Dulcolax and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Tee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2014

For Constipation "I hadn't gone to the bathroom in 4 days, and so I decided to take 3 pills at 7 PM. Nothing happened until the next day at around 11 AM, and I was experiencing cramping pains, clamminess, cold shivers, a little bit of nausea, and I was farting A LOT. About 30 minutes of this, I had to run to the toilet because I had to go so bad. Let's just say I was relieved of my constipation by a great deal. Sure, there were some side effects, but it was worth it. I feel great now!"

• Noo...
• March 9, 2016

For Constipation "By far, the worst experience I've had with any medicine. I almost called an ambulance, no exaggeration. I've never used a product like this before and chose it based on the package implying that you take it, it works overnight, and produces a normal BM the next day. Um, no... I woke up about 2 AM confused, sweating, cramping, and could barely stand. I essentially crawled to the toilet and, once there, kept nearly blacking out and gagging. I was clammy and pale, irregular heartbeat, shaking, extremely weak - What literally stopped me from calling 911 was that I didn't bring my phone into the bathroom and after I violently eliminated for a few mins, I started feeling less like I was dying. Can't emphasize enough, this stuff is so effing awful."

• aas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2014

For Constipation "I had been constipated for a couple of days and had a package of Dulcolax in my medicine cabinet. I took one at about 3 pm and instantly started feeling nauseous. For the next couple of hours, I had horrible cramps that felt like someone was stabbing me. After about 6 hours, I finally went, but it was diarrhea. All night that night, I was up having diarrhea. For the next couple of days, I felt horrible and couldn't eat any food without feeling sick. Long story short, Dulcolax works to relieve constipation, but the pain is excruciating."

• DmH...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2023

For Constipation "Awful, awful stuff. I suffer from constipation. Seventy-two hours have gone by, and last night I was up with awful gas. Today, in the bathroom, I have shaking, cramps, and feel dizzy. This product needs to be taken off the market."

• Anonymous
• September 24, 2019

For Constipation "Took one pill at 7 pm. I had only had some small bowel movements for the past 5 days, but I could tell I was backed up and bloated. At 5 am, I woke up to a burning in my stomach, and a feeling of doom washed over me. I went and sat on the toilet, but instead of coming out the back end, I vomited into the trash can while my stomach violently cramped. So many things crossed my mind. Maybe this is what happens to those women who didn’t know they were pregnant until they started going into labor (the cramps were that bad). With the amount I was sweating, I then considered that I was having a heart attack. Or maybe my gallbladder was flaring up? I have a history of debilitating menstrual cramps, so I know what pain feels like. This was a whole other level. I had almost forgotten that I took Dulcolax until I saw it on my nightstand, which is when I got on the internet and found these reviews. Thank goodness I stumbled upon this website or else I’d be racking up ER bills thinking I was dying."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2022

For Constipation "It was the worst experience of my life. The cramps were so insanely bad that I ended up in the ER. Nausea, chills, lightheaded… would never in a million years take this medication again. The pain was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced! I took 2 pills at noon, and by 3 p.m. I thought I was dying. Horrible, horrible cramps but nothing at all coming out. Finally, 12 hours later, the liquid diarrhea has begun. Do not take this medicine."

• Pin...
• October 7, 2019

For Constipation "Do not take more than two pills, trust me, two will be bad enough. Do not take sleeping pills or you will poop the bed. Do not drink milk or consume dairy products while taking the pills. Milk will stop the drug from working, and dairy products will make you vomit. Drink plenty of water, stay close to a toilet for the next 3-14 hours. Yes, this gives you HORRIBLE cramps. Yes, if taken on an empty/full stomach, it will make you want to vomit. You will not have a solid bowel movement for 24 hours, but it’s not “I must run to the toilet every five minutes” for the full 24 hours. In my experience, that part lasts from the first bowel empty to the third time. After that, you’re mostly in the clear, just don’t try to fart - you’ve been warned. I’ve taken Dulcolax pink for three years now every 7-14 days. This is not the laxative for occasional constipation. Take the blue lax pills. This is the drug for severe & chronic constipation."

• Twi...
• November 3, 2015

For Constipation "I took one Dulcolax on Sunday and then one on Monday for constipation. I was awakened last night at 1 a.m. with horrific stomach pain, cramping, nausea, and diarrhea that was like explosive water. All day yesterday, I was going to the bathroom, each time with a little bit of diarrhea. I must have been in the bathroom 25 times. But the pain and nausea I felt last night for hours almost sent me to the ER. I kept wishing I could go ahead and vomit so that I'd feel better, but I never could. But the nausea and the pain nearly drove me over the edge. I was in the fetal position for hours (when I wasn't running to the bathroom). I never, ever expected to feel this horrible. Never again. I still have sharp pains and watery diarrhea today."

