Rifaximin for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea User Reviews (Page 3)

• Tim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2022

Rifaximin "My doctor thought my IBS symptoms might be from SIBO, so he prescribed Xifaxan 550 mg x3 per day. After taking it for two days, I had to stop. My diarrhea became so bad, I was forced to stay up all night. I'm very glad it helps some people, but it definitely made my condition worse."

• Its...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2022

Rifaximin "Had been suffering from crazy bloating and belching/gas within 30-90 minutes after eating for months. Chest would get tight, bad enough that it gave me an anxiety attack or two. Heartburn from the gas riding up the esophagus. I've always loved eating but was starting to not want to eat meals because of the constant discomfort. Saw a new GI doctor who suspected SIBO and prescribed Xifaxan. The first couple of days were a bit rough in the bowels; there was definitely something going on. After that, side effects went down to minimal, and eating started getting easier again! Still finishing the prescription, but this is the most hopeful I've felt in a while. It really seems to work!"

• Chr...
• July 31, 2016

Rifaximin "The Target brand Acidophilus probiotic helped relieve my initial symptoms of IBS (gas every morning and reduced the frequency throughout the day, brain fog, and heavy stomach cramping). My gastroenterologist gave me a free 30-day sample to check its effectiveness on me in 2014. Xifaxan was not as effective as my acidophilus, gave me the urge to urinate too frequently, didn't stop my frequent gas (one of my main concerns), and is way too expensive to use on a daily basis. I'm still looking for a permanent solution as the Target Acidophilus has stopped working for me. Now I use the Country Life Acidophilus as it gives the most relief (except gas), is affordable, and comes with 250 tablets in a bottle so I don't run out as quickly."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2019

Rifaximin "Xifaxan was super helpful and worked for my IBS for the first week, then stopped working. I think it might be because I accidentally got the pills wet, because that seems to be the point where my symptoms came back. Going to try to get my doctor's office to give me some free samples, as my insurance won’t cover it again for another 3 months."

• Ple...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 16, 2023

"Suffered with increasing IBS-D symptoms for several years, modified diet, lifestyle with partial results that, while effective, did not prevent long bouts of more severe symptoms following a setback in diet regimen or infection. Prescribed rifaximin 12 months ago, noticed improvement in several days with minor side effects, some of which were similar to the prior symptoms, likely caused by too much starchy food, but over several days felt very good, even good enough to try different foods. Very effective in clearing up symptoms, primarily IBS, with associated improvement in other symptoms. I have since relapsed twice, approximately every six months, and take rifaximin after a week or two or if I am planning on traveling and eating out, as suggested by my doctor. I have been happy with the results, but do follow a strict low-FODMAP, limited sugar diet and no longer tolerate alcohol in any more than limited amounts."

• Hol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2023

"Took the drug to treat IBS-D, it was very expensive at 400 bucks for two weeks' worth. After taking only 4 pills, I got severe diarrhea along with extreme bloating that lasted all night. I was so hoping for some magic, but it was not to be. Will not continue with this drug because it was so bad for me."

• Rif...
• November 27, 2022

"The first time I took rifaximin, it had a slight improvement for my SIBO. I felt if I ate well, it did wonders, but if I ate badly, I was man down. I tried a second course 2 months later that didn't help me in any way, and in fact, I have never recovered to pre-rifaximin course."

• rot...
• January 8, 2023

"I am actually taking this for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). First time I took it, didn't work because I had methane (bad gas). Then I took it with neomycin, and together it did wonders for me. Now, a year later, SIBO is back but it's hydrogen gas. This helped the first few days, then I had pasta and alcohol, and I've been suffering for 3 days. Need to stick with a low FODMAP diet on this. I'm not impressed at all. With neomycin, I could eat all foods with minimal reaction. Now I'm not sure it's working."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2022

Rifaximin "Was 3 x a day at 550 mg. Had dry mouth, irritated throat, hard to swallow foods. Abdomen swelled. Became constipated. Lowered dosage to 2 x a day after 5 days. Drank throat coat tea to help dry throat. Stopped taking after 7 days."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2021

Rifaximin "I've been through this med 3 times. The first two times barely worked (they worked while I took it), but symptoms immediately came back. The 3rd time I took it, I also ate a BelliWelli bar every day because my friend recommended them. They are brownies made for IBS and have probiotics. I think it was the combination of those with the Xifaxan that eventually worked. The 3rd time I took Xifaxan with the BelliWellis, I had no symptoms after taking."

