Dulcolax and Pain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Bea...
• August 18, 2020

For Constipation "Dulcolax is absolutely horrendous. It doesn’t take long to kick in at all. Pain literally feels like labor cramps but worse (I've had three children), made me feel very sick, hot and cold sweats. I’m so glad I only took one and not three, I think it would have been the end of me if I had taken three tablets! Yes, it did work, but I don’t think the pain was worth it. It went on for hours, the worst diarrhea, so if you did take this, I’d cancel any plans you have booked in."

• CJa...
• February 29, 2020

For Constipation "I haven’t had a bowel movement maybe 4 days, which is usual for me. I go at least once a day. I took this product at night. I took 3 pills and woke up the next morning in so much pain. I read the side effects before taking this, but this is very excruciating. I feel sick with cramps and nausea. Hey, it did work... it’s not worth it."

• San...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2021

For Constipation "No. Just no. True to its word, the pooping didn't start until 6-12 hours. What the box doesn't say is that I would continue rushing to the bathroom off and on for a minimum of 10 hours after that. This was accompanied by pain and chills and more diarrhea than I've had in a lifetime. So, before taking this, ask yourself, 'How desperate am I?'"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I was having a colonoscopy, and Dulcolax was a part of the prep. I ended up at urgent care for severe stomach cramps, pain, nausea, and vomiting, and passing blood. Had to get an anti-nausea med to settle my system down. Will not take a colon prep again if it involves this laxative."

• Ano...
• August 11, 2017

For Constipation "Let me preface this by saying that I am no stranger to pain, and I consider myself to have a high pain tolerance. I have had PCOS and endometriosis since I was 14, and so I am no stranger to cramping. This, however, was the worst pain I have felt in my life. I was on the floor crying and yelling and considered going to the emergency room several times, but I knew there was no way I could drive myself there. When I was finally able to get some relief, everything that came out of my body was in liquid form. I have never experienced something like that in my life. The pain was so bad at points that I was dry heaving in the sink and sweating uncontrollably. I have never reviewed a drug before, but I feel so strongly against it that it was necessary."

• Cap...
• November 11, 2014

For Constipation "Works like a charm - a crampy, semi-painful charm, but still I'm 150 lbs, 5'7''. I would recommend starting with one pill, no dairy before or after, and lots of water to go with it. The pain - and there is pain - is bearable, and if you absolutely need to go, Dulcolax will get you there overnight. But make sure you can afford to be up during a couple of hours that night."

• Jji...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 19, 2015

For Constipation "This pill is just simplest amazing. I have severe to moderate constipation. Three pills always do the trick for me. Although you may experience pain cramps. But other than that, this pill is a lifesaver."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2019

For Constipation "I NEVER write reviews. It is now 5:34 am, and I have not been able to sleep. I took ONE Dulcolax pill at 9 pm because I was having bloating and constipation for about 3 days. When I woke up at 12:30 am with extreme nausea, I started to look up reviews and side effects. Boy, do I wish I had done that before taking Dulcolax. This stuff is poison. I’m up about every 5 minutes pooping, explosive diarrhea, in so much pain, all while almost vomiting on myself while on the toilet. My guts literally feel like a knife is stabbing through them, and the pain does not subside while going to the bathroom. I will never take this stuff again. I don’t think I can work tomorrow. I have not slept, and I don’t know when this agony will end. I’ve been drinking water, well what I can keep down, but it’s hard when I’m so nauseous. Don’t take this stuff. Research another laxative before taking anything, or you will regret it!!!"

• Mag...
• June 10, 2019

For Constipation "Please be very careful when taking this medication, Dulcolax. I took one pill at 8 pm, and at 1 am woke up out of a dead sleep thinking I had to go. The cramping was so intense that I had to bite down on a towel to keep from screaming. The pain was equal to full labor pains/contractions. I broke out in a cold sweat to the point I could feel it running down my neck and back. You literally feel as though the room is closing in and you are going to faint. I ended up laying on the bathroom floor for two hours. I would doze off for a few minutes and wake up again to the spasms/pain. The next morning I had a small BM. Certainly not worth what I went through the night before. I am due for a colonoscopy this year and I know that taking Dulcolax is part of the prep from the doctor. And if I am not mistaken, you are directed to take two or three pills as part of that prep. There is absolutely no way that I will take this medication again. This medication should not be sold over the counter."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2019

For Constipation "Same as all other reviews. I was in so much pain after taking one tablet of this, it honestly felt as bad, if not worse, than childbirth. At least I knew how childbirth would end. :-) So I did try taking this again on another day, but I bit the tablet in half, so I just had half the dose. I didn't have any pain the second time around, and I did pass a stool. Maybe they should look at lowering the dose."

• Amb...
• November 12, 2016

For Constipation "I imagine death to be just like this. I had been taking medicine for an inner ear infection, which had me constipated for 5 days, and I was experiencing pain from the constipation. I didn't realize there were different kinds of laxatives, which is on me for sure! I took 2 pills at 7:30 am because that's when I got off work and didn't have work 'til 4 pm that day. They kicked in about 10:30 am, and I was on and off the toilet until I had work. Sweating, burning, and watery diarrhea, with cramps 81702037x worse than period cramps. I was okay for a little bit, and then at 9 pm, the pain came back with a vengeance. Still going... cramping, hot and cold, and pooping. I started crying, I'm in so much pain. NEVER again. I'd rather be constipated!!"

