Experiences of taking prescription Linzess for chronic constipation

I've tried it for 3 weeks and nothing

Hi @georgemorley - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Having chronic constipation for several years sounds like a long time to deal with this.

I'm sorry to hear, too, that you've seen inconsistency among different doctor on advising on this issue.

What is your underlying diagnosis that brings on the constipation? Or do you have one, as of yet?

@rs1 It seems like either people have immediate results or little to none. It is helpful to know what dose is taken and how and when it’s taken. There are more discussions on this elsewhere in Mayo Connect.

The dose is 72mcg

@lisalucier
I got result back saying I have high ferritin level of 294. But my iron is normal. But never told me what I need to do to get it down. I have to diagnose myself . Due to not able to use bathroom correctly. I am exercising and eating right. And drinking 64 ounces of water. Thank you for replying to me

@rs1 You might ask your provider to increase the dosage. There are 2 incrementally stronger doses.
I went up to the max of 290 with no dramatic difference but after a few month there is a change for the better although I can’t be sure if it is the Linzess.

@lisalucier dr has never given a diagnosis just suggestions like MiraLAX and other over-the-counter aids for constipation. Last visit was the first time the prescriptionLinzess was given, so we picked it up today 145 mcg once a day. A little leary about trying it after reading several comments.

@georgemorley - understood. I would hope that going into the future, your doctor would come to a firm diagnosis for you, so you can fully understand what is going on with your body and the mechanisms you are using to address it. A diagnosis would also help to be sure you are chatting with others on Mayo Clinic Connect who have situations the very most similar to yours.

I am not a medical professional by any means, but for instance, here are a few examples of things that can cause constipation:

- Irritable bowel syndrome https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016 You'll note this article has this to say about the types of IBS: For the purpose of treatment, IBS can be divided into four types, based on symptoms: constipation-predominant, diarrhea-predominant, mixed or unclassified.

- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20350284

- Intestinal obstruction https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/intestinal-obstruction/symptoms-causes/syc-20351460

What are your thoughts about asking your doctor if any of these or other diagnoses might explain the chronic constipation you've had to deal with?

@georgemorley I thought it was worth a try. Other than diarrhea, there don’t seem to be other problems and that is hopefully managed by stopping it or reducing dosage. Someone in discussions suggested to be sure to drink water with it to help effectiveness. Also attend to guidelines to not eat or drink anything for a while after taking it.
I take it on waking up with two glasses of water and wait for an hour before eating or having coffee etc.

@cezanne is taking it in the morning with the two glasses of water, improving your constipation problem? Have you taken it for very long?