Linaclotide and Bloating: What Users Say (Page 5)

• JDa...
• April 16, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I was diagnosed with IBS-C about a year and a half ago. No laxatives were working at all. I was first prescribed Linzess 145, that did nothing for me. Then my doc upped the dosage to 290. That helped a little more. Then he added Amitiza. I now have to take 2 Amitiza and a 290 for anything to happen for me. The bloating is insane, and the water retention is unreal. Living my life constantly sick is no fun!"

• Sal...
• October 3, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "This was the worst medication that I have ever been on. Experienced constant excessive thirst. Terrible diarrhea and extreme bloating. Also had heart palpitations. I am going back to using my herbal tea. I am very dissatisfied. Would not recommend this medication to my worst enemy."

• jul...
• June 22, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I suffered greatly, unable to poop for years. Then I started Linzess 145, taken 30-60 min after a hot, fatty breakfast gave me 6-10 bouts of diarrhea daily, sometimes spastic cramping of intestines. The first 2 weeks were worst with all listed side effects, especially bloating, cramping, and gas, but also including a wired, speedy feeling that prevented me from sleeping/resting. By the 3rd and 4th week, I felt less severe side effects. In the 3rd week, the pockets that painfully retained matter were cleaned out, and I felt much better. The Linzess seemed to keep me cleaned out, and I felt good besides the accelerated nervous system and diarrhea. Overall, my lifestyle was compromised, but I physically felt better. At week 5, the doctor was unhappy with diarrhea and reduced my dose to 72 mg. My body responded the same, but at week 6, like a switch, my body turned off and the Linzess didn't work at all anymore. I was back to not being able to poop at all, along with severe burning, inflammation, and pain. Now I'm very depressed and waiting for the doctor to return my call."

• Kar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 1, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I am a 23-year-old female, and I’ve been taking Linzess (290 mcg) for over 2 years. I used to take it as prescribed until one day it just stopped working. I used to be able to go every morning 2-4 times (diarrhea), no problem, until it just stopped. It started to feel like I was getting very backed up. All those nasty toxins in my belly and intestines. I went back to my GI, and they performed a colonoscopy. I took a few weeks off Linzess and started taking it again as prescribed. Sometimes it’s a hit or miss, which sucks because I work in emergency services, and it’s hard to go when you’re in the middle of a 911 call. Linzess helped me lose 15 lbs as well, but once it stopped working, I gained most of it back. I do notice if I take Linzess at night and have a light snack after, everything I ate and then some comes out, and I feel very cleansed. Like I said, sometimes it’s a hit or miss, and when it’s a miss, I tend to get very bloated and look like I’m 6 months pregnant, and I become miserable!"

• luc...
• July 12, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I started Linzess June 1. The first day it worked with pain and bloating. I overlooked all of that because I'm in desperate need of having a normal bowel movement. Mind you, if I don't take a laxative, I will not go for up to two weeks. The second day, nothing, third day, nothing, and so on. What gives? I followed the directions and everything. I started gaining weight also. I just came to the conclusion that I will take it on and off. It's not working for me anyway, and gaining weight is a no-no!"

• Dre...
• May 20, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "So I take this on and off. Well, I am back on. And first off, I struggle with weight issues CONSTANTLY! Last week, 5-11, I weighed 143. Today, 5-20, I weigh 151!!! Haven't changed eating habits, drinking habits. Nothing. Needless to say, it's nice to go to the bathroom. But when I have to fit in a wedding dress in 29 days, I think I'll pass on the medication. The weight gain, water retention, entire, severe bloating stomach. Think I'll pass."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2017

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I took Linzess this morning. I had taken Linzess a long time ago, and it had stopped working for me then. My doctor wanted me to try it again. Does not help at all. Now I am bloated and no bowel movement too. I know I have IBS, but I tried this again to help me have bowel movements without worry. I will not try this again!!"

• Say...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 1, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I am a 39-year-old female who has been dealing with bowels that have basically stopped functioning. If I don’t take biscodyl tablets, I will go a month without a bowel movement and then have no choice but to take the biscodyl laxative pills; otherwise, my belly feels like it will explode! With that being said, I have tried Linzess 145 mcg on two separate occasions. It did give me a bowel movement or two, but it also made me SO tired that I slept for the 3 days that I took it, and it also made my muscles ache as well. It also made my intestines rumble and grumble like crazy and bloated as anything, even after I had a bowel movement. I already had bloating prior to taking the Linzess, so I definitely don’t need any more! After trying a second time with the same results, I am done with Linzess and “say no to Linzess” unlike the commercial says. ;) Give it a try; maybe it will help you, but in my case, it did not."

