Patient Log of Experience Using AMITIZA
DRUG RATINGS REPORTS HISTORY FOR A PATIENT TAKING AMITIZA
| Key to ratings for AMITIZA: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
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| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken and Dosage | Date Added | |
| 2 | chronic constipation | nausea and headaches, but most surprisingly, the drug seemed actually to increase my constipation. It was totally ineffective | I started on the 8 mcg dosage. I was suffering from chronic constipation caused by other medications, and although I was able to keep my bowels moving, it was difficult to avoid diarrhea with OCT remedies like Milk of Magnesia. Most importantly, I have chronic interstitial cystitis, and it seemed that my bowel problems made the IC worse. My doctor started me on MiraLax, which was a disaster I won't discuss here. When the 8 mcg dosage did nothing, my doctor upped the dosage to 24 mcg twice daily. Still, nothing except bloating, headaches and nausea. My nurse said give it more time, and use milk of magnesia with it until you begin to be regular. Well, one adult dose of Milk of Magnesia produced violent diarrhea lasting 36 hours, after which, even with small doses (less than a tablespoon) of Milk of Magnesia, I still got no noticeable relief except from the Milk of Mag. Without it, the Amitiza was useless. After about three weeks of this nonsense, I decided that the expense for an ineffective drug was absurd, and discontinued it. I don't know where to turn now. I will continue taking (as I have for almost two years) a good probiotic, psyllium husk caps, magnesium (elemental, chelated), and small doses of milk of mag 3 times a day. I also exercise 30-45 minutes daily. This protocol avoids diarrhea and promotes bowel movements, but I don't feel really normal or good, and still believe my bowel is making the interstitial cystitis worse. | F | 65 | 24 mcg 2X D | 10/3/2010 | |
| 2 | chronic constipation | No change. The drug simply doesn't work for me. | Obviously, lots of people really get enormous relief from this drug. We're all different -- I'm one of the unlucky few the drug doesn't help. What a disappointment. | F | 65 | 3 weeks 24 mcg 2X D | 10/4/2010 | |