellets.' I tried numerous over-the-counter products, from powder forms to pills, and they did not work at all and caused more severe bloating and cramps. I found out I have colonic inertia. I had the strongest dose prescribed to me of the Linzess and found that if I take it on an empty stomach 30 minutes before I eat dinner, after I'm done eating, I'd say 30 minutes to an hour, I'll feel some pressure but no pain and know it's time to head to the bathroom, and it cleans me out. I usually have maybe two small bathroom trips after, and then I'm good for the night. I usually take it twice a week, not every day or as needed to go to the bathroom."

• Whi...
• September 29, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Well, well... let's just say if you have IBS like me and you go days of using the bathroom constantly, then several days of not using it at all, with constant bloating after meals for hours... then this is the stuff you need. I have been on this for 5 months, and my life has changed drastically! I no longer complain of bloat because this will clear you out. It is almost like anything I put in my mouth automatically triggers my gut to gotta go to the potty. Sometimes 5 or 6 times a day, sometimes once or twice. And it is not solid, but I'll take what I can get. Thank you, creators of Linzess. But warning... If you don't have strong muscles, this might not be the best drug for you. And if you can't run... you will need depends."

• Chi...
• April 5, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been taking Linzess for the past 2 months. I love it!! I do not suffer from IBS or constipation anymore. I take as directed and it works perfectly. I must note that I have to take hydrochlorothiazide for high blood pressure. The Linzess did not work when I took the diuretic. I drank and drank water and all it did was make me pee. I have noticed less bloating and water retention since I took the Linzess. I try not to take the diuretic unless I need it. The Linzess has given me a better quality of life!! Love it!!!"

• Tru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Medicine is absolutely horrible. Had gallbladder removed in 2019. Stomach has been extremely bloated to the point of not being able to wear my normal clothes! Embarrassing walking around having a stomach so bloated. Used to take Zelnorm for my IBS-C till it was taken off the market. Zelnorm was way better than this medicine. Linzess needs to be taken off the market. Bowel movements are pure liquid coming out. Can’t make plans to go anywhere. Always feel so weak. Back pain is unreal. Stomach just gargles. Zelnorm helped reduce the bloating, Linzess adds to it. Plus, Linzess drains the pocket. Zelnorm 90-day mail-in used to be way less than Linzess at 80.00 co-pay per month. Praying they bring back Zelnorm!!"

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 18, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "It worked great for the first few months, but then I felt bloated and constipated 24/7, and it got to an extreme back and forth to the bathroom 30-40 times a night trying to pass gas, etc. I stopped taking Linzess and started on IBGuard Peppermint oil, and the sensation I've been living with is gone! I feel the best I've felt in 20 years."

• Ibs...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2014

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "This medication has provided constipation relief. I have been taking it for a year. I have followed the directions of taking the medicine 30 minutes before breakfast. My experience has been that if I don't make it a point to go to the restroom within 30 minutes after breakfast, I won't be able to release. I'll be bloated all day. I noticed this when I found myself preoccupied at work and realized that I had forgotten to use the restroom. I have been having my breakfast and making it a point to go to the restroom within 15 minutes, and it has been great. I do get bloating and some cramping after eating lunch. I wish I could use the restroom after every meal, though."

• BB8...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have suffered from chronic constipation since my mom said I was in diapers. I will go up to 2 weeks without movement when on no medication. I started on Amitiza 10 years ago, learned how to deal with the side effects, but still hated the nauseousness they caused. I asked my doctor to switch me to Linzess even though she hasn't had any patients on it yet, and so far, I LOVE IT! No terrible side effects. Yes, I get diarrhea on it, but that is common for any medication I take for CIC. I'll take diarrhea over constipation any day. No stomach pain, no bloating, no water retention!"

• Lyb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have suffered from severe, chronic constipation for over 5 years. This past August, I started drinking 2-3 capfuls of Miralax a day and was taking a massive dose of magnesium. Still, my abdominal pain/constipation persisted. Shortly after upping the Miralax/magnesium, I began to notice blood in my stools. As the fall progressed, I passed a bowel movement maybe once a week and it left me crying in pain each time. I was bloated and miserable. Recently, I saw a new GI who decided to do an endoscopy which revealed a large, bleeding stomach ulcer. She also decided to have me try Linzess. I have gone to the bathroom 1-2 times a day every day since. This drug changed my life. *** Tip: Drink Mag Citrate 1-2 days before starting to avoid cramping/pain."

• Kim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "At 8 years old, I began having issues with chronic constipation. Around 40, I would only have 2 BMs a month. 2 weeks ago, I began Linzess 72. Even though I take a daily dose, I only have a BM every other day. Other than bloating and fear of passing gas, I can say that the medication is helping. When I do have a BM, it is rather a large amount. I have a lot of people asking me about weight loss, and I can honestly say that if you're looking for that, this isn’t the medication you need. I haven’t lost any weight, but being able to use the bathroom like a normal person is enough of a pro for me to continue."

• Fir...
• August 1, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "First week with Linzess: (continued) Other notes: Bloating: yes, within 30 minutes of taking a pill, I can visually see my abdomen expand as Linzess causes the intestines to increase production of fluids. I don’t have that awful bloated feeling that you would suffer through with a bout of colitis, this bloating is pain-free for me. But visually, you will be surprised until the BM occurs. Once finished, the bloating is gone, and I feel better than I have in years the rest of the day. Timing of taking the pill: I have not figured this out at all. I may try bedtime next. No abdominal pain is liberating! I'll report more later!"

• 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?"