Xifaxan and Gas: What Users Say

• Thu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I had terrible nausea all the time that was worse about 2 hrs after eating, my stomach would swell up with gas, I was belching but could not throw up, retaining water and terrible gas pain below my sternum. I have heart issues requiring water pills and blood pressure meds. I was stopping taking meds because of nausea and watery and gassy diarrhea, thought it was the end of me. Took all tests which were normal, probiotics made it worse. Finally convinced my Dr to try Xifaxan because read about SIBO on internet. The first 14-day course gave me 80% relief and felt much better, after 3.5 months symptoms came back so had another 14-day prescription. Felt good, now it’s been 3.5 months and symptoms are coming back. Is this possible? Can you stay on Xifaxan long term with 3-4 month intervals? My Dr is unavailable because of COVID virus. Any advice please... thanks"

• Anonymous
• February 9, 2010

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I absolutely am amazed by Xifaxan. After suffering from IBS symptoms for years (you know, wake up with a flat stomach, go to bed looking 7 months pregnant, in addition to painful cramps, horrid gas, etc.), the Xifaxan eliminated my symptoms in a matter of days. My bad flatulence disappeared. Bloating gone. Lost a few pounds to boot. Unfortunately, after two rounds in Sept-Oct, my symptoms were back in December. If I could, I would take Xifaxan every day. Insurance is not cooperative. After 24 hours on this latest round, my bloating is well diminished and my low back pain is better (maybe because when IBS symptoms aren't bad, I can more easily contract my abdominals)."

• Suf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I took a two-week course of Xifaxan for IBS-D and suspected SIBO. I had side effects the first two days and then tolerated it well; however, it did nothing for my IBS symptoms. The real trouble started the day after I stopped taking Xifaxan. I now have severe abdominal pain, bloating, and gas and can hardly eat anything. This has also resulted in my doctor ordering blood tests and an abdominal CT because there is no information about the adverse effects of Xifaxan, and he feels the need to rule out other things. I’m happy for those people who have had success with this drug, but I’m not one of them. Completely miserable; much worse than before the drug!"

• vnl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I used the 14-day dosage...for those 14 days, I suffered extreme gas & bloating with gas pains from my rectum into my shoulders. I was absolutely miserable but carried through, completing the prescription...for the next month or so, I continued to suffer with the extreme gas and pains, which gradually subsided. I suffered with occasional diarrhea, but rare and some constipation, until it all settled down. I have now been 2+ months with normally formed bowel movements. I do rarely have some urgency but the stools are formed, not liquid. This medication has been life-changing for me...I can now sit and enjoy a meal with friends and family without constantly having on my mind that I am, at any point, going to need to rush to the bathroom."

• vnl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I used the 14-day dosage...for those 14 days, I suffered extreme gas & bloating with gas pains from my rectum into my shoulders. I was absolutely miserable but carried through, completing the prescription...for the next month or so, I continued to suffer with the extreme gas and pains, which gradually subsided. I suffered with occasional diarrhea, but rare and some constipation, until it all settled down. I have now been 2+ months with normally formed bowel movements. I do rarely have some urgency but the stools are formed, not liquid. This medication has been life-changing for me...I can now sit and enjoy a meal with friends and family without constantly having on my mind that I am, at any point, going to need to rush to the bathroom."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "It started to work during the two weeks I was on it. I was still going to the bathroom, but it wasn't that awful urgent, you better go now or have an accident. Those two weeks were much better. However, once it was over, I have been worse than I was even before the medicine. Now I have severe stomach pain, foul-smelling gas and stool, I'm very bloated, and when I get the feeling I need the bathroom, I need to find one fast because it WILL come out no matter if I'm in the bathroom or not. I really had very high hopes that this would be just what I needed to help. I've had IBS-D all my life, but it was diagnosed years ago when I was 16."

• KKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I was prescribed this drug for SIBO! I was bloating and have gas issues to the extreme prior to Xifaxan. The gas is gone, but I now look 10 months pregnant (overdue). I seriously feel I am at week 42 in pregnancy with a 10 lb baby. Severe bloating and extreme water retention when on Xifaxan! Feel awful, although the gas has definitely decreased."

• Jud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Was prescribed Xifaxan for 2 weeks for bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. It did help but didn't fully get rid of symptoms. I had sickness after eating, gas, stomach pain, etc. Was an improvement, though. I do have insurance, and the pharmacy had to use one coupon at a time, 2 pills per prescription. It was a pain, but I paid 50 dollars total."

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

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "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!"

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

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "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."

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

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "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."