What does Zelnorm do to you? - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

Beth Ann · 02-13-2005, 08:57 AM

Hi,

I am on Zelnorm, but do not take it all the time. I was "diagnosed" with IBS w/constipation (no actual tests were done), and my doctor prescribed Zelnorm. If I am constipated, I take a Zelnorm and am in the bathroom around two hours later. It's like a bullet train going through me, and I cannot hold it. Is this normal? I would love to hear from others taking Zelnorm, and even from those who aren't.

Thanks!

upshutter17 · 02-13-2005, 10:54 AM

When I took it I didn't go. It never made me go. All others who are taking it would tell me that it makes themgo bad. It had like reverse actions on me. I had a bad time with it, it would make me feel dizzy and lethargic. Again, it just didn't work for me. Good luck.
Upshutter

Angelene · 02-13-2005, 06:24 PM

Did your Dr tell you to take it that way? I don't think that's what you're supposed to do, which is why it might have a laxative effect for you.

From what I understand, you take it as a preventative medicine. You take it 2 or 3 times a day (as your dr tells you to!) and after a little while you start to have normal bowel movements. It is supposed to coordinate the muscles in your intestines to help you go, and to help you have more productive bm's. I think you should take it regularly, and not just every once in a while when you feel backed up. That could be the problem.

Beth Ann · 02-14-2005, 07:52 AM

My doctor told me to take it twice a day, every day. But, with the effect that it has on me, I think that would be torture. I think I just need to go back to the doctor. You guys that have IBS.....were you tested? I wasn't, and I just don't think my doctor should just draw a conclusion.

Sugaree0227 · 02-16-2005, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beth Ann

You guys that have IBS.....were you tested? I wasn't, and I just don't think my doctor should just draw a conclusion.

My fiance has been tested for several things to rule out things other than IBS. The way his docter explained it to us is that there is no real test for IBS, it's one of those things that is diagnosed after everything else has come back negative. That being said, it seems to me that docters are more likely to diagnose women with IBS than men. It took 17 years for my fiance to get this diagnosis. His other docters wouldn't diagnose a man with IBS and refered him to a psychatrist because it was "all in his head."