Bisacodyl and Dizziness: What Users Say (Page 3)

• EmC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2018

Bisacodyl for Constipation "First of all, I DON'T have IBS, was just mildly constipated and was looking for relief. The only positive thing I can say is that I’m no longer constipated, and that’s because, after taking one pill, I spent all night throwing up, with blood in my diarrhea, in extreme pain from gas and cramping, dizzy, and in a cold sweat. It’s now 12 hours later and I still feel like I have the flu. I’d rather be constipated than ever take this again!"

• TAK...
• July 1, 2019

For Constipation "Took medication due to being gentle to stomachs. Was constipated for a week. It says to take 1-3 pills. Took 3 pills. 6 a.m., woke up with EXCRUCIATING PAIN running to the bathroom. Felt like something horrible had taken over my body. I had pain, cold/hot sweats, dizziness, and vomiting that continued several times. I proceeded to stand and the next thing I wake up on the bathroom floor, stunned, confused, face bloodied. I realized that my teeth had been knocked out. Warnings need to be listed on medication. Will never feel the same after this trauma, hospital/dental bills. Any other severe cases? What can be done? Need to replace this medicine for something less harsh."

• Ant...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2022

Bisacodyl for Constipation "Took 1 tablet at 11 a.m. after four days of constipation and cramps. Bowel movements started at 11 p.m., went several times during the night, last trip at 9 a.m. No nausea, just some intestinal cramps and dizziness. Better and found relief. For sure, felt tired and needed a nap until noon."

• Sil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "After reading about bad experiences here, I was really scared to take this part of the bowel prep. I have IBS, a severe anxiety disorder, and have been sick with gastric symptoms on top of that, so I had every reason to think it would be the worst-case scenario for me. I was terrified of the bisacodyl pills and confident about the liquid mixture. Boy, was I wrong. It turns out bisacodyl was the easiest part of the prep. I had no pain, cramps, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting (and these are things that I'm prone to). It did make me kind of sleepy and weak, though, so I recommend camping out and building a blanket nest on the bathroom floor or tub so you don't have to move very far to get to the toilet. After 20 minutes, I passed stool 4-5 times from this part of the prep, so nothing crazy, and it only took effect for an hour or so. The most important thing to avoid complications is: STAY OVERHYDRATED throughout. I'm talking drink like two 16 oz bottles of water before even taking the pills. No pain that way."

• Ano...
• April 30, 2018

For Constipation "I took two of these tablets, then I was in the most excruciating pain I have ever endured. I was crying and putting my knees up. Then I started getting a hot sweat and feeling dizzy, so I stood up to go to the toilet, hoping that if I pooped, then it may relieve some pain. As I was going upstairs, my chest tightened and I couldn't breathe properly, so I stood at the top of the stairs trying to get my breath, but it wasn't working (I was having a panic attack from the pain). I shouted for my parents as I felt I was going to pass out, and then I collapsed to the floor. I managed to come back around and did feel better after going to the loo, but I was back and forth all night, not to mention having a panic attack and fainting. It works for constipation, yes, but it comes with high consequences. My parents were just about to ring for an ambulance, but I managed to come out of my panic attack. DON'T RISK IT."

• Nee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2018

Bisacodyl for Constipation "Pregnant mummy in early 3rd trimester, hasn’t been able to pass a bowel movement for nearly 2 weeks, called midwife to ask if it was safe to take, midwife confirmed it was absolutely fine... took two tablets around 7:30 pm, been up from 3:30 am with cramps and gas, it’s now 6:49 and I, like many others, are experiencing horrid explosive outbursts of actual liquid poo and extremely nauseating dizziness. Can’t even get up to get a bucket to throw up in. Definitely not recommended when pregnant! And obviously going by other comments, not recommended by anyone. Should be listed on the box! Literally felt like I was in labor! Had I not checked reviews, I would have gone up to the hospital."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2022

Bisacodyl for Bowel Preparation "Started the bowel prep with four 5 mg pills. Within a 1/2 an hour, I became so dizzy, and my head was heavy, my eyes were tingly, and I felt like I was going to pass out with a strange sensation in my neck. I have a tiny pain in my stomach, but nothing going on down there yet. It's been 3 hours since I took it, so I'm a little worried as to what's to come! But apparently, you can be allergic to laxatives! Who would have known? So the doctor told me to take a Benadryl."

