Dulcolax and Pain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!!"

• 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."

• 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!!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• October 5, 2016

For Constipation "I've had normal BM for all of my life (34) until recently with a 2-week bout of constipation. I've been popping out number 1's on the Bristol scale bi-daily. Tried a little mineral oil, olive oil, mass hydration, stool softeners, and a change of diet. No change. Frustrated, I was told 'Dulcolax was where it was at, just take 2 and you'll have the best poop of your life.' This was so far from the truth. I'm on my second day of missed work of a 3-day ordeal. My insides feel like they have been detached. I can feel the entirety of my large intestine from tip to tail. Car rides and seat belts, laughing, sneezing, sudden movements in general reverberate pain through my colon. This is all after that nightmare of a night described by others here."

• Liv...
• February 13, 2016

For Constipation "So much pain! In the last 2 years, I have suffered with a brain tumor, so I have been in a lot of pain, to the point of morphine every day for a year. Then I had brain surgery, but the pain from this pill came pretty close! In serious pain, to the point of blacking out, hot and cold shivers, and just sat in pain, feeling like trapped wind/indigestion. It's just... ahhhh!!!! Don't take this!!!"