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Dulcolax for Constipation User Reviews (Page 2)

Reviews for Dulcolax

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Hur...
  • December 21, 2014

"I tried it and took 2 pills with lots of water and ended up staying up all night, crying from severe abdominal pains. Then throwing up with the pain becoming worse. Finally, 12 hours later, while still in pain, I had the most painful bowel movement. I'm still on bed rest from the cramps, and it hurts to stand upright. If you choose to take this, please be careful. It's effective but at a painful cost."

8 / 10
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  • Fan...
  • October 29, 2019

"I had been constipated for several days and decided it was time to try a laxative. I picked Dulcolax because it advertised as 'gentle relief.' This was the beginning of my doom. I took two at bedtime because of the suggested dosage. I woke up a few hours later in a cold sweat with some of the worst stomach cramps ever. I rushed to the toilet and had a massive explosion of diarrhea. I honestly thought my organs were leaving my body, it felt like a never-ending evacuation out of my rear end. I felt horrible the whole time and started to get dizzy. I ended up passing out on the toilet and falling into the bathtub. Upon waking up, I stood up to get myself together and I passed out again. I ended up having to call an ambulance and went to the ER, where I had the pleasant experience of explaining to every medical professional I came in contact with that I had passed out while pooping. It did thoroughly clear out my bowels, but I would not wish this nightmare upon anyone."

4 / 10
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  • Unc...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 13, 2014

"I hadn't gone for 4 days and decided to try Dulcolax. I am 5'1" and 120 lbs. The bottle says anywhere from 1-3 pills, and my constipation was pretty bad, so I decided to take 2. Worst mistake of my life. I took the pills at 2:00 pm, and by 6 pm I had the most terrible cramps I have ever felt in my entire life. I was shaking, cold sweating, and felt like I was going to throw up several times. Hours later, and I'm still having terrible diarrhea. It works, but the side effects are too much for me."

7 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Day...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 2, 2020

"DO NOT! JUST DON’T! Took at 9:00 pm. Woke up at midnight feeling like I was in labor, the stomach cramps were so severe. Then the spasms and convulsions started. I thought I was dying. I was too sick and embarrassed to wake my husband up, so I just sat on the toilet, nauseous, crying, convulsing, hurting, throwing up, and dizzy. I was fine by 9:00 am the next morning but very weak and tired from all the labor... I mean suffering."

1 / 10
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  • one...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 20, 2024

"I'd struggled going to the toilet for 5 days, and I'm normally very regular with minimal effort once a day. I grabbed some Dulcolax from the supermarket and took 1 at 10 pm immediately before getting into bed. I then read reviews and instantly started to regret taking it - but I shouldn't have done! I woke up at 5 am with some cramps, no worse than period pain, and some tummy rumbles. I got up to the loo, passed A LOT of gas, and then spent probably 15 minutes emptying my bowels while playing a game on my phone. Solid at first then liquid. 5 days of buildup evacuated - it was glorious! I did feel a bit sick, but once I was done I was back in bed and asleep by 5:30 am and then got up at 7 to start my day as normal. No further issues. It did the job! Definitely only take ONE. I'm writing this review for anyone else who, like me, has bought/taken Dulcolax and read these reviews and is now consumed with fear/regret. Follow the instructions and it is perfectly fine."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 1, 2019

"Took 2 ... I knew what to expect from previous experience. I love the whole 'easy, predictable relief the next morning' sales patter. But nothing, NOTHING! Prepares you for what happens 6-8 hours after taking them. The cramp. That burn. That stagger to the bathroom. That inability to ever trust a fart again. Then it happens. Like a Cape Canaveral launch. You are reintroduced to the Xmas dinner from 1992. You need to buy new clothes because nothing in your wardrobe fits your shriveled Gollum-like carcass anymore. Take when needed. Sleep in the bathroom. And pray to God you have drunk enough fluid to protect your kidneys before the bisacodyl sucks it all into your bowels."

10 / 10
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  • Dol...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 23, 2020

"This past Friday night, the 21st of Feb, I took one Dulcolax for constipation as per directions on the box, which said 1-3 may be taken. It was about 9:00 pm when I took it. By about 10, the pain and nausea started and grew steadily worse. By 11, I was in agony, sweating profusely, so much so my hubby had to peel my pajamas off me, they were soaked. Finally, yesterday a BM, but still cramping today. It's Sunday, and it's still painful, the nausea and acid bubbling in my throat, sweating, and those cramps that I can feel in front up to the bottom of my ribs, so it's probably intestines, and even my back feels like I was hit with a bat across the ribs, same location, under the ribs. Please take care using this product, drink plenty of water. Most of us on these reviews have given you the basic info we felt we needed to call 911. As women, we are strong, but this brought me to my knees. I took it only once, and it was the lowest amount, just a horrible experience."