• Anonymous
• March 21, 2017

For Constipation "I write this as I'm sitting on the toilet, mustering the strength in between intestinal contractions, wishing that I had never taken 2 pills hours earlier. The amount of pain and sweat that I had woken up to before I had to run to the bathroom was concerning. The first wave of contractions made me believe that I was going to have to go to the ER, convincing myself that I was on an episode of 1,000 Ways to Die and that I had drunk a bottle of Drano. Once the first big move was 'done,' the intensity of the pain subsided a bit. Maybe I am just getting used to my insides feeling like they are being wrung out like a wet towel, who knows. Nausea in high gear. Solids turned to liquid. Still sitting here 40 minutes later. Hoping I can go back to sleep."

• Shi...
• April 3, 2014

For Constipation "I had the worst constipation the other day, so I took 2 tablets around 6, and the next morning I woke up at 6 due to the pain. I had to go to the bathroom right away, twice in a row, and that was the most painful thing ever. I was starting to feel weak. Now I feel good, but the side effects are what scare me to take them again."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Hor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2022

For Constipation "I have never regretted taking something more than I did this medicine. My doctor prescribed it. I took 2 pills, and within a couple of hours, I was up with the worst pain EVER in my stomach. I laid in agony for hours. Threw up a ton. More pain and no sleep the entire night. All I can do to make myself feel any better is to write this review for people to not take this."

• Anonymous
• July 18, 2019

For Constipation "Backed up maybe 3 days, felt bad. Took 1 senna the night before, nothing happened, so the next night took 2 Dulcolax at 10 pm. Woke at 2:30 am with mild cramping, which progressively worsened. I was in the fetal position by 4 am, regretting everything and silently crying out. I slept on and off until 6 am, then the first bowel motion began. It's at this time you do not trust what you believe to be a fart, thankfully, I took no chances. Between 6-10 am, it was very painful cramping and diarrhea explosive in nature. Bowel movements stopped around lunchtime. Still cramping 24 hours later, but nothing happening. Honestly, I don't recommend these unless you are backed up for weeks. I expected mild cramps and softer stool, NOT gut-wrenching pain and molten lava. It's not gentle! Certainly effective but not gentle at all, and that labeling needs to change to reflect that. I repeat... NOT GENTLE... do not take this if you have plans early the following day. I feel like I've been kicked in the lower abdomen."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2017

For Constipation "So, I had some health issues lately that had me taking narcotic pain medication for about 2 weeks. One of the side effects of narcotics is constipation. Being a nurse, I knew I needed a stool softener while on the narcotics, so I was taking Colace twice a day. After 4-5 days with no BM, I decided to take 2 Dulcolax for some help-NEVER AGAIN!! After about 10 hours, I was cramping, sweating, lightheaded, and in so much pain I could hardly walk. Yes, I was able to have a BM, but not before vomiting everywhere. The side effects of this medication are not worth the pain! I felt like a knife was turning in my stomach and started on fire."

• Dun...
• December 27, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "As directed for colonoscopy, I took 4 Dulcolax at 4:00 pm. Then I was getting something from the attic and slipped and fell down the stairs. I was in quite a bit of pain from my fall, so I canceled my colonoscopy. At 1:00 am, my bowel started emptying, including fresh blood, some were clots. I couldn’t control my urine. I was scared and will never take Dulcolax again."

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2019

For Constipation "Never again will I take Dulcolax. I had extreme pain to the point I was almost collapsing. I turned white and the sweat pumped out of me. Sixteen hours later, I am still unwell and still in bed, vomiting every few hours. Please stay clear of this product, it's been a horrendous night and day."

• Lun...
• December 28, 2019

For Constipation "Used this product Dulcolax after being constipated for 2 days. Took before bed as recommended on the packet, woke up at 2 am in so much agony with cramps in my stomach and lower back. Pain was so intense my partner called the paramedics. They almost took me to the hospital as my heart rate was through the roof, and I had to be given pain relief. This product is far from gentle!"

• GMo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2023

For Constipation "I had constipation a few years back. Having tried almost everything to no effect, I gave Dulcolax a try. I have irritable bowel syndrome-constipation. Used to take 2 pills, sometimes 3, and they produced good bowel movements daily or for sometimes alternate days. They worked for 6 months and all of a sudden stopped working. I have again started a few days back. Taking 3 pills at night. Am having a bowel movement the next day in the morning. No cramps, no pain. But I am not getting fully evacuated, I would say maybe 85-90% which is better than nothing. I am so very sorry to read reviews of all those people who are having cramps and pain. I would advise them to go for liquid Dulcolax suppository. Works in 30 mins. Good luck."

• Jcl...
• August 1, 2016

For Constipation "Ok, so this gets an 8 because it was effective. HOWEVER, it's an AWFUL experience that I don't recommend to anyone!! The pain is unbelievable. You will sit on the toilet for hours wondering what went wrong in life to bring you to this point. If your doctor tells you to take it, you better make sure they've prescribed some Zofran for you because you're going to need it."