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2024

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I'm a 53 (almost 54) year-old woman with IBS. I usually have no issues with constipation due to consuming high fiber, lots of water, and psyllium husk. But a recent diverticulitis episode (now healed) and a round of Flagyl antibiotics have strangely made me feel like I am not completely emptying. I get awful bloating, pressure, pain, and frequent belching. I'd eat a small portion and feel like I ate a holiday meal. When I'd have my usual BM in the morning, it would just seem incomplete compared to before. Long story short, I was put on 72 mcg of Linzess to try, and it's working GREAT so far! I am on day 5, and it's producing gentle, yet productive results. The first day, not much happened. Then I skipped a day (due to plans) and resumed the day after. I take it 30 minutes before a meal, eat my breakfast, and shortly after have about 2-3 poops that are all passed with ease and are voluminous. This is on top of my usual one BM I have in the morning before taking Linzess. I hope it keeps working! Good luck."

• Che...
• April 28, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "64 yr old female. When in my 30s, I used Zelnorm. Loved it, but it was taken off the market. In my 40s, I switched to Amitiza. I used it, but it has always given me flu-like symptoms. Body aches, nausea, headache, did not like it. I also found that with all these drugs, you have to start low on whatever dosage works for you, but your body develops a tolerance for it over time and you need to up the dosage. I was having to take more Amitiza, making me feel sicker. When Linzess came out in my mid 50s, it worked for me and it does not make me sick. But over time, I have noticed increased bloating, puffiness, weight gain, and joint pain. Hate that! All of them caused diarrhea. I take mine when I go to bed, maybe around 11:00, and begin to feel stomach cramps about 3-4:00 in the morning. I get up and go, then sleep a couple of hours until 6:00 when I get up for work. I don’t get great sleep that night, but it’s better than being at work and going, and going. I take 2 highest doses every 2-3 days."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I tried Linzess for several days for CIC and found even on the lowest dosage major stomach bloating and discomfort, as well as minor facial bloating. I did not have a bowel movement, and after stopping this med and getting back on Miralax, things improved in a day or so."

• nov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2022

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "My doctor prescribed Linzess a month ago, and it has changed my life. I keep it stored in the fridge, which works for me but might not for others. I try to take it around the same time every morning (6:45 am). I drink loads of water afterwards for about 30 minutes, and then I have my coffee. I have been regularly going to the bathroom 1 hour after taking the medicine for a few weeks now. Every once in a while, I don't go every day, but that is usually only if something changes my routine. My family and friends have told me I look like a completely different person, and my mood is better than ever. A lot of reviews have been saying you need to be near a toilet, and I would recommend this for the first couple of times you take it, but it wasn't bad for me. The only side effects I experience are headaches and bloating, which I am used to by now. If you can follow a routine, it should work!!!!!"

• JBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I was diagnosed with SIBO-C a few months ago, did the round of rifaximin for 3 weeks and started to feel better but was still experiencing the bloating and constipation. My doctor put me on the 145 Linzess and so far it has done nothing but make me feel worse. I take it as prescribed (3 days in), and I’m going on day 3 of no movement. Miralax has done more for me than this drug. I am going to stick out the week and see if my body just needs to adjust, but I might as well not take anything at this point."

• Mak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 13, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I’ve been dealing with severe IBS-C for a couple of years now and never been able to find a solution for my constipation. I’ve been taking Linzess for about 3 weeks now, and it definitely makes me use the bathroom on the lowest dose. The only reason I didn’t give 10 stars is because it isn’t consistent (I can take Linzess consistently but don’t always go consistently), and I feel like it enhances bloating and gas. Overall, I love Linzess, and I don’t mind dealing with some bloating and gas if I can use the bathroom."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 5, 2017

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "My constipation began when I came down with Sjögren's. I have been on Linzess for the past year. I have tried all three strengths. I tolerate the 72 mcg the best. Linzess is an unpredictable drug for me. Sometimes the drug begins to work within one hour of taking, and I have a normal bowel movement. Other days it can take up to six hours, and I have terrible bloating and diarrhea for hours. I do notice when my Sjögren's is flared up, the medication side effects are worse."

• lmc...
• November 14, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been taking this for a few months, and I weighed myself when I started it because I've always fought to lose weight, and I gain very easily. As of a few days ago, I had an appointment, and I got weighed, and I'm up 15 lbs! OMG, I felt like I had gained, but I didn't think 15. I take 1 pill every other day because it controls my life otherwise. When I take it, I have to stay home because I'm in and out of the bathroom for hours at a time. It does help with the pain and some of the bloating, but the weight gain? Nope, I'm not taking it anymore. I haven't changed my diet since I've been taking it, I eat mostly a keto diet, as breads and anything carby makes me feel like crap, and I get very bloated. I would like another pill for IBS-C, no weight gain."

