Lubiprostone and Bloating: What Users Say

• Kel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 21, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had chronic IBS with constipation forever. At one point, I thought I had an obstruction, but didn't. I went to a gastroenterologist, and she prescribed 8 mcg of Amitiza twice per day. It worked pretty quickly, but then didn't seem to anymore. I had a lot of the side effects that other people mentioned, including gas, bloating, and bad stomach pains. I now take two 24 mcgs per day and figured out that if I take one before bed and one an hour before I get up, I don't have major issues. I go every morning completely and feel great for the rest of the day. I hope this helps other people trying this medication."

• Dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2017

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I recently started Amitiza at the 24mcg dose twice a day for terrible constipation not resolved with tons of water, veggies, fruits, flax, chia, bottles of Miralax, or Linzess. I have taken it for 4.5 days with NO results at all. How long is this supposed to take to work? I have the side effects of nausea, stomach cramps, bloating, hot flashes then so cold I shiver, body aches like I am coming down with the flu, joint pain. And believe me, I would put up with all of this if I could just go! But nothing is happening. I even increased my fluid intake to 3L per day, which is ridiculous. Does anyone have suggestions out there?"

• Lov...
• May 31, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I've been taking 8mcg Amitiza twice a day, for two months, to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Finally! A Dr. who actually listened to me and provided a solution instead of blaming me for the GI/bowel problems. (i.e., 'You need more fiber,' 'It's your nerves,' or 'It's caused by the NSAIDS you take.'). Almost 40 years of daily chronic painful bloating, constipation & pain under my left rib cage is almost gone, (I'm 50.) It did take a few weeks to adjust to it. By that, I mean: 1.) Discovering that taking Fiber Supplements with the prescription caused painful gas/bloating, 2.) Determining exactly how much food/drink to ingest with each dose, to avoid gas/bloating or a headache & 3.) Remembering to take it with a meal. I'd give it a 10 if there was 0 bloating and no headaches."

• Emp...
• February 17, 2012

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Have had problems for over 4 years. Nothing worked. Tried everything doctor said (gastro specialist), nothing worked. Finally a PA at a local clinic suggested Amitiza and what a change. No major side effects. Have even lost weight, more energy, no bloating and especially no more digging the crap out just to get relief! No more bleeding and hemorrhoids from straining too much. Made me feel like a totally different woman. It also helped me control my blood sugar better. This is truly a miracle. Would not be without it."

• Anonymous
• September 7, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "After being diagnosed with POTS syndrome about two and a half years ago, I developed awful constipation. Like a lot of others said on here, I tried everything! For a while, Miralax twice daily worked, but slowly it stopped. I've tried Citrucel, Metamucil, Milk of Mag, Colace, high fiber diets, and nothing would help. I ended up going to the emergency room after not going for seventeen days, and even an enema did barely anything. I was first put on a low dose of Linzess, but got awful bloating, pains, and diarrhea. Then I got put on the lowest dose of Amitiza and only take it one time daily. It did wonders, and I am one who is incredibly sensitive with meds. I take one before bed with yogurt, which helps soothe any possible nausea."

• gig...
• May 13, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been taking this medicine, 24 mcg once a day for a week now. Nothing has happened yet. I drink 1 to 2 quarts of water a day, on the FODMAP diet, eat tofu, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables. Also eat a lot of chicken. I have had no luck so far. I have left 3 messages with my doctor's nurse and no callbacks yet. I feel bloated, full of gas, and feel miserable. So I am stuck taking laxatives, Epsom salt enemas, or citrate mag (awful tasting stuff ever), then feeling sick all the next day with an upset tummy and sitting on the throne off and on all day. I clean myself out about every 3 to 4 days because I feel miserable and sluggish, and it starts all over again after cleaning myself out. I have had this IBS-C for about 20 years now. It ruins my life!"

• Atl...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 27, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I started taking Amitiza 8 mcg twice a day about a year ago. At first, I didn't notice anything. I have really bad bloating issues due to slow motility in my large intestines. He then increased my dosage to 24 mcg twice a day, and that's when my bloating decreased. I'm able to eat foods I couldn't eat before. It does give me diarrhea badly at times, but it doesn't bother me. I would give it a 10, but I still feel like there is something in my low intestines. Like it's not completely moving everything out of me. If I don't take it for a few days, I do notice the bloating get worse. I definitely feel a whole lot better taking it than if I don't."