1 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • January 5, 2020

"A month ago I had gone three days with no BM, and so I took 2 Dulcolax pills at bedtime and awoke with a horrific stomach ache in the middle of the night and barely a bowel movement the next day. It has been a month since that experience, and I took a chance the first side effects from Dulcolax were a fluke since I have now gone 5 days with no BM. I took 3 pills before bed since 2 weren't effective last month, and I just woke up. I can barely breathe, so nauseated with horrific stomach pain and cramping. Too sick to take my dogs outside to potty from the nausea and pain. No BM yet, just nauseated with stomach pain radiating into my back and spine and a little gas. I'm done. This product is awful and NOT gentle. I have been laying here too sick to sleep for a couple of hours waiting for the stomach pain to alleviate, and so I Googled Dulcolax stomach pain. I am surprised how many people suffered like I am. This is my first medicine review, but I felt I needed to say something."

1 / 10
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  • Ame...
  • November 17, 2019

"Liquid Dulcolax seemed to be the fastest - relief at 30 minutes to 6 hours. After all, I do have work tomorrow. I took the recommended dose around 10 a.m. Two hours, nothing - not even a fart. After waiting three hours total, I took another full dose, it tastes good. At 3 o'clock, my chicken & dumplings, mashed potatoes, and candied carrots were done, we all had dinner. I was starting to get a few rumbles by the time my meal was finished. I was happy to know the time was coming & wouldn't be at work for the grand finale. I was finishing my glass of water, stomach flopped, made a loud growling sound & my butt puckered. I ran for the toilet, barely making it to let out the most unholy explosion. I swear I just pooped everything I've eaten in the last 2 weeks. I HAD TO FLUSH 2X WHILE STILL GOING. This stuff works. It's been 4 hours since the first attack, I've gone another 6 times. My butt burns from the violent friction caused by the forceful exits. I wish I wouldn't have taken the 2nd dose. Be patient."

10 / 10
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  • Yea...
  • November 7, 2014

"It works, but do not take three! I woke up out of dead sleep three hours after ingesting with SEVERE pain. I have irritable bowel syndrome with internal hemorrhoids, so constipation happens often and always hurts. I took three, thinking because I'm almost never regular and my last movement was over a week ago, three would probably work best. I ended up pooping, but also had a heavy vomiting episode at the same time. Take two at most, do not take three!"

5 / 10
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  • Ean...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 14, 2019

"These comments are the only thing getting me through. The descriptions are gloriously accurate. The cramps are comparable to labor contractions, including the nausea and sweats that go with it. I can’t believe they’re allowed to put the word gentle on this box."

2 / 10
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  • Tif...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 12, 2021

"This has got to be the worst stuff I have ever taken. I only go to the bathroom every 2 or 3 weeks. It gets overwhelming and just so bloated. I need relief. Well, Dulcolax was the last thing I should have done. The pains in my stomach are so intense I feel like something is seriously wrong. It feels like someone is wringing out your insides. I have been dizzy, sick to my stomach, an overall ill feeling, and super nauseated. I would rather have a bloated stomach. Idk what to do! I have been up and down, sitting on the bathroom floor and on the toilet. Not knowing whether to throw up or poop. Worst ever and very scary. I feel like I was going to pass out. I tried laying down, and the pain is too great."

1 / 10
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  • KJC...
  • September 27, 2014

"Female, 140 lbs, took 2 Dulcolax tablets at 6:30 pm, followed by 3 full glasses of water. Had been constipated for about 5 days prior. Woke up at 6:00 am with the feeling of having to have a bowel movement. Passed a lot of liquid/semi-soft bowel motions. No cramps, no feeling of illness. Was petrified by all of the other reviews, but thinking drinking water after taking the pills helped. No side effects the next day."

10 / 10
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  • Dul...
  • January 7, 2021

"Do not use this product in its liquid form. 1 hr after taking the minimum dose, it happened. Good. Four hours later, it feels like I have been in hard labor, on the side of the interstate, with dust and sharp glass being blown against me. The pain is causing me to hallucinate. I am dry heaving into the shower. Please make this stop. DULCA-DON'T!!"

10 / 10
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  • Lad...
  • June 9, 2020

"So the dosage says to take 1-3 pills for a single daily dose, so I took 3 and prayed for the best because I’m going on a beach trip. I’ve literally been either on the floor in my own vomit or curled up in bed with cramps so bad I want to go to the emergency room. This is TERRIBLE. Don’t buy!"

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 8, 2011

"Within 8 hours of taking 2 tablets, I experienced uncontrollable sweating, body shakes, vomiting, and stomach cramps accompanied by loose bowel movements. Although technically this medication relieved my constipation, I nearly ended up in the emergency room. 24 hours later, I still have lower back pain, cramps, and am unable to keep food down. Please do not take this medication lightly!"

