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Bentyl User Reviews & Ratings

Bentyl has an average rating of 7.3 out of 10 from a total of 133 reviews on Drugs.com. 69% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 19% reported a negative experience.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome  
7.3
133 reviews for Irritable Bowel Syndrome 153 medications
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Reviews for Bentyl

  • Bloat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 18, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I've suffered with the symptoms of IBS for years, including excess flatulence, ridiculous bloating, constant stomach pain and alternating constipation/diarrhea. I don't like to take prescription meds, so I tried probiotics, digestive enzymes, yogurt, kefir, peppermint oil, herbal supplements...all to no avail. I had developed such a severe pain in my right hand side, below the ribs, that I was starting to wonder if I had something more serious going on than just IBS. Within a few hours of taking this drug, my poor, outraged stomach and intestines probably cried with relief. The pain in my right hand side is gone. No more bloating or dreading the after-effects of meal time...no more avoiding social situations due to the IBS symptoms. My stomach has already gotten flatter and I no longer have the 5-month pregnant appearance thing going on. I've noticed some drowsiness and mild constipation, but these symptoms pale in comparison to the horrors of ongoing IBS pain."

10 / 10
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369 Report
  • Hangr...
  • June 7, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I honestly thought everyone’s stomach was uncomfortable after eating. It wasn’t until I started taking this drug twice daily that I had that revelation. My IBS Was getting to the point where I had crippling stomach pain 1-2 days out of every week. I started taking it as needed but there was little relief that way. My doctor told me to try taking it daily and it’s wonderful! No bloating and gas after meals (or in between) and I no longer look like I’m 4 months pregnant all the time. If I start feeling a little upset stomach I can take 1-2 more each day and that does the trick. I only feel mild tiredness, which is going away as I take the medication longer. I am so excited about the doors opening for me with the pain being put to rest!!"

10 / 10
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222 Report
  • Ibssu...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • July 13, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I am a very tiny 104 lb 21 year old that’s been suffering from IBS-D post cholecystectomy. Now it’s been a year since I deal with trapped wind, intestinal pain & bloating, diarrhea. It is literally my ileum & descending colon that I feel spasming horrendously; I can only imagine it feels like labor. I have a love and hate relationship with bentyl. I’m an emergency bentyl user (read the potential long term use effects). This helps at least 90% of the time. And when it kicks in, I think, “that attack wasn’t that bad”. It stops the spasming and it decreases the pain; score 10 pain during drops to a 2 60 ish minutes later. 8/10 because of side effects. Mine include blurry vision and confusion. I had to leave work one time because I was just confused, blurred vision, and having an anxiety attack. Believe me. Stay at home for the few hours or take it at night. I honestly hope I helped someone because IBS sufferers need to support each other."

8 / 10
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334 Report
  • Tomie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 11, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Doctor convinced me to try Bentyl for abdominal pain as he thought it was IBS. I suffer with constipation. He told me to start with 10 mg in the morning for 1 week then increase to twice a day because I am sensitive to many medications. Today was my fourth day and my pain and constipation are so severe I thought about going to the ER. I am trying to get my bowels moving again on my own. As my experience at the ER is they do a CAT scan, say everything looks ok and send me home in severe pain. If I call my GI doc he says if it's that severe go to the ER, and then ER sends me home. It's so frustrating. I'm glad it helps so many others. I will never take it again."

1 / 10
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209 Report
  • Jean
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 11, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "This past year started with extreme bloating then stomach pain for past few months. Underwent tests which found nothing other than an ulcer. The pain was making me very sick and I was desperate to try anything. I read reviews with this drug, but because nothing else helped, didn’t really think it would work. I started it last night and it is amazing! Felt better sometime after and when I woke up I had no stomach pain. I’ve taken it three times so far and feel so much better. Happy to finally feel relief from IBS-C! I really hope it continues to work and others can also benefit from it like I do."