• Bob...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I’ve been using Linzess 145 mg for about a year, and it definitely works, but planning your day is a nightmare. What I’m trying to say to you is you don’t know from the time you take the pill when you’re going to have a bowel movement. It could be from one hour to four hours after taking the pill. Then there’s another problem: you don’t have a consistent formed stool. It could be anywhere from diarrhea to normal, and every day is different. Also, you’re using the bathroom anywhere from one hour to two hours or more. So how could you plan anything in your life in the morning? So any appointments have to be after 1 PM, such as doctors or meeting up with friends, etc. The only thing I could say is it definitely works, and you’re not in pain from the bloating and the constipation, but it’s a horrible life."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 13, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "This medication, Linzess, is the best. I have been taking it for almost 9 months now, and it has been a life-changing experience. No more constipation, no more bloated feeling. I take it as soon as I wake up in the morning with an empty stomach, and in approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour later, I have a bowel movement. They are expensive, but I really can’t be without them."

• SWa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been taking Linzess for about 3 months for IBS-C. At first, I was taking it every day, but it was resulting in daily diarrhea and cramping, so I switched to every other day. I still get a little bit of cramping and loose stool when I take it, but it doesn’t last long, and I would prefer this than going 3-5 days without having a BM, which results in even more bloating, cramping, and pain for me."

• All...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2021

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I'm a 38-year-old female, and I'm on the strongest dose of Linzess. And it's not working. My stomach is bloated, and that is the only thing I have going on. I'm not sure what to do at this point. My doctor put me on Miralax to take with it as well. This has been the worst case of constipation I encountered."

• Nuy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2024

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Background: 5’2/127 lbs/47 yrs @145 mcg dose for 3 months now. Suffered from IBS-C. No matter how clean my diet is or fiber I tried, or water I drank… no relief. Finally the bloating sent me to the dr. The discomfort was so irritable and I couldn’t even sleep. Dr. said we’ve tried everything otc, let’s try this, Linzess. She said it reminded her of Colace on steroids lol. So I knew it was strong. I can take 1 pill and next hr like clockwork I’m in the bathroom. Not sugar-coating this, ladies. Straight liquid booty. Depending on how much I ate that day and what… I can literally feel like I’m finished, stand up… Right back down on that seat I go. I’m such a girly girl, I tell my boyfriend to turn the TV up and maybe go to the store for bread or something, lol. It’s definitely getting everything out. If I ate pretty clean, I’m all good about 2 hrs later. My perfect time to take is after work when I know I’m home all night. So far it's helping me. Hth!"

• Car...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 1, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "After several trips to the ER/Primary Dr., literally doubled over with stomach spasms and some nausea. I was diagnosed with IBS with chronic idiopathic constipation. Made an appointment with a gastro Dr. who ordered my first colonoscopy. All was normal. Still, the pain was so bad at times I would pass out. He prescribed Linzess 290 mcg. I do suffer from bloating, some mild sinus issues, and diarrhea at times, but it beats ending up in the ER. Was put on a FODMAP diet, which I follow as closely as I can, and have been spasm-free for over a year."

• rer...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2020

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Started taking Linzess 145 mg about a month ago. Bloating and gas have subsided quite a bit. I don't use the bathroom daily. But, I have been going more often with the meds and not as much straining as before. My appetite also seems to be somewhat suppressed. So, I've lost a few pounds and actually feel more comfortable in my clothes than before."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I was diagnosed with IBS-C years ago. Have struggled with it since then. Had an episode with diverticulitis about a year ago. The gastroenterologist treated the episode, but issues continued for the next year. Recently saw a new doc, and he re-diagnosed IBS-C. I started Linzess 290 and had severe bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. I used it for 5 days, the doc told me to give it a week, and I had to stop. Couldn't go to work, too many runs to the bathroom and an accident or two prevented that. I requested the dosage be reduced as despite the 'issues' I was going! I will wait and start the new dosage over the weekend. Fingers crossed the major issues are less and I can function again."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have IBS-C. I took Linzess 145 for 4 days now. Worked good until today! Incomplete bowel movements and bloating, cramping some too! I do not know if I should up the Linzess to 290? Sort of scared to do that. I really had high hopes for Linzess!! Because I do suffer from constipation too."