3 / 10
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  • Iss...
  • July 17, 2019

"Look, it is a laxative. Yes, it will cause pain. It says it on the box. TAKE IT WITH LOTS OF WATER! Seriously! I cannot reiterate this enough! I have IBD and sometimes I get constipated. This really helps. Yes, the pain can be uncomfortable (to some, unbearable), but take some anti-inflammatories and you'll be fine. The cramps are a signal that the meds are working like they are supposed to. Trust me as someone that has a bowel disorder and has had 5 colonoscopies before the age of 30, this works. It JUST TAKES TIME! I know poo pain. I know poo cramps. I know the pain! It sucks! It really does! Yet, it is effective. There are some people that may not be able to handle it, but others can. Don't be scared and understand it is good for a reason."

10 / 10
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  • Lin...
  • January 14, 2020

"I have taken this product, Dulcolax, in the past and thought I was going to need an ambulance. But I have learned the trick to taking them, and it's LOTS of water. Many times I have been rolling around my bathroom floor, crying with cramps, in agony. Pressure in my stomach nearly too much to bear. But I heard about the water trick, and it works. At least 3 big glasses with the tablet and one as soon as you wake up, or if you're awake during the night, drink it then. Helps so much you can go to the toilet with only very slight cramps."

5 / 10
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  • Cur...
  • September 20, 2014

"I normally take Miralax when I'm constipated because it just softens my bowels and regulates me afterwards, but I couldn't find any in the store, so I bought Dulcolax for the first time. Well, I took two tablets at 11:30 at night, thinking I would wake up late in the morning and use the bathroom-no problem. No. At 4:30 am, I woke up and felt like someone was punching me in the stomach, and I thought I was going to vomit. I then had diarrhea, and then the 'peeing from my butt' experience."

8 / 10
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  • Lov...
  • December 28, 2014

"So I was having cramps for 2 days, decided to try this by recommendation. Took 3 tablets at 9:00 pm, woke up at midnight with chills, the worst cramps since childbirth, and ran to the restroom! 2 hours later, I woke up to the worst sweats and nausea, wasn't sure which end to put on above the toilet! Then woke up 2 hours later with the cramping again! So yes, this stuff works! But seriously, start with 1 tablet, and yes, I stayed in bed the following day due to my lower back and stomach being so sore from the cramping."

7 / 10
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  • Opi...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 23, 2013

"I am on prescription opiate pain medication, which makes me constipated on a regular basis. I have tried every laxative on the market aside from enemas, and this is the ONLY one that relieves me. Yes, I do experience cramping a few minutes before 'it's time to go,' but it definitely does its job every time."

8 / 10
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  • Too...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 16, 2016

"Okay, so I did the worst possible thing and not read the packaging. Thought they were an instant fix, not hours, so when after half an hour I took the first one and nothing, I took another two. And then after an hour, another two. I repeat: READ THE PACKAGING. Two hours later, I had the worst diarrhea of my life visiting a sick relative. Since then, which was 7 hours ago, I haven't been able to get up off the toilet. These work, but please don't be an absolute idiot like I was and take that many. There is nothing left to come out of me, but it's still coming. It feels like Satan is trying to rip my heart out through my anus."

10 / 10
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  • Sha...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 19, 2020

"Drink plenty of water!! You have to be very well hydrated with this laxative, otherwise, you will experience severe cramping, nausea, and vomiting. My very first time taking it, maybe 4 years ago, I thought I would finish my life in my bathroom. This time, I read reviews, and I hydrated with fruit and water all day before taking it at 6:30 pm. Because I hadn’t gone in almost 7 days, it didn’t kick in until 4:30 pm the next day. I still had some cramping, but not nearly as painful as my first experience."

8 / 10
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  • Bar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 6, 2020

"I had not had a bowel movement for a couple of days, so I decided to try Dulcolax. I took 2 tabs around 6 pm and went on with my usual routine, which included exercise, lots of water, and a bath. I went to bed around 9 pm and woke at 12:30 am with intense stomach cramps. The pain was almost equivalent to the time I gave birth with no pain meds. This pain went on for a couple of hours. I was sweaty and laying on the bathroom floor naked when my husband found me. He helped me to the toilet where I finally went to the bathroom. It was pure liquid. This went on for several minutes. I also ended up throwing up several times. I was so sick I had to call into work. After 24 hours, I was still weak and could not eat much. I will NEVER take this product again!!!"

1 / 10
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  • Nao...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 23, 2019

"First of all, if this is your first time using Dulcolax, do not take more than one unless you have a death wish. I took one pill at 9 pm before bed and slept through the night with no issues. By 9 am, nothing had happened, so I made the choice to take another. Don't make that mistake. By 12:50 pm, I was in agony, slumped on the toilet with sweat dripping down my face. I had the shakes and was genuinely very close to dialing 999. Nothing came out after 10 minutes or so, so I went to leave the bathroom just so my colleagues knew I was still alive. As soon as I stood up, it felt like a volcano had just erupted in my bowels. The contractions willed the hard stool and what felt like tap water straight out of me. I was just a mere passenger. I have been to the toilet twice since, and it is still the consistency of water. At the end of the day, it worked exactly as it should. Just be patient."

7 / 10
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28 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.

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