Cholestyramine for Dumping Syndrome User Reviews

• Try...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 27, 2014

"Gallbladder removal in 23 years ago, Dumping Syndrome started immediately, 20 years of living in fear/prison, couldn't go anywhere where there was no bathroom, no canoeing, hiking, skiing, anything that I could be stranded without a bathroom. I tried everything, fiber, Metamucil, fiber pills, phsyllium husk, etc. Nothing worked. Searched for my issue every couple of years to see if anyone else had any ideas and ran across Cholestyramine. Talked to my Dr. took one packet a day, first thing in the morning, worked like a charm, no more running! I was free! I could go for walks, bike rides, hiking, graduations! To a restaurant. I agree, for me, this was a Godsend! No side effects for me."

• Mr Ali
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2014

"After gallbladder removal I had chronic diarrhea. The first bowel motion in the morning was normal then after an hour I would have about 3 to 4 bowel motions that were loose stools throughout the day no matter what I ate. After 2 years and colonoscopies and egd no change in my situation. The doctor told me maybe it was normal. What a good doctor. Anyway after research on the internet I found this medicine and recommended it to my doctor who said yes and gave me a prescription. Since day one I have not had any diarrhea. I take it twice a day once in morning and the other in the evening. It has really helped me a lot. Good thing because I was beginning to get depressed and hopeless about my situation. Thanks be to God."

• al1ce
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2014

"After having my gall bladder removed, I suffered for a year with problems, stomach and bowel, mucus stools, diarrhea, and fat tolerance, I was given this medicine recently, and it has worked wonders, all my symptoms have gone apart from the fat intolerance which I don't mind because who wants to eat high in fat foods anyway, I can also add that after having a sachet I feel full for a long time, so I would have the sachet after a meal otherwise I would have to go without."

• Apple...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 10, 2019

"I had surgery to remove part of my stomach back in 1977. I then had dumping syndrome for 10 years, and had to give up my work due to the constant "D" after every meal, loss of weight, loss of energy, loss of will to live. Then, in 1987, just as I thought I would have it forever, I went to see the surgeon who had operated on me, who told me to try Questran powder.......... It was, and still is, a miracle.. It took a few days to settle down, but by taking 2 sachets a day my bowels were back to NORMAL., and are still normal 30 years on."

• movie...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2014

"I notice a change in my bowels after the second day of drinking the powder mixed in one glass of water I drink it about 3P.M. before dinner I can tell this working for me as I do not have the need to rush to the toilet to get rid of what I just ate. I experienced it and found that just one glass late afternoon works fine for me. I understand that some people need two a day. I noticed a change for quickly in my bowels since taking this I have not needed to take Lomotil. That is a medicine I have been dependent on for many years."

• Mimi
• March 22, 2019

"I am only on day 3 of this wonderful medicine, but have already had a great result! I am 58 years old and after 10+ years of abdominal pain and sudden/uncontrollable diarrhea (up to 20 times a day) l diagnosed as Lymphocytic colitis I am almost near tears that I may get my life back. I have not been able to eat or drink (not even water) and be away from the bathroom for over 5 years. The near disasters are too numerous to mention, and the anxiety of being away from a bathroom was ruining my life and my family's as well. After only 4 packets, I felt relief in my gut and am "going" like a normal person, i.e.; in the morning when I wake up and maybe once in the afternoon. Normal stool and not like before when it was every 5 minutes - thinking I was "done" only to run back into the bathroom again. So yes cholestyramine works for Lymphocytic colitis"

• ranngib
• September 20, 2016

"I too had my gallbladder out 15 years ago and immediately following removal gained 30lbs in three months and had constant loose bowels (dumping syndrome). My doctor had told me the weight gain was because I was now able to eat. His comment annoyed me. It just wasn't true. I knew it had to be something more than that. I had never been over weight before and my digestion just seemed so out of wack. I stayed away from the doctor and tried my own things. Diet, exercise...nothing worked. 10 years later I went to a new woman Dr. and she prescribed Cholestyramine. It works great. I take it 1 x per day. What I do notice however, is it must be taken with a lot of water or I will get heartburn. If I skip a dose my problem returns immediately."

• Ajay
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2020

"I took cholestyramine after my gall bladder was removed and at first it was great for dumping syndrome. Then ALL the side effects hit. Abdominal cramping, rectal bleeding, etc; it even made me have a period for 2 weeks. It took a month for my body to recollect itself after I stopped taking it. I know this helps a lot of people but it didn't help me."

