Feedback on Linzess for Irritable Bowel-C or Chronic Constipation

@charzy

You said, "It's not the only time I've thought I'd found the answer, only to have it peter out. Developed a resistance? Who knows." That's my story too: either something doesn't work at all, or it only works the first time and then never works again.

I'm recovering from my latest disappointment. Started magnesium glycinate. Found "Ocean"'s brand online after entering "best". Came up on several sites. Three capsules daily, all at once, no food direction. 275 mg (65% of daily requirement). Worked better than anything had in YEARS, for more than a month. BUT -- it was making me tired. Then it was making me more than tired -- I just felt lousy. Checked online comments and was advised to try a lesser dosage. But would a lesser dosage produce results? I'll have to find out later, if at all. Right now I'm laying off the mag trying to feel better. Took a Linzess this AM, and it helped the constipation. Still feel ... unwell.
My life is wonderful except for this, and this is bigger than anything good. Relatable?

@charzy magnesium supplements are not for everyone…there are different kinds, some more easily tolerated…i had to change bone supplements to find one with less magnesium and that came in small tabs so I could find the dosage best for me…dosage does matter. wishing you healing….

@sue225 I was sent to a Dr once who offered that drug and said to me, "You'll have guaranteed diarrhea for 6 weeks." That was enough for me to get up and walk out. Smh. I'm so sorry your stomach is in happy - I can truly empathize - please consider getting another opinion and potentially on a different medication altogether. Sending hugs.

@nycmusic Thanks, nycmusic. And I do know dosage matters. It's one of a number of variables. Glad your situation worked out eventually. I have hope for mine.

@rivermaya34 Thanks for the support, rivermaya34.

My IBS-C, is the initial diagnosis awaiting more info from tests. Prescribed the Lowest dose of Linzess 72mcg with no change over 1/1/2 months. Now about 1 month in on the 290mcg which I think is working: take with water on awakening and no eating or coffee etc for an hour. About 6 hours later watery diarrhea repeatedly 2-4 times until over by noon. No formed stool at all.
My CT scan two weeks ago showed a large stool load throughout my colon.
If anyone can shed light on this, I would appreciate it. Is this within the realm of what to expect and will things settle down. Any tips welcome.
I have a sliding hiatal hernia (not severe symptoms but occasional nausea and fullness) and silent reflux.
Thanks

@cezanne - Hi. Since you mentioned IBS-C and taking linaclotide (Linzess), I thought you might like to be part of this thread where others are discussing this same topic:

- 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'd like you to meet @sue225 @mrsbv @grateful4life22 @tarmansbks @astaingegerdm and others, who may be able to tell you from their experiences or things they've read or observed in others about whether this progression you mentioned with taking linaclotide (Linzess) is as expected:

cezanne, you said you take it with water on awakening with no eating or coffee, etc., for an hour. About 6 hours later you have watery diarrhea repeatedly 2-4 times until it's over by noon. No formed stool at all. You also said your CT scan two weeks ago showed a large stool load throughout your colon.

Will this continue this way, or will it settle down as cezanne takes this medication?

@cezanne
I’m sorry that you too suffer from chronic constipation.
I don’t know how Linzess functions but what you see as diarrhea is liquid stool running down outside the hard stool that’s in your colon. With chronic constipation more and more stool collects in the colon- causing it to expand and can hold more. I don’t think Linzess is going to help you.
You need to see a GI that knows how to treat us with chronic constipation. I’m not sure what methods they use nowadays, but it will take time to control. It took time to get to where you are now.
I hope you have had bloodwork done that includes a thyroid test. Low thyroid function can cause constipation.
If possible, try to find a GI department at a university hospital. They are more likely to be experienced with this problem. You are not alone, believe me.

Can't recall why it didn't agree with me It has been too many colonoscopies ago but I want to check one of my pills newsletters to see what it says. Phillips milk of magnesia is my solution, pardon the pun, for my lazy plumbing.