Amitiza and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "When I started out taking Amitiza, it worked great at 24 mcg twice a day, but after 1 week, I started to get very sick every time I took it. My symptoms were syncope, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, loose stool, heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, chills, sweating, headache, and tunnel vision. I tried taking it once a day, still had all the same effects. After talking to my Dr., we decided to go to 8 mcg twice a day. I didn't take any for 2 weeks and started taking the 8 mcg twice a day. After the 11th dose (1st dose day 6), I started experiencing nausea, syncope, dyspnea, headache, chills, skin stinging, and cold sweats."

• Del...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2021

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I tried Linzess and had to stop taking it due to severe diarrhea. I was then prescribed Amitiza, and the secondary effects were even worse. I am now using Lactulose, Fiber, and Simethicone 125 mg/anti-gas, and I'm doing better."

• awf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2016

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I tried this about 5 times. The first few times were okay. Then it all went downhill. I went from chronic constipation to straight-up liquid stool. This happened 2-3 hours after taking the pill. Never again!"

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2017

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "Tried this medication for opioid-induced constipation. Have been on opioids for chronic pain issues for about 7 years. Have also had rectal cancer and have a permanent colostomy bag. This medication did nothing to help my constipation. It caused severe stomach cramping about one hour after I took it. With a colostomy bag, you should never be constipated. I do take four capfuls of Miralax daily. This does make me have very runny stools. It is expensive, though, and doesn't taste the greatest. In fact, I can hardly get the Miralax down at this point. I can't seem to find anything really to help. I also take 4 SennaKot tablets every day. I wouldn't recommend this medication."

• Kat...
• February 15, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Took this medication for one day, that might have painful diarrhea and a lot of gas. This is not a solution for IBS if it just gives you more pain. Do not recommend if you are able to have semi-regular bowel movements. It's just too strong. Gave me heartburn and nausea too."

• NL7...
• May 28, 2021

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "After having fissurectomy and hemorrhoidectomy surgery concurrently, I knew I was going to need something to help me when chronic constipation came back. At 46 years old, prune juice and increased fiber intake were no longer working. I was already running 2-3 miles a day and consuming enough fluids. I tried Miralax, but it was hit or miss-some days I had diarrhea, and the bloating was awful. My family physician prescribed Amitiza. It’s been a miracle drug for me. I take 24 mg once a day in the AM right after breakfast with plenty of water. I do have some abdominal gas pain later in the afternoon. Gas X minimizes this. I will take this trade-off to relieve the constipation any day! The only drawback for me is cost. I pay out of pocket because insurance will not cover it. However, I’m willing to budget wisely so I can pay for this medication! I encourage anyone who is suffering with chronic constipation to talk about Amitiza with their doctor. It has been life-changing for me!"

• Sun...
• June 25, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been on Amitiza on and off for 5 years, if not more. With a combination of IBS and opioids from pain management. I realize today that I am so much better without Amitiza. As of today, I am stopping this. Amitiza causes my BM to be so hard that I might only go once or twice a week if I am lucky. And get just a little balls. Maybe once a month diarrhea. The worst part is when I do go a larger amount, it is so hard I can break the toilet. More of a baseball. Sorry, TMI... At least when I am not taking it, I still go once or twice a week, but it's not so hard and little balls. I do notice Alli works for me, my insurance won't pay for it, but it's only $60. But my copay for Amitiza is $30. Now I am stuck with a 3-month supply."

• EQa...
• July 26, 2021

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "The first time I used this, it worked like a charm. But by the second time, I experienced the worst symptoms ever, it was more than the nausea. I had a chronic migraine for a week straight, and I felt extremely dehydrated. I was drinking 4 water bottles daily and had to switch to Gatorade because water was not enough. I also had extreme cramps throughout the whole day, I was afraid to leave my house. I figured it was my body getting used to it, so I took it once more, and I got extreme dizziness and the worst heart palpitations ever. What I’m assuming is that since this medication draws water into the intestine, it literally acts like a sponge and dehydrates you, which can be the main factor for all these horrible symptoms. I might switch to Linzess, but that causes severe diarrhea."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 4, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I’ve been on Amitiza 24 mg for 2 years. At first, it was 2 pills a day, but the side effects were horrible. The doctor then reduced it to 1 pill a day, and at first, it worked great. But in the last year, I’ve had constant, explosive diarrhea with constant stomach pains. Last Saturday was the last straw, and I stopped taking it. Now I’m a little constipated and have some stomach pain, but no explosive diarrhea. The medicine they give you to stop the diarrhea, while on Amitiza, constipates me for a week and makes me feel extremely uncomfortable and full. I’ll take IBS constipation over that any day."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I take 24 mcg Amitiza for IBS, and it has been a nightmare. I just end up with watery diarrhea. It is awful. I'm begging for a lower dose, or I'm going back to Miralax."

• Bab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2021

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "First day, it worked with just two bouts of diarrhea. Today, my second, has been pure misery! Seven rounds of diarrhea with no end in sight! I'll be taking it as needed from now on."