10 / 10
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223 Report

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  • Peach...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 4, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I didn't have health insurance and assumed the treatment for my stomach problems would be high, so I avoided going. After, probably 2 years of diarrhea, bloating, horrible stomach cramping, etc. on a daily basis. I finally consented to going to our local town doctor. He prescribed me Bentyl at the highest dose (20mg 4x daily) and right after the first dose, I could feel the relief. I've been taking it for a little over a year now and it is a gift from God! It has helped me so much!"

8 / 10
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220 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 14, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "My gastroenterologist has prescribed several meds for my irritable bowel syndrome including mini enemas nightly for 6 weeks...pure awfulness I’ll tell you that. My symptom was horrible diarrhea and it really affected my quality of life. But since I began taking Bentyl (2 tablets, 20 mg each at bedtime) my diarrhea has completely stopped. I will therefore give it a 10 plus. Thank you for improving my quality of life!"

10 / 10
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195 Report
  • Finyte
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 7, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I was 18 when I took Bentyl, was having stomach problems on and off for about a year and a half, it was so bad one day where I couldn't get out of bed. About 5 months after that I was prescribed this medicine, it did NOT help at all. While I understand that it can be a hit or miss for most people I have to say that the side effects made my pain seem like nothing and that's not an exaggeration. I took my first dose in the evening (10mg) and within a half hour to 45 minutes my left arm and lower neck went completely numb, my hands were tingly, my vision became blurred, I had trouble breathing, I went cold, and I couldn't concentrate on anything. I even took the medicine and was safe about it, did everything my doctor told me to do but it made no difference. I genuinely believe this drug isn't worth the side effects, especially if you already suffer from mental problems like I do."

1 / 10
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122 Report
  • Blessed
  • December 14, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "So, I have been struggling for nearly a year after my Whipple surgery with terrible stomach pain, gas, bloating, spasms and painful bowel movements. Despite all my complaining and attempts to try different prescriptions, including Creon. My doctor finely put me on Bentyl and it has been the miracle drug I've been looking for. I can even sleep through the night now without waking to terrible stomach pain. I just can't believe how much better I am. If only I had found this sooner."

10 / 10
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112 Report
  • Hannah
  • December 2, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I’ve been dealing with IBS-C and stomach pain for a few years now. At first I was just managing it with over the counter probiotics, enzymes, fiber gummies, etc. but overtime everything stopped working. I needed something stronger once my stomach cramps got so bad it lead me to throw up and have awful diarrhea. My doctor prescribed me bentyl for the stomach cramps. I take bentyl as needed anytime I feel the onset of my stomach cramps, but typically I don’t need it more than once a day. As soon as I take it, the cramping subsides and I no longer get to the point of extreme pain. But in my experience, once my stomach cramps get to their worst point, I don’t find relief with bentyl. It only works for me if I catch it in time. I often feel my heart beating faster than usual, along with some drowsiness when I take it. A much better feeling than the cramping though. Also at times I feel it makes me more constipated, so I try not to take it too often since I have IBS-C."

8 / 10
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135 Report
  • Ibsibd...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 13, 2014

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Suffering from cramping, diarrhea, and spasms for over a month and within 10 mins of taking the 10mg pill I feel much better. I can actually walk around and not worry about having to be near the bathroom 24/7. Has not completely stopped spasms but has helped tremendously. The cramps have stopped! I would recommend anyone trying this out for irritable bowel syndrome/inflammatory bowel disease cramping relief. Female, IBD, 25yrs old."

9 / 10
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233 Report
  • No...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 22, 2014

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Amazing! I have been sick with Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Diarrhea for 5 years. Because of this I have been a stay at home mom those 5 years because I couldn't hold a job with my stomach issues. I have tried 4 different probiotics, Activia yogurt, pepper net extract pills, ginger pills, aloe juice and aloe pills. None have worked as effectively as this miracle pill after 2 days. I feel like a person again and not a toilet seat cover. I can now go to work because my kids are in school part time and I am not running to the bathroom. I have not experienced these side effects, only a little bloating. But I was always bloated anyway. I only hope this medicine has staying power and my body doesn't become used to it."

