Dr. Ahmed
Linzess withdrawal symptoms have been reported by about 0.2% of people who were using Linaclotide (Linzess) and stopped the drug for some reason.
Although withdrawal symptoms are common after a person using an addictive drug for a long time and stop using it abruptly.
Abrupt discontinuation of psychoactive drugs results in the reappearance of the original symptoms. Sometimes withdrawal symptoms may be more severe than the original symptoms.
Linaclotide (Linzess) Medication for IBS: Uses, Dosage, Cost, Side effects
What is Linzess?
Linzess is the brand name of Linaclotide. It is also available by the brand name Costella. It activates the intestinal GCC receptors and causes the activation of chloride channels in the luminal surface of the intestines.
It increases intestinal fluid, softens the stools, increases gut motility, relaxes intestinal muscles, and relieves abdominal pain.
What is Linzess Used for?
Linzess is indicated for the treatment of:
- Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), and
- Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
What happens if you abruptly stop Linzess?
Abruptly stopping Linzess may make your IBS symptoms return. You may notice a change in your bowel habits. Most people will complain of developing constipation, abdominal pain, and abdominal bloating.
What are Linzess Withdrawal Symptoms:
Typically, we may not call these withdrawal symptoms. Most symptoms that the patients experience are related to a return of the original symptoms (before Linzess treatment initiation).
These symptoms may include:
- Constipation
- Abdominal Pain
- Lumpy or hard stools
- Straining
- Abdominal bloating
- Flatulence, and
- A feeling of incomplete evacuation
However, some Linzess withdrawal symptoms are atypical. These may be called “Withdrawal Symptoms” and may or may not be related to IBS.
These may include:
- Headache
- Sweating
- Flushing
- Palpitation
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anger
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Body stiffness
- Tingling (pins and needles)
- Chest pain
- Chest tightness
- Increased urination
- Joint pains
Linzess (Linaclotide) for Weight Loss and IBS with Constipation
How Should You Discontinue Linzess to Avoid Linzess Withdrawal Symptoms?
If you have been on Linzess and your symptoms have resolved. You may discontinue it or at least give it a break. One can not take a drug for a lifetime!
However, to avoid the re-emergence of IBS symptoms, it is advisable to first reduce its frequency rather than abruptly discontinue it.
The usual dose is one capsule once daily before breakfast. You can try slowly discontinuing it by following these methods:
- If you are on a 290 mcg capsule once daily, first reduce your dose to 145 mcg for a week followed by 72 mcg for a week. The 72 mcg capsules can be discontinued abruptly or taken every other day for a week or so and then discontinued.
- Another method is to take your dose every other day for a week to ten days, then increase the duration further to one capsule every two to three days and then discontinue it.
Report Linzess Withdrawal Symptoms:
To report Linzess withdrawal symptoms, please answer a few questions here at the end.
- Question of
How long have you been using Linzess?
- Less than 3 months
- 3 to 6 months
- More than 6 months
- Question of
Why were you prescribed Linzess?
- for Constipation
- for IBS
- Question of
Did your symptoms improve with Linzess?
- Yes
- No
- Partially
- Question of
Why you stopped Linzess?
- Cost and Insurance issues
- Got better
- Developed side effects
- Not effective anymore
- Question of
What gut symptom bothered you the most after stopping Linzess?
- Constipation
- Abdominal Pain
- Bloating
- Question of
What withdrawal symptom bothered you the most?
- Headache
- Palpitations
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Anxiety and Depression
- Anger
- Chest tighness
