Dulcolax and Pain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Tha...
• August 22, 2016

For Constipation "I don't know where to begin. Yes, it was very effective, but I don't know if it's worth going through the traumatizing process. I only took 2 tablets at 11 pm because I got home pretty late. Around 3 am, I woke up from insane pain and burning in my stomach. It was so bad, the only way I can really express what I feel is by saying it hurt so bad I wanted to die. I was running to the bathroom because the pain caused nausea. I still couldn't go, so I just went back to sleep. I woke up 2 hours later from extreme cramps, I was able to go to the bathroom, but let's just say it was not pretty, and I was really sure I was going to die. So yes, very effective, but not something I will ever do again."

• Geo...
• March 24, 2019

For Constipation "Was feeling backed up, so decided to get something for relief. The girl at the counter suggested Dulcolax, so went home feeling happy at the thought of a bowel movement coming soon. But if I knew the night of utter awfulness that was ahead of me, I would have had the girl arrested for premeditated grievous bodily harm because I’m sure I nearly died twice. Took 2 pills at 8 pm and went to bed at 11:30 pm. Woke up at 6 am writhing in agony with cramps, barely made it to the bathroom, and proceeded to projectile vomit. Lying on the floor, shaking, sweating hot and cold, and feeling like I was about to pass out from the pain. Cramps continued for about 30 mins until I felt like I needed to go, dragged myself up onto the toilet where I remained for the best part of 45 minutes, non-stop going with the most extreme pain I’ve ever felt. Started out solid, and about 20 mins later, I had explosive diarrhea. Lying in bed at 9 am, crying, still with the cramps. Do not take this medication unless you fancy a near-death experience."

• I...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2016

For Constipation "I read the instructions carefully... very, very carefully. I didn't have any kind of dairy within an hour before taking the pills, I didn't take any antacids before taking the pills, and I took 3 because it said it was safe and it had been weeks since my last BM, and I was really uncomfortable. If I could go back in time and not take them, I would. I'm in terrible pain, gut-wrenching, screaming in the bathroom, thinking I'm going to pass out and thanking God that the babysitter is on her way to save the day. I will NEVER take these again! Ouch!!"

• Dro...
• June 20, 2015

For Constipation "After feeling constipated for about 2 weeks - went to the bathroom but only a marble or two worth came out. I got super keen and took four Dulcolax tablets. As a person who doesn't read instructions, I'm kinda wishing I did. I took them about 3 pm today with a bit of water, and about 10:15 pm, as I was just about to doze off, and BAM!! I have never run for a toilet so fast. After stacking it over some toys (while trying to not wake everyone up), I managed to pick my bursting butt up and drag it to the toilet. Needless to say, I did no pushing whatsoever, even though the pain was unbearable. I feel maybe I should have drank more water so my insides didn't feel like they were being shafted with a big black rubber fist. Not for the faint-hearted."

• Son...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2018

For Constipation "I have been stopped up for a few days. I read the box and decided to take 2 at 6 pm and then 1 about an hour later. I had some mild gurgling around an hour later. Went to bed and did not have a bowel movement until 9:30 am the next morning. No cramping, no pain, just the urge to finally go!"

• Sle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2023

For Constipation "If you’re reading this, this is your sign to NOT get these. I took one pill at first, but over the course of three days, nothing happened. So I took two, assuming the first was long out of my system, waited about 14 hours, past the time the medication is supposed to work, and assumed it wouldn’t. What followed was legitimately one of the most painful weeks of my life. Constant cramps, bloating, pure pain constantly. The morning directly after taking that dosage, I was on the toilet for about an hour feeling like stuff was about to start coming out of both ends of me, that’s how bad it hurt. Living my life was genuinely really uncomfortable for the next few days, even after I assumed the laxative had long since left my system, but I guess it wanted to leave a lasting impression. I ended up in the ER. The real kicker is? That was three days ago, and now I’m constipated again. Only good thing about these is how nice they taste."

• Seb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

For Constipation "My 8th day without a BM today, so after leaving work early this morning, as struggling with a horrid cough and cold, I thought I’d take advantage of not being able to go anywhere and decided to take 2 Dulcolax. This was at midday. By 19:47, to be precise, I was in a little pain from cramps but finally had my first sense of relief, and my goodness, it felt great. Just like they say, “gentle relief,” and I instantly felt great. Back to bed I went with my box of tissues for my cold! Then, less than 10 minutes later, I was doubled over in absolute agony and feeling nauseous. I was then stuck on the toilet for around 25 minutes, wondering if I was going to throw up whilst not being able to sit up properly due to the pain but having to so as not to poop up the walls. Definitely not gentle, the pain is the worst I’ve ever experienced, and I do not recommend it to my worst enemy!"