10 / 10
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231 Report
  • Niya
  • March 25, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "So I had a bad case of gastroenteritis and ended up in the ER due to bad stomach pains (LIKE REALLY BAD) vomiting, and unable to have bowel movements. The ER doc prescribed me Bentyl, and when I tell you I’m so happy to have found this forum, I am ecstatic! Not because this drug helped me but because there’s others who had the same HORRIBLE effects I had. Minutes from taking Bentyl, my mind was distorted , restless and I almost unhooked myself from the IV and walked out. I remember refusing treatment (ultrasound) which isn’t like me at all. I packed my bags and demanded to be discharged. I was a total lunatic, my mind was racing, I was very confused and I couldn’t focus. The car ride was the worst! I was hallucinating and in this weird foggy state for TWO DAYS. I thought it was tied to my viral illness but no it was from Bentyl. So when I say I’ll never take this again, I will never. I had crazy thoughts, I couldn’t sleep for two days, it was hell on earth. Never again!"

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138 Report
  • belly...
  • October 24, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have had IBS for about 18 years. Symptoms of bloating, swollen stomach, looking like I'm 6 mos pregnant, severe cramps, very loose bowels. Symptoms lasting weeks making me home bound and in bed. Eating crackers and drinking juice. I have went to a number of doctors. Finally my gastrollgist prescribing Bentyl. I was taking it 3 times daily then 2 times daily. Because of making me tired, I now only take it when I have flare ups. I try to take it at night when possible. This medicine has really helped me. I highly suggest it."

10 / 10
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226 Report
  • gorra
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 17, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Doctors are not sure what is wrong with me. My symptoms activate during the night, around 2 to 4am the pain in stomach sometimes boating and other times a burning sensation that feels Bentyl. I have had this medicine sitting on my coffee table for 3 days without taking it because I hate taking pills and I was waiting for another attack. Doc wanted me to take them 3 times a day. This morning at 6am I was having the pain. The pain in my back is 10 times worse then my stomach. So I took one Bentyl and within 10 mins the pain is gone. This was my first pill that I have taken that actually took the pain away. I have an attack about 3 days a week."

10 / 10
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215 Report
  • CeeFlo
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 21, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have Crohn's Disease and am experiencing a mild flare consisting of diarrhea, resulting in severe dehydration. (Spent a couple hours at Patient First yesterday receiving 2 bags of saline & needed more but refused the ER.) In between bouts of diarrhea, I was cramping/spasming and remembered last year during my month-long hospitalization for a severe flare, I was prescribed an antispasmodic. The attending physician looked up my chart and reminded me Bentyl was prescribed to me. I don't remember taking it very often/long last year, but for this flare, it has helped tremendously! I was able to have more solid BM's, decreased cramping/spasms, and literally no side effects. It's allowed me to sleep more without having to wake for urgent diarrhea in the middle of the night. Highly recommend at least trying this med! (10 mg, 4x/day)"

9 / 10
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113 Report
  • Sarah
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • October 2, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "IBS-D, sometimes C... this medication is great for IBS-D. On numerous occasions I’ve been out to dinner and suddenly started experiencing the all-too-familiar cramping that always leads to terribly painful bowel spasms and the need to find a restroom, stat. I can take one Bentyl at that moment to ease the spasms, get through the rest of the dinner meeting, and make it to my home. A sort of pleasant “side effect” is that it seems that since the Bentyl stops the spasms and effectively makes me able to wait longer to use the restroom, my stool isn’t so loose when I do finally go. Also, there is so much less abdominal pain associated with a bowel movement. I would highly, highly recommend this medication! I’ve noticed no adverse effects."