• SHa...
• August 5, 2020

Rifaximin "Worked great! Took a couple of treatments. I have not had a problem with IBS since. No side effects. The reviews about SIBO should be removed from the IBS reviews. This drug is indicated for IBS-D, not for SIBO."

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2018

Rifaximin "Started to take this 2 days ago. I have IBS-C for years but has been getting worse. Bloating, gas, foggy brain, no energy, especially in mornings, mild depression, insomnia from gas pains at night. So far, nothing. FODMAP diet helps along with exercise, probiotics, and occasional Metamucil. Won't rate till done with script."

• xif...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 26, 2025

"The very best medicine for my IBSD. My horrible stomach pain and diarrhea are better in less than 3 days. I have always had great results within 2 to 3 days of Xifaxan. I take it for 10 to 14 days, 3 times a day. Thanks to my doctor for putting me on it!!"

• cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2023

"I started taking Zaxine 550 mg three times a day for 2 weeks but had to stop after 6 days. I had trouble with watery diarrhea. I called the doctor, he said to stop the medication. I had stomach pain and diarrhea a couple of hours after eating. Afraid to eat because I will be running to the washroom and can't leave the house. I hope it clears up soon. Can anyone tell me how long I will be waiting?"

• JJS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2024

Rifaximin "44 yo male. Suffered from IBS-D for about a year. Bloating after meals, painful cramps in abdomen most of the day. Diarrhea 3 times a day and farts nonstop that I couldn’t trust: Xifaxan is a great medication. It’s been 4 days; by day two, it stopped everything other than some of the bloating. I have one large, perfect bowel movement every day! No more cramps! No more scary farts! Feels so amazing to have relief from these symptoms. Still some bloating on day 4, but with one digestive enzyme capsule after a meal, it’s gone within 20 min. Only negative so far is foot pain. Neuropathy, it feels like. Tingling and pins and needles; sharp pain. Hurts to walk on feet, even hurts with feet up sitting or laying down. This is frustrating. Have to speak with my gastroenterologist today to see what I can do about this. Other than that, it’s a miracle drug. Insurance covered it; I’m blessed/lucky to have a good policy."

• car...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 11, 2024

Rifaximin "I have IBS-D, this works, but only while using it. As soon as I complete 2 weeks of 3x daily pills, I revert back to IBS-D within 3 days. It also works for me at 1 each 550 mg pill a day. The final allowed dose my doctor agreed to try is 1 pill a day for longer relief, it worked. As soon as I stop, my bowels revert back to diarrhea and gas. Why can't it be prescribed as a daily pill? My doctor agrees I should take 1 pill daily. My insurance will only cover 3 two-week treatments a year. My doctor prescribed a 4th treatment, insurance denied."

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2023

Rifaximin "I have basically unconfirmed IBS. Tremendous bloating and constipation. It can be really awful. Been on Linzess for a few years, which helps, but you have to be careful when you take it so you don’t poop in your pants."

• Bip...
• July 3, 2021

Rifaximin "You need to take tofranil to block the signals from your stomach to your brain. I have reoccurring SIBO. If I take tofranil, I’m good. If I stop, I notice the symptoms immediately as bad and have to treat again with Xifaxan. I went to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, did treatment, and they recommended tofranil. Ask your gastro about it. Life changer."

• Anonymous
• November 17, 2010

Rifaximin "I have to take the 14-day course every 2-3 months as symptoms do return, but it is worth it! I get 100% relief within 48 hours after I start a course."

• Anonymous
• June 25, 2008

Rifaximin "Really helped my Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms!"

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2016

Rifaximin "Bad IBD for years. Didn't take long for this to kick in and let me live life again. Worth every penny!"

• Abi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2019

Rifaximin "Stopped using Xifaxan after 5 days. Caused immediate bloating but wanted to give it a chance."

• Abi...
• November 13, 2019

Rifaximin "Xifaxan did not work at all for my IBS. Made things worse."

• Pen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2019

Rifaximin "This drug was amazing and helped my digestion issues in all aspects. Have been a little out of control again, and hoping doctor will prescribe another round. It was life-changing before."

• Fli...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 18, 2018

Rifaximin "Substantial relief of symptoms within 10 days. Note I still take this medication with no ill effects."