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2019

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I took Amitiza as prescribed (24 mg x 1) for constipation, which was a result of my medications for chronic depression and anxiety, as well as the addition of gabapentin for nerve pain. Aside from the bloating, cramps, and diarrhea, after about three days I relapsed into severe depression, even though I had been in remission for over 15 years. Not realizing my body was reacting to the Amitiza, I remained on it for about 10 days. I strongly caution anyone who is on medication for anxiety and/or depression to consider an alternative to Amitiza. Even after 3 weeks off of Amitiza, I am still struggling with the side effects of depression."

• Ret...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Have suffered from chronic constipation for many years. 'Specialists' may label it 'idiopathic,' which sounds technical, but really means 'I don't know why, either, so just take this pill, or this other pill,' etc. (So why not do more research, instead of just prescribing different pills????) Was prescribed low-dose Amitiza, and the side effects were absolutely awful!!!! Spent the night in the bathroom! Incredible pain, cramps, bloating, nausea all night! And no BM! Eventually had a very painful BM at 4:00 A.M., which left me with an inflamed, painful, distended GI system. My doctor says that I should 'try Amitiza AGAIN'??? Really?! This is insane and unacceptable; and hopefully, in spite of this terrible experience, I think I am still sane! Will keep looking for something that does not include torture as a side effect! God bless!"

• mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "For the past 2 years, I've been struggling with constipation since going through chemo. I finally got referred to see a gastroenterologist. He put me on a low dose: 8 mg twice a day, and I can say for me personally, I feel like a normal person again!! This is the best medication, no side effects so far other than having to go to the bathroom a few times a day. I've tried drinking more water, having more fiber, other laxatives, and even Linzess, which was a no after the first pill. Not having the bloat feeling and feeling like you have to struggle to go to the bathroom is the worst."

• Anonymous
• October 21, 2009

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had very severe chronic constipation for over two years that has just seemed to get worse and worse over time. I've tried Amitiza on a few occasions over the last couple of years, and each time has been an awful experience. It works, but it takes about 3 days, and those 3 days are unbearable. Horrible gas and bloating, headaches, cramps, nausea, not to mention the pain in my back and sides from the severe bloating. I gave a friend some of my samples, and it worked wonders for her, she had none of those side effects. Everyone is different, it's always worth a try."

• No...
• April 14, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been on Rx Miralax for years, due to a two-decade-long eating disorder. The Miralax works great, but for some reason, my GI wanted to put me on Linzess. He gave me samples, and insurance didn't cover it. They said I had to try Amitiza first. The Linzess didn't work (horrible bloating, cramps, no movement), and the Amitiza is almost worse. I had to call out of work today because of it. I was awake all night, up and down, kept getting sick. 14ish hours after taking the medicine, I'm having very small movements. Strongly debating calling the office and telling them I'm going back on Miralax, and that's it."

• Anonymous
• September 20, 2012

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I started taking Amitiza a month ago. I am on the 24 mg. It works sometimes, but I am experiencing side effects that I didn't think resulted from this medication until I read some of the reviews. I have trouble taking in breaths, coughing, severe headaches, nausea, but most of all, bloating and gas. Before the medication, while being constipated, I could still button up my pants. Now that I've started the medicine, it's a struggle due to bloating."

• hon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 24, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been taking Amitiza 24 mcg twice a day for several years. I also take psyllium fiber and drink water up to 2 quarts a day. Since my work does not support a lot of walking, I tend to get abdominal bloating in the afternoon due to incomplete bowel emptying and inactivity. When my stool becomes dark brown, I may experience diarrhea as my colon is attempting to move hard stool. When my stool is soft formed and a light tan color, I experience a feeling of complete emptying and no abdominal bloating or diarrhea. This is a daily challenge to ensure sufficient exercise, water intake, and fiber-rich and roughage-producing foods. I feel that the medication would be more effective if the dosage could be titrated or time-released to meet individual patient needs."

• jm1...
• July 19, 2011

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Before taking Amitiza, I had stomach pain every single time I ate, suffered from severe constipation, had gas and bloating. I take 24 mg twice a day, and my pain has completely diminished, but I still have severe constipation and still get bloated every time I eat. The medicine does help, but not completely."

