Hi @lebanon100, I moved your question about linaclotide (brand name Linzess or Constella) to this discussion that @sue225 started a while back:
- Feedback on Linzess for Irritable Bowel-C or Chronic Constipation https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/feedback-on-linzess-for-irritable-bowel-c-or-chronic-constipation/

I did this so you can read previous helpful posts of the expeiences of others and connect with many members dealing with IBS-C and chronic constipation like Sue and @ric2 @grateful4life22 @tarmansbks @upartist @lasirvent @astaingegerdm @aethos @heyjoe415 and others.

I was a participant in the drug trial for Linzess, although it was a blind trial and I didn’t know the name of the drug at the time. I’m 100% sure that I was on the actual drug and not the placebo because of the reaction I had to it. Fast forward 2 years later and they called me to take part again as the drug was headed for final FDA approval. I declined, but that was how I found out the drug name. The best advice I have for anyone suffering from chronic constipation is to try eating Australian black licorice. I have suggested this to several friends undergoing chemotherapy who were experiencing constipation and it worked for all of them. This is my go to remedy- hopefully it may work for you also. Be warned- flavor is very strong and different from normal black licorice. Good luck!

Hello Lebanon100. That is an interesting reaction to the Linaclotide. I get arrythmia here and there, and its uncomfortable. I have been taking the linzess for years. I also have to use miralax along with a careful diet. All together, I do have to keep close tabs on my hydration... then on to my electrolyte balances according to what is happening with the bowel. It gets tricky at times. I work to keep the stools unformed, which does effect my electrolyte levels. The electrolytes can potentially effect the heart. Pain levels can be debilitating when my stool backs up (even when they are loose to liquid). The linzess helps decrease this pain so the bowel is less likely to spasm up and create blockage. The amount of water drawn into the bowel can potentially dehydrate the body. I choose to work with these medications, because without them, the pain levels are truly overwhelming and can incapacitate me. I have just begun to use electrolyte drops in my water, as I drink a lot of water. I will see if the episodes of arrhythmia are impacted. They may not be impacted. In addition, I love Australian licorice (YUM!!!), but it has never had any effect on my bowel patterns. You might want to talk to cardiology regarding the arrhythmia. Possibly a completely separate issue. Good luck with this.... and be aware that not all the IBS-C comes from the same etiology, and therefore must be managed differently.
Cheers!!!!