• Maggie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2020

"Having suffered for many years, with the last nine months being totally debilitating, the doctor put me on cholestyramine. Within one day my life begin to turn around. I have been on the drug now for approximately 10 weeks and this has been the best 10 weeks that I have had in years and years. This drug is a lifesaver. I am not afraid to leave the house."

• Teacher...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 19, 2017

"I had my gall bladder out years ago, and immediately starting having problems with severe diarrhea. For years, I always needed to know where the bathroom was wherever I went. Traveling was a nightmare. I am a teacher, and I would not eat until I was done teaching for the day because of this issue. I heard about cholestyramine and talked to my doctor, who said it was worth a try. From Day 1 taking it, the diarrhea issues were solved! I have been taking it for about 7 years, and it helped me get my life back to normal. My prescription ran out and I am having to go for a couple of days without it, and I am scared of what will happen!"

• Ceecee
• September 14, 2018

"I had my gallbladder removed back in 2005. Since then, I had lived over a toilet. Constant nausea and bloating. At least 3 times a day I felt as if I were going to vomit, followed by bloating. Dizziness and instant fatigue. I went in to my doctor and finally explained all this and was prescribed two packets of cholestyramine a day. To be honest, I had read all of the information about this med and it scared me and decided not to take it. A couple weeks ago I woke up and felt like I was going to vomit from early morning until around 10pm. I had never experienced that and it resulted in me laying in bed all day sick. So, I decided to try it and MY GOODNESS IT HAS SAVED ME. No more bloating, no more running to the bathroom. I can go out to dinner and not frantically look for a bathroom! I only have to go to the restroom once a day and that's it. I have to say though if a dose is missed, there is hell to pay (ie back to how I used to live). I was advised to take two packets but am fine with one packet a day."

• Nodel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 13, 2018

"Cholestryamine packets. Great stuff, I only take one packet per day first thing in the morning 1/2 hour before eating. Huge tip here--mix it with lemon lime Powerade or Gatorade. It is like snot mixed with orange juice and other such liquids. After much experimentation the lemon lime is great. Makes it amazingly palatable. Also, stirring much more than you might think to do helps it not be so gritty. If you have ever tried this stuff and quit due to the unpalatability you have to try this. I tried about 24 liquids first. Also don't forget it isn't good for your teeth so rinse your mouth afterwards with water or better still clean your teeth especially if you feel any has stuck to them. GLTA!"

• Jenny
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2018

"I have fecal incontinence and this powder has saved my life and job. I take 1 scoop per day and limit large meals but I still eat pretty much what I want. I do try and eat healthy most of the time. I can work without fear of ruining my clothes and I don't have to live in fear when I go shopping or fly to other states. No more loose stools unless I'm on a strong antibiotic or I have an upset stomach from eating contaminated food from a restaurant. You never know unless you grow your food or prepare it yourself."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 24, 2023

"It took 23 years of diarrhea accidents before a GI doctor, during a colonoscopy, asked about my 'explosive diarrhea' noted on my health history. I told him some of my sorry stories, and he replied...'Well, I can prescribe something that will help with that.' I looked at him incredulously! What!!?? After 23 years of complaining to various doctors, and multiple embarrassing accidents all over town, there's a medicine to help with this????? Needless to say, I was not and still am not thrilled with my GPs over the years! He prescribed Cholestyramine and for me, it's like a miracle. From being a virtual shut-in to freedom! Twice a day, morning and evening, and I'm a normal human being doing normal activities! No side effects....well, perhaps the only one I'd speak of is - NO MORE DIARRHEA!!! Yeah!"

• Dodge
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 10, 2018

"After having my gall bladder removed over a dozen years ago, I had daily constant uncontrollable diarrhea, always after eating; greasy or not. I never scheduled dinner then a movie or theatre, it always HAD to be dinner last, so I could immediately head home to my bathroom, or have to locate one onsite. Just tremendously embarrassing and inconvenient. I put up with this miserable condition for over 6 years until my partner saw a documentary on TV that recommended Cholestyramine as a treatment. It has very much allowed me to return to my prior lifestyle. However if I skip one day, I am back to the constant D again. I have found the Sandoz product does not work as well as the PAR Pharmeceuticals powder. My pharmacy can no longer get the PAR product, am getting ready to try a 3rd option made by ANI Pharmaceuticals. I find dissolving the powder in very hot water help to minimizer the gritty texture and gross taste. After reading recommendations, I will try mixing it into applesauce."