• Don...
• August 29, 2021

Bisacodyl for Constipation "Took 1 tablet around 10:30-11 pm, and it woke me up at 1:30 am with intense cramping, so I went to sit on the toilet, and I was there for over an hour with intense cramping that would come and go. When it came, I felt nauseous, and to the point I had to take all my clothes off and get my shirt wet with cold water because I went lightheaded and dizzy. Still at this point, nothing has come out, so I tried to lay back down, but within 10-15 minutes, I had this overwhelming sense of wanting to diarrhea my whole insides out, with no exaggeration. So I go to the bathroom, and everything just came out, and finally, a sense of relief. But then for the next two days, I’ve had cramps and a tensed-up stomach. It works, but the pain is too intense to ever take again."

• tho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "Worked 2 hours after taking it and removed all of the formed stool before I did the Miralax Gatorade prep. I felt totally fine from the time I took it until 17 hrs later. Woke at 7:30 a.m., before I opened my eyes, my body felt like it was on fire/felt really funny. I remembered the reviews, so I had Emetrol on standby, took some. Then took myself to the toilet, had no poop to evacuate, so I laid on the bathroom floor with ice, felt like I was literally going to die. I was burning up, numb, tingly sweats all over my head/entire body, dizzy, sick, dry heaved twice, so pale I looked like a corpse. After 10 min/pooped some water, it passed. I was so bad I knew I wouldn't make it to the hospital in time before potential death from whatever it was. It had to be Dulcolax."

• Par...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 25, 2021

Bisacodyl for Constipation "I usually use these pills when I feel like I'm constipated. I use it a couple of times. Horrible, horrible worst nightmare. I took it last night, and I felt like going this morning, and I had the worst stomach pain ever. It was not only cramping but a bad stomach pain. I was going to call 911, it was real bad, with me throwing up several times and dizziness. I almost passed out in the bathroom. I decided to drink a lot of water to cleanse whatever waste I had. It felt like I took an overdose or poison. I'm feeling so weak now, trying to get this over with. The side effects are still lingering while I'm in bed. I suggest drinking lots of water so the pain goes away. I was so scared! Never again will I take these pills, and I only took one pill as usual. Please don't buy it!"

• Dea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 19, 2017

For Constipation "Ok, so I have severe chronic constipation from several medications, and I need something strong. The part where they have this labeled as 'gentle' or 'women's' delicate pink-colored tablets is just pure insanity. I seriously have to plan a day off when I am going to have a bowel movement for how harsh this is. You feel nothing while you watch TV, sleep, etc. You wake up feeling good, and then, OH. MY. GOD. It starts... severe cramping, flushing, weakness, and dizziness that will leave you contemplating if you've been drugged. You cramp and try to remember your Lamaze breathing, writhing in pain every time, thinking no way this could be right... maybe I should call an ambulance. Then you finally go. I had two children, and the pain is comparable."

• Kel...
• February 19, 2017

Bisacodyl for Constipation "I was really reluctant to take this suppository after reading the reviews. I think it's important to note that I am a healthy 23-year-old woman. I was on antibiotics and painkillers after getting my wisdom teeth out, which, combined with a soft food diet, was just a recipe for disaster. The Dulcolax worked within twenty minutes. I didn't feel nauseous or dizzy like others reported."

• Mar...
• August 21, 2015

For Constipation "I never write reviews, but I really felt I had to genuinely help someone consider avoiding this medication. I have never had such an awful experience from an over-the-counter medicine in my life. Took 2 pills (recommended dose 1-3) around 11:00 p.m. before I went to sleep. Woke up in the middle of the night in severe abdominal pain. It was excruciating. I felt extremely nauseous, burning hot, dizzy, weak. Thought I was dying. I was up for hours dealing with these issues, no chance of sleep. Finally, at 7:00 a.m., I had a bowel movement, and everything was being flushed out of me, eventually just water! Please do not take Dulcolax!!! I have taken successful laxatives in the past minus the horrible side effects (Ex-Lax, MiraLax, senna tabs, etc.)."

