Has anyone tried Amitiza for IBS-C?

[freewaysbandit]

Does Amitiza really work?
by freewaysbandit
I posed this question in the gastroenterology section but didn't get any feedback. Decided I should move it to this forum. It's now been 3 weeks on 8mg twice daily. The situation has not improved. In fact, I'm back to feeling bloated, decreased appetite and just uncomfortable. To complicate the situation, the dentist started me on an antibiotic one week ago for an abscessed tooth. I tried to talk to him and his staff about my disgestive disorder when they told me the antibiotic was a really "strong" one. That information fell on deaf ears! So far, I have not had diarhhea from the antibiotic. I do know that may not happen until I've completed the drug.
So...I guess I'm looking for anyone who has been on Amitiza, regardless of his/her outcome.

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freewaysbandit
Member since Aug 2008  



, Aug 31, 2008 01:04PM
Tags: heartburn, dose, amitiza, pain
Looking for feedback on Amitiza. Started on 24 mg twice a day for eight days. Then instructed to start 8 mg twice a day. I've been on the lower dose for 1 week. Unfortunately, I noticed a return of some symptoms last week although not as severe is initial onset of pain. I've become constipated again, recurring heartburn and some pain on the lower right side of my abdomen. Continuing to increase daily fiber intake along with Rx. Just wondering if I need to give the lower dose more time to work or is it time to call the doctor again?

[BeJoka]

I have been taking amitiza for a month now and it works great. I haven't had any of the side effects that everyone is talking about at all. When I take it though I always take it after I eat.

[Blueshallow]

hello
I been in amitiza for about 2 month and it works u just need to give it time.
I suffer from IBS with constipation and try all kind of med..miralax to colace etc my dr even did a colonscopy but couldnt complete because of blockage and i even drank 2 gallon of that nasty liquid they make u drink to clean u out and only went to the bathroom 3 times. i do have a slow digestive problem as they did ct scan xray and found out that too. at first they start u with 8mg for a week and then u increased it to 24mg if u dont see result my doctor told me i might have to take the 3 cap because of my constipation being bad. Plus too u have to aviod certain food mostly caffein and anything gasing spicy consume fiber i know it hard.. but if u do ur diet intake well and the pill it does work.. it does give u upset stomach for most or other effect but take it with food u do get used to it just give it time.  So,, depends hows ur constipation its whats ur intake of the pill.any question please feel free to ask

[keri5]

yes amitzia 8 mg works. First cleanse your system out and then ask your doctor to put you on it. ive been on it for 6 months now and its great! if you take it without cleansing your system it prolly wont work.

[Lesismore]

I am glad to hear the Amitiza worked though I agree even with my insurance the co-pay was 63$.  I am just looking for something to make me feel better and regular!!!  I was taking multiple vegtable laxatives each night with not the greatest results.  I agree about the colon cleanse. It is a scam for sure. Tried it and it did not do a thing but cost me over 150$!!!! And it was aweful to drink.  I hope you continue on the Amitiza....stay well!

[kasebria]

The problem with using products that do a colon cleanse is that they are filled with laxatives, yes most of them have natural elements, but laxatives none the less.  This actually causes more problems to your colon over a period of time. I swore by a colon cleanse product prior to my colonoscopy it was the ONLY thing that made me regular.  Then my GI doc showed me the discoloration that the laxative did to my colon, this was I believe caused by the laxatives blocking necessary elements in my diet to keep a colon healthy!  I did try Amitiza, it does work for me, 8 mcg twice daily.  I went off of it due to the cost, and ended up in the hospital.... NOT fun.  I am back on Amitiza now, and hoping to be back to normal soon.

[td123]

My dr started me on 8mg of amitiza twice a day and I felt better. After my colonscopy which came out good except for a lazy colon he increased my dosage to 24 mg twice a day.  I was soooooo sick.  I had nausea and terrible diarrhea so bad that I had to go home from work.  My gastro told me to switch to 24 mg every other day and only once a day but I'm afraid to try it again. I just started back on the 8mg samples he gave me twice a day. Let's see if that works.   I'm also trying to get in 35 to 40 grams of fiber every day. Wouldn't it be nice to just be normal?  

[FurballsMom]

I'm glad I decided to check out this question.  I hadn't heard of this drug myself.  I think I'll steer clear of it, since so many people are saying that it doesn't work for them.  It doesn't make sense to take something like that if it doesn't work, especially since I have a lot of pharmaceutical sensitivities due to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).  I have more food sensitivities than I can shake a stick at.  Drives me nuts.  I have the same ones as you do, plus loads of others.  I did find a fiber supplement that helps, because I can't take psyllium fiber myself.  It aggravates my GERD and I found that it actually just irritated my colon without really helping me.  The nice thing about FLAXSEED MEAL is that one doesn't have to take it the same way as one does the psyllium fiber.  It can actually be added directly to food, like people who aren't sensitive to wheat can do with wheat bran.  Wheat bran obviously only made the constipation a whole lot worse, because I found out that I have Celiac.  People may not realize this, but Celiac doesn't have to present itself as chronic diarrhea, which is the classic symptom of Celiac.  I thought I should mention flaxseed meal for those who have food sensitivities.  It's quite common for people to have GERD at the same time as IBS.

[sparkle40]

24mcg works for me.  I am taking 1 a day.  Then when the gut works properly I stop taking it.  I have no problems taking this medication, I feel fine on it.  But at the same time I found what was triggering some serious bouts of constipation. I have some food sensitivities.  Can't do Wheat, Citrus or preservatives.

[turbo236]

Hello, I see is has been a while since your ordeal.  Hopefully you've found a sensible solution.  While I don't have IBS, I do suffer from chronic constipation from heavy narcotic use for chronic pain.  I was just prescribed 24mcg Amitiza and told to take them twice daily, haven't started yet.  What I have done in the past is one capful of miralax and 200mg of colace per day.  Just recently I learned of something the medical field refers to as the "GI Cocktail".  It consists of: 1/4 cup Unprocessed Wheat Bran, 1/4 cup Applesauce, and 1/4 cup Prune Juice.  Not the greatest tasting concoction ever blended up, but I added that to my miralax and colace regimen and I have been able to maintain a fairly regular bowel schedule, which is very hard for me to do.

[MaryLR08]

Hi, I was just put on amitza and it is helping some, however, I am getting a headache from it along with nausea.  I will continue it for a few days to a week and see how it goes.  I will check out the ACOG Colon Cleanse though.  I was on 8mcg of the amitiza first twice a day and it didn't help at all, now I am on the 24mcg twice a day and it seems to be helping, I have to be home though while taking it if you know what I mean?  How are you since posting your message?
Mary

[freewaysbandit]

Thanks Mike,
I'd given up hope about getting any feedback on my question. It looks like I can check out ACOG Colon Cleanse at a local GNC. I'll have to give it a shot because the Amitiza along with daily fiber capsules and colace aren't doing the trick.

[Mike341]

Hey,
You're right, that Amitiza does not work. But, my friend I happen to have found something that does. I may be wrong but it seems like the medical doctors are only interested in my pockets. However, I talked to an herbal doctor and he suggest an all natural digestive assistant called ACOG Colon Cleanse. It is also called ACOG Herbal Master Body and Colon Cleanse. He recommends it to all of his IBS and constipation patiens. I'll tell you, this stuff really works and I found that it not only helped my digestion, but it also keeps me at a good weight. It's very easy to take (kosher capsules) and you don'[t have to worry about being rushed to the bathroom because it doesn't use harsh laxatives. I was very pleased with the results and I think you will be too. Just Google ACOG Colon Cleanse for more info.

Peace