10 / 10
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141 Report
  • JayW
  • September 4, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have had trouble with cramping in my stomach and having the urge to use the restroom 5 times a day sometimes diarrhea and sometimes nothing . It was getting to the point where when I would lay down at night, my stomach would start cramping. I eventually had gotten under the grips of anxiety I figured I was WAY too young to have all these complications (I am 19 yrs. old.) so I went to the doctor and told him about my anxiety, stomach cramps, etc. He prescribed me Zoloft and Ativan. They didn't help at all and I finally hit rock bottom. I went back to the doctor and he prescribed me Bentyl. This drug is a miracle. I finally feel like I can live and breathe again! I don't have the worries like I had before. THANK YOU BENTYL!!!!!"

10 / 10
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173 Report
  • FifiL...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 7, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I'm in awe of how fast Bentyl worked for IBS. I've been in a horrible place for the past 6 years; right after I had my gallbladder removed. I started dumping bile a few times in the morning to having full blown IBS-D with no relief in sight. Then my primary doctor recommended Bentyl. It cost me a $1 for 120 pills. Before the Bentyl I was constant pain and diarrhea with nonstop spasms. BUT now I'm starting to get my energy back, looking to getting out of the house more (you know the anxiety..where is the closest bathroom, will it zap my energy etc etc), and praying this is a long term fix. I'm already chronically ill with Wegener's granulomatosis, but this bowel situation is worse than that most of the time. If you are at the end of your rope try this. I think the benefits for me far outweigh the side effects. So far, week 1, the only side effect is it makes me nap. I'm on chemo too, so put these meds together and I really sleep."

10 / 10
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103 Report
  • newki...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 6, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Started on BENTYL about three weeks ago, the second day I was on it my IBS went away completely, I have had no IBS at all. After over twenty years of fighting IBS, I found a doctor that prescribed the right medication. "

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110 Report
  • JustMe
  • August 9, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have had Irritable Bowel Syndrome-C for most of my adult life, and this medicine is the only thing that calms everything down. I do not take it every day - only when things get intolerable, and even then I usually try to take it at night, as it does cause drowsiness and "cognitive impairment." It definitely works, though! In my opinion, it's worth a try."

8 / 10
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161 Report
  • wawrz...
  • July 13, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have long-time IBS with two diverticulitis attacks within the last 4 months. This medication does quell my pain (10mg) within one hour of taking it. For this I would rate it at 10, however the side effects are very bad. Double blurry vision, extreme dizziness, lethargy and disorientation. Do not make any plans outside your home if you plan on taking this. I only use it when the pain and discomfort becomes extreme. So thankful my wife is a former EMT-I and a CRNA. She helps me much."

5 / 10
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81 Report
  • Dnicack
  • April 10, 2014

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I've dealt with severe irritable bowel syndrome problems since about 14, and the older I got, the worse it got. Nothing really helped until Bentyl. The only medicine that has ever helped me this far. It works within half an hour. The one downside is I can only take it outside of work because I feel "high" within ten minutes, every time."

9 / 10
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137 Report
  • IBS...
  • November 4, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Years I have had IBS. I hate it. So embarrassing. Bently helped so much. No more cramps. No more pain. No more running to the bathroom or missing time at work. The dry mouth is terrible but it's better than almost pooping my pants so I will put up with it."

9 / 10
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116 Report
  • Margie
  • June 26, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Great at first until you have to take as therapy for years. I have Headaches, confusion, memory loss, Mania, loss of sleep, I already have Anxiety disorders, This stuff can facilitate Glaucoma, Alzheimers. Blurrs vision from the start! Terrible no integrated health care so docs can learn to see the whole patient and avoid severe disruption of life. I'd rather nurse the severe trouble of advanced diverticular disease, IBS, Fructose malabsorbtion, Hiatus hernia type2, GERD, LPRD. I would rather not be blind and loose what is left of my mind. Terrible medication in the long run. Patients should be educated, better monitored for complications for all medical issues."

1 / 10
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120 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.