• Sue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "The first night, I was sick as a dog. Felt like the flu. I even woke up to find I had an accident in bed. Very disturbing. Then couldn’t go for a few days, had a very small bowel movement, then went several days without. Had constant stomach cramps, bloating, total unease, and feeling ill. Had to take Miralax just to produce a small bowel movement to get relief. After almost 2 weeks and almost ending up back in the hospital for hypomotility and gastroparesis, I decided it was time to stop. I really had very little relief but a lot of nausea, cramps, and uncomfortable flu-like sickness."

• Ban...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've been experiencing constipation for over 15 years. I was so miserable. I tried everything, nothing worked, so I had to take herbal teas with senna or cleanses to go. When I first tried Amitiza 8 mcg, it didn't work, then finally, after about a week and a half, it started working. I just have to drink a lot of water and take 2 bulk laxatives with it. I did experience some gas and bloating, but it's better than being full of poop. I'm so thankful. I finally don't look pregnant anymore! Yayyy."

• bes...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 13, 2019

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "Millie, I have been taking Amitiza for over a year. Like others, I was given samples for the first month. Because my OIC (opioid-induced constipation) was severe, I continued to take it, hoping it would kick in and work on a regular basis. Unfortunately, it never worked. The side effects were bloating, belching, and stomach discomfort. I've since tried another OIC med (Linzess). When all else fails, I go back to milk of magnesia on an as-needed basis. My biggest regret was staying with the Amitiza for almost two years."

• Brn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've had chronic constipation all my life, and I am in my 60s now. I have tried it all! I've practically lived on taking enemas every 4 to 5 days, which worked most of the time. I haven't had a 'normal' BM on my own in over 5 years. It just sits there and won't come out. I was prescribed 24 mg Amitiza a month ago. I took one at 8 a.m. I had a great BM at 10 a.m. It only took 2 hours to work! But it was not formed. It was almost like slight diarrhea. It felt like such a big relief to get all of that toxic poison out! The drawback, I had a lot of nausea all day and bouts of diarrhea 3 or 4 times later. I also felt bloated for a couple of hours, which was a bit uncomfortable. So at this point, I'm a little nervous to take another one."

• Mar...
• October 18, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been taking Amitiza for about a week and having a very limited BM every 3 days. I get terribly nauseated in about 20 minutes after taking it, and last evening after dinner, I became sick and vomited. My stomach is so bloated and hurts from the extreme pressure. I took the Linzess, and at first, it worked, and after a month, it stopped. I am not going to take this med tonight. I was taking 8 mcg 2x a day with meals. I might go back to Linzess and take it with Miralax to see if that would work."

• Mkc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have struggled with constipation most of my life. After a car accident, I began taking pain meds, which of course made it worse. I took Amitiza for 5 days. Never had a BM, I just stayed curled up in bed for 3 days with bloating, cramping, and extreme joint pain. I was excited about this medicine but was very disappointed with the result. I will continue to use OTC drugs and my normal, fiber-filled diet. I still haven’t gone, and it’s been a week. I also believe that Amitiza lessened the effect of some of my daily meds."

• crs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "This medication gave me terrible side effects: bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, exhaustion, headache. Do not use it if you do not have to. The benefit was not enough to warrant the amount of side effects I got from Amitiza, so I had to stop it. It took 2 weeks for the side effects to completely go away."

• Anonymous
• March 24, 2012

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "After having chronic constipation for several years and having nothing but laxatives, I was prescribed Amitiza. I have been on it for 3 weeks and can't take it. I have bloating so bad and am backed up that I must return to my laxatives. Back to the doctors for a specialist referral. Good luck to all others though."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2018

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "Caused severe bloating and cramping and did nothing to relieve the constipation. Just made it more painful to the point that you can't function. Tried on 2 separate occasions with the same result. Another high-priced miracle drug that doesn't deliver."

• Sue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I find the side effects terrible and am still constipated. For me, it is not working, and I am tired of the nausea, bloating, distention. I feel sick and nauseous all the time and have given this med over two weeks. Some people seem to have different experiences. You would have to try it. Can't wait to stop it. Tomorrow I plan to."