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IBS Tales Home > Treatment Reviews > IBS Medications > Questran Light

Questran Light (cholestyramine) is a drug which absorbs bile acids in the intestines. There are two forms of Questran: the standard Questran, which contains cholestyramine and sucrose, and Questran Light, the low-calorie form which contains cholestyramine and aspartame (aspartame is an artificial sweetener). It's worth noting that artificial sweeteners can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some people, including diarrhea, and some IBS sufferers may be sensitive to the aspartame in Questran Light.

Questran Light is used to treat diarrhea, as excess bile acid in the intestines can lead to loose stools. In particular, patients who have had their gallbladders removed may find that they have bile-related diarrhea, as bile is normally stored in the gallbladder.

Questran Light comes in powder form and is mixed with water or another liquid before swallowing. Questran and Questran Light may interfere with the absorption of vitamins so always follow medical advcie carefully.

Questran Light side effects

The most common side effects of Questran Light are constipation, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, belching and excessive gas.

REVIEWS OF QUESTRAN LIGHT

Review by Amanda

I had my gallbladder out in 2014 and since then have had diarrhea. For the last 10 months I have been on Questran Light and I've gained weight and had a normal diet which has been awesome. For the last two or three weeks the diarrhea has returned daily.

I'm now taking three sachets a day when I was able to manage all year with half to one sachet of Questran Light! Has anyone taken Imodium and Questran together?

Review by Nycky

I had my gallbladder removed in June 2010 when I was 21 and two years later I had chronic diarrhea and IBS that ruined my life. I couldn't enjoy doing anything outside my home because I have a panic attack if I'm not close to a bathroom. My doctor told me it's IBS and anxiety and I need to change the way I think!

I kept begging her to refer me to a GI doctor and a year later she finally did. I was prescribed Questran Light. I have been on it about a week now and it worked instantly! I went from running to the bathroom eight to twelve times a day to one normal BM in the morning. I don't like the nasty taste and texture but it really works. I highly recommend this to anyone with chronic diarrhea. It definitely gave me back my social life and I can stay for a whole eight hour shift at work now as well.

Review by Robin

I took Questran Light for about two and a half years and found that it really helped with my IBS-D. The thought behind taking it is that the gallbladder can contribute to IBS-type symptoms if there is an excess of bile salt being released into the intestines, and the Questran Light will soak up the excess bile salts. The Questran seemed to taste best in orange juice. It is a little powdery so you may find chunks of unmixed powder in the liquid, but if it sits a while before you drink it, the chunks seem to dissolve.

My only complaint is that it can be sort of a pain to try to carry the can around with you on vacation, but it does also come in little single-serve envelopes which work well for travel. I ended up going off it because my GI doctor changed me to a different medication, but I highly recommend Questran Light. I'd say my symptoms decreased by about 70% between using the Questran and following the IBS Audio Hypnosis CDs by Michael Mahoney.

Review by Larry

For 11 years I have visited one gastro doctor after another. They all responded to me with the same three meaningless letters - IBS. Go take some fiber, watch the fat etc. Finally I saw a young doctor who had only recently certified as a gastro specialist. She immediately told me to try Questran Light and I did. It stopped my symptoms on the dime. Gone! I was cured in one day. Never been sick again.

Review by Ervin

I have been taking Questran Light since 1992. I had my gallbladder removed in 1990 and suffered with uncontrollable diarrhea for two years before I went to the doctor. Ever since, I take three quarters of a scoop of Questran Light first thing in the morning and I can eat whatever I want and not have to worry about staying near a restroom.

Of course, on the days that I forget to take it, I remember about 11 in the morning when I start getting cramps, and taking the medicine after the cramps have started is too late. I have found that it takes approximately two hours before working.

Review by Dave

My gallbladder was removed some 18 months ago, and for various reasons I also ended up with a prosthetic bile duct. Some months after the operation, I had to make certain that a toilet was nearby within 30 minutes of eating, which was a major pain. I also started to develop reflux, very unpleasant. My doctor prescribed several different types of medication, with mixed results, but I eventually spoke to a specialist who suggested Questran Light. One dose of wallpaper paste every morning and bingo, I got my life back! No more problems. It's only been two months but so far so good.

Review by Tony

I had my gallbladder removed more than a year ago and I was very happy because I was saved from the horrible pain that the gallstones caused. After the surgery, my surgeon told me that I was cured and that I was not going to miss my gallbladder. Well, to tell you the truth I now miss my gallbladder very much.

The reason for this is that after the surgery I developed nasty diarrhea, and I had a horrible time. I couldn't think of anything else but my bowel. I couldn't go anywhere without going to the bathroom seven or eight times and draining my bowel. I started to become isolated and afraid to get out of the house, because of the fear of this crazy diarrhea.

It was the worst time of my life and I wanted answers. I talked to a gastroenterologist and he recommended Questran Light. Man, I was saved. I am taking two packets a day, one in the morning, one at night, and I feel so much better. I know that there are people out there just like me with the same symptoms and I hope that everybody gets well because we are the ones who know how embarrassing and devastating IBS can be. So for sure I will recommend Questran, but make sure to talk to your doctor first, because not everybody can use this drug.

Do you suffer from IBS? Have you tried Questran Light? Please contact Sophie to send in your review.

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