Linzess

I have been on Linzess since January. I have very bad constipation, the Linzess really doesn't do anything for me. I have to use bowel prep stuff or mag citrate on a weekly basis, as well as the Linzess and a few other laxatives daily, in order to get any action. W/ the bowel prep or mag citrate, I have 1 day of loose stools, otherwise I can go weeks w/out any BMs. By the way, I take 290 mcg of Linzess daily.

You take it without food right?

I had no side effects from it, so I can't help you there. But I would tell your doc again about the problems you are having. How long have you been on it? Also, maybe check with your pharmacist about side effects and how long they would last with that med. I'm sure they will ultimately say check with your doctor, but you might be able to get some info out of them.

If it seems like you have been on it long enough for side effects to have sorta settled down by now, or it gets to the point where you can't stand it or it's dangerous, for sure talk to the doc. If they say to stay on it, and you aren't comfortable with it, let them know you are stopping it. Be sure to let the doc know though, they cannot help you if they don't know the truth about what you're taking/not taking, etc. You have a right to refuse to take the med. If your doc isn't listening to you and keeps pushing it, I would urge you to get a second opinion, find a doc who will be your partner in this.

Really, I would start w/ the pharmacist, just to have some info about the med to bring to the doc when you talk to him. Have you tried other meds for this problem? Miralax is supposed to be great, i take it 1-2 times daily (not sure it does anything for me, but...). It has no taste, dissolves in any type of drink, and can be taken long term without problems. It is fairly gentle and you can adjust the dosage to fit your needs. If you haven't tried it, I would ask the doc about it. It is OTC though.

Good luck to you. Hope you find something that works well for you. let me know (if you don't mind) what happens and if I can be of any help.

Tirzah--

How are things going? Did you talk with your doc about your symptoms? Constipation is miserable. No doubt about it.

I saw my GI doc yesterday and we decided the next step is to get testing done to prepare for surgery. Never thought I would be excited about surgery, but I cannot live like this. I am now on Linzess 290, twice a day. Plus a few other laxatives daily and every 10 days or so, drinking bowel prep to try to get something out. If I don't do the bowel prep, I have no output at all. So, I can say that I have some idea how you feel. I really hope that you find something that works, something you can live with. Interested in hearing how you are doing.