• Ken...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2019

For Constipation "I got this because I have on-and-off constipation that hurts so bad my pelvis hurts. I would’ve taken my constipation over the pain this medicine caused. I took it before bed. I woke up multiple times in some of the worst pain of my life. Felt nauseous, like I was going to throw up. Had to get to the toilet to still not go the first time. But most intense cramping of my life. I was seriously thinking about waking my boyfriend up to take me to the ER, but I don’t think I could even make the ride there with as much pain I was in. I got back in bed, had more extreme pain, and sat on the toilet again and finally went. Had more pain but went back to bed. Then more pain and went back to the bathroom. Almost passed out from the pain and could barely make it to the toilet. Finally did and went again and was still in pain. Stay away from this product. Or use at your own risk. I thought I was the only one until I came here and read these reviews."

• Bon...
• October 31, 2016

For Constipation "I bought Dulcolax after being constipated for a week and googling some good medicine. I took one pill and after I took it, I came to this website and read the reviews. I got really scared! But nothing happened except for being really thirsty (drank around 2L of water). Two days after, I took two tablets. I waited for a while and the cramps started: nothing much, it was painful, but it wasn't unbearable. 15 min after the first cramps, I was done. My advice: if you never took it, start with one and see how you feel. And don't get scared by reviews, everyone reacts differently."

• Bac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2016

For Constipation "I had my gallbladder out 3 years ago and have been all messed up since then. I hadn't gone in 3 days, so I got the Dulcolax for sensitive stomachs and took 2 at about 7 pm. At about 10 pm, I was in so much pain I couldn't stand it! I was doubled over for 2 hours and did not have an easy BM. I tried to lay down to sleep at about 12, but was so dizzy and still feeling cramps that there was no way I could sleep. Sensitive stomach, my ass! I will never take this again. It is not worth the pain."

• Alw...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 10, 2015

For Constipation "Dulcolax has put me in the ER more than once due to the pain, vomiting, sweating, and dizziness being so severe that I thought I was going to die. Sometimes it works well with very little side effects, but it's not worth taking the chance. I've been constipated over half my life. The best results I've ever had have come from taking an over-the-counter (generic) stool softener along with senna, or the generic brand of senna along with drinking lots of water. There is also a stool softener plus laxative combination, over-the-counter medicine you can buy. If these things work for me, they should work for just about anyone. As I said, I have had issues with constipation forever. I have to deal with it on a daily basis. Hope this helps someone."

• del...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2015

For Constipation "I took 2 tablets at noontime, and by 9:00 am the next morning, I was in such pain I could hardly sit on the toilet, which lasted a total of 24 plus hours. I should have gone to the ER, but I could not even stand up to take myself there. The box says it is gentle, by no means is it that, and it states you can give this to children! I wouldn't put this pain on any child. Now, two days after, I am heading over to the hospital because between the violent stomach cramps and the vomiting, I strained myself so bad I have a hernia now and a constant headache."

• ios...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2019

For Constipation "I was constipated the last few days. Took 2 Dulcolax at midnight. Woke up at 3 in the worst pain ever, cramps, disorientation, cold sweats. I couldn't go back to sleep. Around 5:30 they worked. I had 2 BMs in the space of 30 minutes. But the side effects are severe. I've been fatigued, disoriented, and nauseated the whole day with cramps. I honestly thought I had the flu or swine flu. Plus, they have disturbed my sleep massively. They'll make you poop but give you flu-like symptoms for about 36 hours. Reading the comments here has relieved some of the stress because I'm feeling terrible today because of the Dulcolax I took last night."

• Jas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2019

For Constipation "I bought this laxative a few months ago expecting it to relieve my constipation, but I was in for a big surprise. Once it kicked in, my stomach was in the worst pain of my life, it felt like I was going to pass out. It was 10x worse than period cramps. I sat on the toilet and didn’t know if I’d throw up or poop. It was so painful, I felt like I was having contractions. Finally, I went to the bathroom and felt okay, not good, but okay. I thought I’d give this laxative another try today, and then I was in so much pain I felt like I was going to pass out. For hours today, I felt so out of it, all I could think of was my stomach pain. It was so painful!! It hurt my back, stomach, and ribs. I felt aches the whole day, I had to lay in bed for hours. Finally, I forced myself to use the bathroom and still feel gross. I feel it fading away, but I’m so scared I’m gonna get cramps again. I felt like I could’ve died from this laxative, people please stay away from this brand!!"

• Jas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2019

For Constipation "I bought this laxative a few months ago expecting it to relieve my constipation, but I was in for a big surprise. Once it kicked in, my stomach was in the worst pain of my life, it felt like I was going to pass out. It was 10x worse than period cramps. I sat on the toilet and didn’t know if I’d throw up or poop. It was so painful, I felt like I was having contractions. Finally, I went to the bathroom and felt okay, not good, but okay. I thought I’d give this laxative another try today, and then I was in so much pain I felt like I was going to pass out. For hours today, I felt so out of it, all I could think of was my stomach pain. It was so painful!! It hurt my back, stomach, and ribs. I felt aches the whole day, I had to lay in bed for hours. Finally, I forced myself to use the bathroom and still feel gross. I feel it fading away, but I’m so scared I’m gonna get cramps again. I felt like I could’ve died from this laxative, people please stay away from this brand!!"