• liv...
• October 1, 2015

For Constipation "(15 years old, 103 lbs) I took this at 3 pm yesterday morning. I was stupid and took three pills. At about 3:30, I was having horrific abdominal pain and cramping and bad nausea. (I never actually threw up, but I felt like I was going to several times.) At around 2 am, I had to go. After that, I went back to bed, but for the rest of the night, I had to get up at least every fifteen minutes with explosive diarrhea. I woke up the next morning in extreme pain with worse nausea than the night before. I tried going to school and had to be picked up early because I couldn't even control my bowel movements. It's now 10:16 a day after taking this laxative, and my stomach is cramping and growling, and I still feel nauseous. I do not recommend. If you take it, take only 1!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2016

For Constipation "Took three pills (I'm an adult) last night, and nothing happened. That was to be expected, most reviews I had read said a couple of hours later it would kick in. Cue to this morning, about three hours ago. I woke up cramping and hurting and squirming in my bed like a wounded animal, clutching at my stomach because it felt like I was shot. Eventually, I got up and moved to the bathroom, but nothing happened. So, I sat and waited, tried a little and succeeded some, but cramping came in and out in waves, which just made it worse for me. While on the phone with my parents, I hung up, and it instantly happened. My BM was quick, almost painless, but most importantly, it happened. So, it worked, but be wary of the pain that can induce when you use this!"

• Oak...
• March 23, 2014

For Constipation "Before my period every month, I get awful constipation for about a week before. I usually just wait it out because it eventually just goes away. But this time, I tried something new. I took 2 Dulcolax last night around 9 and woke up at 9:30 with severe nausea and cramping. Let's just say, after hours upon hours today of the worst stomach cramps possible, crying, sweating, and throwing up, I'm exhausted. It kept its word, it relieved all my constipation and I feel great now, I just wish all the side effects that came with taking it weren't so bad."

• Jea...
• October 1, 2016

For Constipation "Drink lots of water!!!!! I go every morning like clockwork. But due to surgery, I had to take painkillers, and I wasn't able to go for 4 days. My friend (who takes it regularly due to her celiac disease, which causes her a lot of stomach issues) brought me a pack for me to use, and she told me water is the key, and it's true. After I took one, I read the reviews below and freaked. You only need one. I took 1 pill at 7:30 pm with two bottles of 750 ml of water. At 8 am, I started to feel a little cramp and a light body ache, and I had my bowel movement. Then another one 20 mins later and a third about an hour later. I had smooth, clean bowel movements each time. Drink water and 1 pill!"

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2017

For Constipation "I've taken this a couple of times and never really thought about the side effects because my body is unpredictable due to other sicknesses, but this last time I took it, I wondered if anyone had experienced the same effects. Taking it gives you relief, but not without putting you through hell first. I take it in the afternoon and wake up the next morning with horrible cramps. I get cold sweats occasionally and I start shaking. It scares the living crap out of me, and then for the rest of the day, I feel extremely weak. If you're gonna take this, mentally prepare for that hell."

• Ith...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2017

For Constipation "Whoever posted that taking more than one is “overdosing,” the package instructions beg to differ. As per the instructions, I took two in the morning. I had rhinoplasty surgery 5 days ago and had normal meals every day since with no BM. I was not heavy with pain meds, but I have heard the anesthesia can block you up. So after trying coffee and oats, I realized it’s time to take a laxative. I’ve never had a laxative, so I didn’t know it would be this way. Just like everyone here, I had level 10 pain, sweats, cramping, nearly fainting. I was home alone, so it was terrifying, and I considered calling 911. Hours went by on the toilet."

• mxw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2014

For Constipation "I had been getting wind pain and lower abdominal pain from not being able to go for about 4-5 days. I took 2 tablets around noon. I have never taken any laxatives prior to this. Six hours later, I experienced some mild cramping, which lasted for another 8 hours. When the cramping died down around midnight, I experienced some flatulence, which gave my bloated stomach some relief, and I was able to take a short nap. Woke up at 6 a.m. and I'm happy to say it did the trick. If I was in the same situation, I would take this again, I suppose most users don't post unless their reaction was extremely good or bad."

• Cra...
• May 28, 2019

For Constipation "After reading the reviews, I'm really relieved I didn't do 3. These reviews scared me two hours after I'd already swallowed the pill! I took 1 tablet on the way to work at about 8 AM. After 4.5 hours, I had my first slight cramps and bowel motion (BM). A few other mild cramps and BMs throughout the afternoon. One instance where I had a single very big cramp, but also I had an empty stomach, and that seems to have made it worse. It's now 7 pm, and I'm having some very light cramping, but nothing painful... just noticeable movement, which is the whole point. Thought I'd write this to reassure those who might be in the position I was in this morning, having already taken the pill and terrified. My advice would likely be for run-of-the-mill constipation: take 1 pill and use the green package that says 'gentle and predictable.'"

