IBS-C / Amitiza

Has anyone taken Amitiza and, if so, what are your experiences?  Thanks.

Melanie

It did nothing for me. I took the samples provided for 2-3 weeks then I did not fill the prescription.

I have taken it for over a year. I started taking it afer Zelnorm was taken off of the market. It works for me OK. It keeps me regular but is not as good as Zelnorm.

Marcia

Marcia:

Did you experience any of the side effects and do you take anything else to help keep you regular other than the Amitiza?  I started it on Sunday and it has done nothing for me other than give me every side effect you can imagine.  My doctor wants me to give it a chance but I feel like a Zombie and have not had a bowel movement yet.
THanks.
Melanie

Melanie,

I also take a stool softner (500 mg per day). In fact I have taken this amount of stool softners for about 15yrs since I have suffered from constipation all my adult life.

My doctor told me to not start the Amatiza when of was already constipated. She suggested I use another laxitive to get myself cleaned out then start the Amatiza. I also do not take it a perscibed. Instead of taking one pill twice a day, I take two pills in the AM and it works in about 40 minutes. Now I just take one in the AM but if I start to get "backed up" I will take two at the same time.

Since you are already miserable Amatiza probably wont work at this point. It's seems to keep you going rather than break the impass. I am no doctory but I would suggest to take another laxitive that has worked for you in the past or give yourself an enima. Get yourself all cleaned out then start the Amatiza.

I know had bad you feel. Like I said, it is something that I have struggled with even before WLS. Good luck.

Marcia

Marcia:

Thanks for the advice.  I'm going to try your suggested and "get myself all cleaned out" then start the Amatiza.  Hopefully this is the answer!

Melanie

Melanie:

I almost forgot to tell you to be sure and take the Amatiza BEFORE you eat. It doesn't seem to work if you take it after your eat or even with your meal.

Marcia

Melanie,

I forgot to tell you to be sure to take the Amaitza BEFORE you eat. It doesn't seem to work if you take it after you eat or with your meal. I make sure that I take it on an empty stomach.

Marcia