• duc...
• June 29, 2015

For Constipation "I suffer from chronic constipation, and after seeing my GP, I was prescribed Dulcolax. This medicine is as 'gentle' as a hammer to the face. I took two tablets at around 2 am and drank quite a lot of water. I went to bed, no hot flashes, no nausea, or headaches. I had very mild cramps, and within an hour, I had my first BM after days. I thought that was it and went to sleep. Little did I know that at 10 am, I'd be woke to explosive diarrhea. Luckily, there wasn't much pain. Tomorrow, I will adjust the dose and take one tablet."

• Tom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2019

For Constipation "Took 2 pills. Pain was so bad I was thinking of the ER. I thought first I should read about side effects and found I’m not the only one. So I took Tylenol and waited it out. Horrible pain, just doubles you over. Don’t think I could have even made it to the ER. On the other hand, people with a bad experience are more motivated to “review,” so I don’t really know how often pain like this occurs. Advice - take one pill only and keep Tylenol handy."

• Mar...
• January 31, 2020

For Constipation "I took the suppository because I recently got the Paragard IUD, and I have bad PCOS, and I got constipated from inflammation in my abdomen. I tried this, and it was the worst thing ever. I was constipated only for the day, but I felt so horrible my abdomen looked like I was 4 months pregnant. I was desperate and made my husband get this for me. I laid down for 30 minutes in pain, shaking, and was trying to prevent myself from fainting or panicking. I’ve never had a child before, but the pain from my IUD and the constipation felt like I was in labor. Then I went to the toilet and noticed watery BM come out, and I did have to strain a bit to get it all out. Also, during my experience, I had rectal burning. I wanted to cry and was convulsing. It also made me feel like I had a UTI infection. I still feel dizzy after it and am drinking water so I don’t pass out."

• Dan...
• September 29, 2015

For Constipation "I couldn't poo for days. Then I took these pills at 8 pm and went to bed at 11 pm. I then woke up at 1:30 am with the worst tummy pain ever. I got out of bed and had a little spew. Then I sat on the toilet, it began coming out then until 7 pm that night. I have to say the pain was very bad, but it was much better than being blocked up and my bowel motions not coming out. I would definitely take these again. I feel much better now."

• Anonymous
• September 16, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "I have had recurring bowel issues for years and was prescribed a colonoscopy by my gastro. I am 18 and was told to take two pills, wait another two hours, and take two more. I have had food poisoning, rotavirus, and diarrhea so bad I have collapsed before. Nothing, NOTHING compares. I am in shock this prep is allowed. Within 30 minutes of taking it, I vomited all the fluids in my system, all while simultaneously leaking out the other end. I would sip a drink and vomit it up minutes later. I have never been in such intense, violating pain before. After lying on the bathroom floor, being too weak to cry and wanting it to all end, I would drift in and out of sleep, waking up to vomit and poop liquid out my bum. This morning, the diarrhea continued, and I cannot even stand. I begged my parents to take me to the hospital after nearly passing out every time I stood; just this morning my mom had to clean my entire bed after I mistook a bowel movement for a fart. Pure utter hell."

• Ang...
• May 14, 2015

For Constipation "I had been constipated for 3 days. So I went to the drugstore and looked over my options for a laxative. Dulcolax said it was 'gentle, overnight relief.' So I decided to give it a try. The box says to take 1-3 pills, so I decided to take 2. I drank 2 glasses of water, then I went to bed and awoke at 2 a.m. with extreme stomach cramps, cold/hot flashes, and an overall sick feeling. I went to the bathroom too many times to count between the debilitating stomach cramps. Nothing about this product was 'gentle' as it states on the box. I laid in bed and moaned and groaned with each cramp. 24 hours later, I am still in pain! I thought I might need to go to the emergency room! I will not use this product again or recommend it to anyone! BEWARE!!"

• Lit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2023

For Constipation "Be careful with this. I took 2 on an empty stomach, like it said. Woke up around 2 a.m. Running to the bathroom, I threw up bile for a good few hours and had the worst body pains where I was about to faint and pass out. It does clear you out, but in the most painful way ever, so if you want to feel alive, don’t take these!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2016

For Constipation "I have never in my life felt that helpless! Extreme pain, nausea, and felt faint. Don't take this if you are home alone. I was throwing up and having the runs at the same time! Barely had the energy to call my husband's name for help. He got me a cold rag and water! I couldn't have gotten it myself, it was that horrific! But it definitely relieves constipation! It's 100% going to clean your guts out! I took 2."

• Tim...
• August 18, 2015

For Constipation "I had stomach cramps in the morning. I was in so much pain it was ridiculous and then ended up with diarrhea, which was not what I was expecting. If you want something to completely flush out your system, then great. But I personally wouldn't go through the pain again as it made me ill."

• Tee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2023

For Constipation "I took 3 pills of this medication last night, and it is horrible!!! I should have read the reviews before taking it. I am in so much pain in my stomach and back. My stomach pain travels to my vagina and butt. I can hardly stand or sit. I am hot, cold, clammy, and nauseous. This is downright the worst experience I have ever had. I can hardly walk around my house."