• Cra...
• May 28, 2019

For Constipation "After reading the reviews, I'm really relieved I didn't do 3. These reviews scared me two hours after I'd already swallowed the pill! I took 1 tablet on the way to work at about 8 AM. After 4.5 hours, I had my first slight cramps and bowel motion (BM). A few other mild cramps and BMs throughout the afternoon. One instance where I had a single very big cramp, but also I had an empty stomach, and that seems to have made it worse. It's now 7 pm, and I'm having some very light cramping, but nothing painful... just noticeable movement, which is the whole point. Thought I'd write this to reassure those who might be in the position I was in this morning, having already taken the pill and terrified. My advice would likely be for run-of-the-mill constipation: take 1 pill and use the green package that says 'gentle and predictable.'"

• Cra...
• May 28, 2019

For Constipation "After reading the reviews, I'm really relieved I didn't do 3. These reviews scared me two hours after I'd already swallowed the pill! I took 1 tablet on the way to work at about 8 AM. After 4.5 hours, I had my first slight cramps and bowel motion (BM). A few other mild cramps and BMs throughout the afternoon. One instance where I had a single very big cramp, but also I had an empty stomach, and that seems to have made it worse. It's now 7 pm, and I'm having some very light cramping, but nothing painful... just noticeable movement, which is the whole point. Thought I'd write this to reassure those who might be in the position I was in this morning, having already taken the pill and terrified. My advice would likely be for run-of-the-mill constipation: take 1 pill and use the green package that says 'gentle and predictable.'"

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2015

For Constipation "This stuff hurts. I took three, like an idiot, at around 9:30 last night. It's sometime before seven in the morning, and I'm going, that's for sure, but my stomach is in my throat!! The cramps are horrid, and I want to vomit."

• fre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "I was going for my first colonoscopy, and my Split Peg Prep Instructions were to drink 8 glasses of water the day before, then take 4 Dulcolax with water, followed by half the prep and the remaining prep the day of the colonoscopy. The prep drink, although a lot of it, and the colonoscopy were a piece of cake compared to the Dulcolax. Within an hour of taking the Dulcolax, I felt out of it and then really dizzy. Then the hot sweats, followed by cold sweats and shaking, and cramps. Lasted around 4 hours. Never again. I do have to say this is the first time I have ever taken any form of laxative."

• Anonymous
• January 14, 2014

For Constipation "I took 1 tablet of Dulcolax late at night before bedtime (11:00 pm) because I hadn't passed a bowel motion in 4 days. Everything was fine until about 5:00 am. I woke up with nauseating cramps and felt like I had food poisoning. I have lived with irritable bowel syndrome for years, so for me to say that...the pain has to be pretty bad. Within an hour, I pretty much emptied my entire colon, and it was not a pleasant experience. I would 'go' multiple times with in-between periods of intense cramping where I'd have to lay down on the floor. However, I've read other reviews and found that while some people had a similar experience to mine, others didn't at all. I did feel fine afterwards. Next time, I'll definitely be taking half a pill instead of a whole!"

• Dot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "I took 4 Dulcolax as directed for colonoscopy prep. In 40 minutes, broke out in cold sweat, became shaky and very sick to my stomach. So sick that I gagged three times. Severe cramping. I am still sick in my stomach and two hours late starting to drink Miralax. Horrible stuff."

• NAa...
• April 25, 2016

For Constipation "The experience was awful, but the reviews here seem to be inaccurate. First, you feel as if gas is stuck inside of you. Second, comes a wave of nausea. Third, you're on the toilet for almost an hour and a half and in extreme pain. The pain isn't ER worthy at all. Advil helped me. Once you go #2 and everything flushes your system, you're left with diarrhea and the cramps right before going to the restroom. The pain for me was on my sides and abdomen. Also, the pain was on my back and my hips. I took three. DO NOT TAKE 2-3 PILLS. TAKE ONLY ONE. One has the desired effects without the majority of the pain. I hope this helped."

• bii...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2014

For Constipation "I was constipated for about 4 days. I tried Dulcolax on my 4th. I took one at night. I woke to little cramps, but I still didn't have a bowel movement, so I took a second one... when I tell you it worked the next minute. I started having painful cramps for about 10 minutes. Then all of a sudden it happened. Everything went out."

• bii...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2014

For Constipation "I was constipated for about 4 days. I tried Dulcolax on my 4th. I took one at night. I woke to little cramps, but I still didn't have a bowel movement, so I took a second one... when I tell you it worked the next minute. I started having painful cramps for about 10 minutes. Then all of a sudden it happened. Everything went out."