questran light
What is 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.
What symptoms does it treat?
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.
How is it taken?
Questran Light comes in powder form and is mixed with water or another liquid before swallowing. It is very important to follow all directions from your doctor when taking Questran, as it can prevent the absorption of vitamins if taken long-term, which could have serious health effects if not taken into consideration.
As with all drugs, please do not rely on the information on this page or any other website for medical advice - always consult a doctor with any questions, and make sure you read all instructions carefully.
REVIEWS OF QUESTRAN LIGHT
Review by Larry 
For 11 years I have visted 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 symtoms 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 11:00am 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? Please send in your review.