Severe Abdominal Pain. IBS? GLP-1?

Posted by taurentz @taurentz, Apr 27 9:01pm

I’m currently suffering from severe cramping and diarrhea. 5 days, no relief. I’ve had a scope, colonoscopy and CT. Nothing of note so they’ve defaulted to IBS. Could it be a GLP1 side effect? I last took it 6 days again and won’t again.

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beachy | @beachy | Apr 29 6:50am

I've been taking Mounjaro for type II diabetes since July 2025. Initially, I seemed to do fine with gradual increases in doses. Managed to lose 30 pounds. At 7.5 mg, I started experiencing severe reflux and my liver enzymes elevated. Gastro dr scheduled colonoscopy & endoscopy. Then, I started to have to stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. I requested to return to 5mg. I am able to tolerate this dose. But, no further weight loss. Scopes are next week, and we'll see what results are. I truly think all this was caused by GLP-1 and Omeprazole which is for acid reflux. All these symptoms are listed as side effects. Good luck.

bettbi | @bettbi | Apr 29 11:03am

Thank you for reporting this. These GLP1 drugs have sounded too good to be true. But after reading that some of them can alleviate IBS symptoms, I was planning to ask my doctor about trying them. I've also read that IBS can come on due to sudden infections or illnesses. Could the side effects from these drugs also stir up IBS symptoms? Considering that gastrointestinal side effects are common when taking them, it certainly seems possible. Now seems like asking for trouble to take a drug carrying that sort of risk. I've had IBS-D for 30 years and have yet to be prescribed a drug that was effective without bringing with it at least one serious side effect. It is not reassuring about the pharmaceutical industry that when I run searches looking for medical remedies for IBS bloating, the best I can find are suggestions to try Gax-X, Sleepy Time tea, a heating pad or Vicks Vapo Inhalers.

luckywoman | @luckywoman | Apr 30 8:06am

I am following this closely. I started on compounded Tirzepetide only after consulting with my Gastronologist and Arthritis Dr.
Both told me it was totally safe to take although I have diverticulosis. So far so good, but I am on a low dose, just two weeks into this journey. I have also added water, walking, and yoga to my daily regimen.
Hoping this isn’t too good to be true. I am 72 years young.

schmidty | @schmidty | May 10 1:47am

IBS and cramping is awful! Did yours start after you began taking the GLP-1? I'm on GLP-1 (since Nov 2025) and actually have the opposite issue most often; especially if I don't hydrate properly. Back in 1995 after a gallbladder removal I began having Bile Acid Diarrhea (BAD) but was told it was IBS and it went on for years. Cholestyramine finally fixed that just a few years ago when I was correctly diagnosed. But fiber (psyllium; not all fibers are the same) can (and did) really help. If you choose to take it, start with a tiny amount and increase very slowly. Drink a lot of water! It's easiest to take in yogurt or apple sauce. I hope this was helpful as IBS is no fun!