I would just like to affirm the many people who complained about sever symptoms of taking this drug. It did help the constipation somewhat--but I had to be VERY careful what time of the day I took it. I took Amitiza for many years..don't know what happened, but it became ineffective..I suspect long time use. I was always having real problems with bloating, but they increased significantly with Linzess. I

It was like a predictable cycle. One day would have "normal" (not entirely, but way better than it was.) bms.. Then the next day, I would have "minor" BM but begin bloating with painful gas. Then 3rd day I would have so much fluid in abdomen that it was difficult to urinate..I visualised the intestines bloating, pushing the bladder out of normal position, because I would actually have little urge to go to the bathroom during the day . I would eat or drink things that provided bulk, even milk of magnesia, etc. Then I would begin bm's again, the excess fluid would go through my kidneys, just getting out of my abdomen..I would change from looking pregnant to normal (no exaggeration), have maybe a good day and then it would start again.

Needless to say, I kept taking Linzess only about 2 months , hoping my body would adjust..but it didn't. Finally stopped. I got a very good quality fiber --included soluble and insoluble fibre, started taking stool softeners for about a month... and most of the problems went away. I did end up gaining 5 lbs, but I just considered it as a side effect..and glad the drug finally out of my system.

I will say one thing positive, it did alleviate the intense constipation that I had before beginning Linzess --and the constant pain went away. I also really checked the side effects of all my drugs, and tried to stop any that I could.

I honestly think taking fibre, making sure I get the "good" needed bacteria balance for good digestion, and stool softeners from time to time is just the better way to go for me.

To any people who are helped with Linzess..I say congratulations.

But to all who went thru the fluid retention. bloating, etc... It isn't just your imagination. Linzess can do that to people. I do wish the doctors would advise their patients about this problem (and sure some of their patients went through this reaction) of the possible problems, so that if it does begin happening to them--then stop that drug right away.