• Vickie
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 31, 2018

"I had my gallbladder out in 1992 and since then had bad diarrhea. I knew where every bathroom was in 15 miles. I hated going out to eat or trips. 10 years later I had to change meds for insurance purposes. I was telling my Dr about the diarrhea he put me on Questrian. I take 1/2 teaspoon in water twice a day and it has been like a miracle drug for me. If I miss one dose I pay for it - not to say I don’t have flare ups - but I can now live. Thank you"

• Maddo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 25, 2018

"Did not have gall bladder removal, but have IBS-D (irritable bowel syndrome- diarrhea) and dumping...have had for many years, and travel and socialization, plus career, have been rocky obstacle courses at best. Excellent doctor suggested cholestramine and I'm down to a couple teaspoons a day. I now get to plan my day, instead of Crabby Gut having the final say! Hurrah!"

• Juju
• February 9, 2018

"Had my gallbladder removed 7 years ago. Prior to that, suffered from bouts of diarrhea and constipation for almost 20 years. About a year and a half ago, I started having horrible cramps, uncontrollable diarrhea, the worst ever. I thought it was anxiety or something worse. GI diagnosed in 1 minute as bile dumping syndrome. I've been playing with skipping the pm packet, depending on where I am and what I'm eating. Had some constipation issues once or twice, so keep adjusting. Plan to discuss how to take and keep things moving properly. This drug has saved my life! I could not go anywhere, forget dating, without knowing exactly where the restrooms were, take long car trips with friends, travel. Just depressing. I really wish more general MD's knew about this. The final month before I saw the GI was excruciating and the fix was so simple!"

• Notaf...
• February 9, 2018

"Before and after gallbladder removal I was unable to eat without knowing where the closest restroom was. I was afraid to do anything like traveling, driving long distance or going anywhere with big crowds where there may be a line for the restroom. I was completely miserable and lived my life planning where the nearest restroom was. I went to the doctor to get some anxiety medication for an upcoming business trip and just by chance she said I could try this medication. One packet a day in the morning and I am totally normal. Don’t live in fear try this it works! I drink it with an orange mango juice and you can’t even taste it or feel the grittiness."

• Valint
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2020

"The medication cholestyramine has saved me from staying at home - after my total colon removal. After my surgery, I would go 12 - 13 times a day, but now I take 4 gm with 4 ounces of OJ, three times a day and I'm able to travel where ever I want. I'm a little worried because I have gain weight, but I will have to work on that. Let just say, when I got out of the hospital in May 2019, I was drinking 4 oz of Imodium every four hours, I was eating four fiber gummies, and eating mash potatoes. Now I take Cholestyramine three times a day and I'm good to go."

• maggie...
• December 8, 2019

"After Nissan fundoplication surgery dumping syndrome resulted in a very poor quality of life, lasting several years, until discovering this medication cholestyramine. Life is TOTALLY normal now. I do not take, or seem to need, the full dose required by those taking it for high cholesterol. Do not know the mechanics of how it works except that it somehow absorbs cholesterol from food in the intestines. I always take it after the evening meal. Am amazed I had to do so much research to find a cure for my problem of dumping syndrome. I have a very good doctor, he was aware of the product, but did not know it would cure my problem, was fine with me trying it, and said it would be safe to take. I have had no negative side effects. Easy to use powder that mixes in liquid well. Prescription needed, a little pricy, but has been a miracle to me!!!!"

• Tonylyn
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 14, 2021

"I had radiation therapy for anal cancer in 1993 and since then have suffered with explosive diarrhea that left me on the verge of being housebound. I finally did my own research and came across a thread on Cholestyramine. WOW life changing is an understatement, it stopped the diarrhea immediately. Doctors needs to know about this drug and prescribe to people who are suffering. So many years of my life wasted that I should have enjoyed, but I am enjoying life now. If you have explosive, uncontrollable diarrhea you need to try this, really what do you have to lose?"

• Keepi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2021

"It kept me from visiting the toilet after eating, but it also kept me from using the toilet for any BM at all! It caused belching and farting that smelt plain awful! I'll take my old problems back please..."