• D D...
• October 29, 2016

Bisacodyl for Constipation "I took this medicine last night and, boy, did I regret it. Within 3 hrs, I began having BM and decided to use the restroom at midnight. After a short period, I began feeling nauseated and dizzy. And it got worse the longer I stayed in the restroom. It felt like someone was ripping my intestines. The tummy aches were so excruciating. I felt so hot inside, but my body was cold. My legs felt so weak I couldn't even get up. I also felt so thirsty. After an hour in the restroom, I felt I was dying. I gathered the little strength left and rushed to the bedroom to ask my wife to call 911 or drive me to the ER. I kept drinking cold milk and water till we got to the hospital, which was closed. By the time we turned around, I started feeling better."

• Kac...
• May 15, 2022

Bisacodyl for Constipation "I took this product after constipation while traveling. I had an appendectomy 3 weeks ago and have been having problems going to the bathroom since. The packaging says to take between 1-3 tablets. I took 2 at around midnight before bed. I woke up at 3 with severe cramping and have been running to the bathroom every 15 minutes since. I’m nauseous, dizzy, and sweating. I feel like I’m going to throw up in between bouts of severe diarrhea. I do not recommend."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2022

Bisacodyl for Constipation "I hadn't had a bowel movement in five days; very unusual for me! Before I went to bed, I took the recommended dosage (1 to 3; I took 3). Went to sleep at 9 PM to wake up at my usual hour, 3 AM; that's six hours. When I awoke, I felt no bowel movement, yet I sat on the toilet anyway. The cramping sensation was slow and agonizing with nothing being expelled! The pain was so bad, I felt incapacitated; could hardly get up from the toilet! Feeling I needed to drink water to get something moving, I made it to the kitchen and was able to drink about 12 ounces of water. Sitting back on the toilet, the cramps resumed. My head was throbbing and 'whooshing.' I was feeling my blood pressure rise with every excruciating cramp. Finally, the water kicked in. I was able to pass a large stool that felt about 5' long. I passed water with pellets of stool; a substantial amount. Dizzy from the ordeal, all I could do was go back to bed. An hour later, I was feeling better. 'What an ORDEAL!'"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2025

Bisacodyl for Constipation "I had been constipated for about a week when I finally caved and decided to buy a laxative. The pain from constipation was extremely uncomfortable, and the pharmacist recommended that I take two pills before bedtime. I ended up taking them around 6 pm because I was eager to experience some relief. I was relieved to have my first bowel movement an hour later, and a second one at around 10 pm. However, at 12 am, I started to experience stomach cramps. I made my way to the bathroom but was unable to pass anything. For the next two hours or so, I was on the toilet with violent body shakes, cramps, cold sweats, nausea, and dizziness. I ended up throwing up a couple of times before finally having a bowel movement at 2 am. After that, I felt immediately relieved. I think what ended up helping me was drinking a ton of water. If you take this medication, I would recommend only taking one pill and prepping your body with copious amounts of water for the gentlest release possible."

• Bbb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2021

Bisacodyl for Constipation "Okay, so after reading these reviews, I'm so angry at myself for not doing my research before taking Dulcolax. So my first experience with it, I took one pill at dinnertime because I was constipated for 5-6 days. Then literally nothing happened, not when I woke up the next morning either. So I took another pill, and I started having cramps right before I went to bed, but very mild ones. It was nothing like what was about to come. I honestly had a hard time sleeping that night from the pain and kept waking up. Eventually, at around 8 am, it became unbearable, and I rushed to the toilet only to be in excruciating pain, nausea, and dizziness. Then I had diarrhea that literally would not stop. I've never experienced such an intense toilet experience! So overall, it worked for me after 2 days, but it was really difficult... Definitely don't recommend."

• Lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2024

For Constipation "2 weeks, 4 days constipated! I was in agony, terrified of rupturing or going into septic shock. Nothing I was doing or suggested to try worked. I saw my doctor, desperate, and he prescribed me this. Took 2 pills, nothing. I was crying in an absolute panic, took 2 more this morning and all hell broke loose. Dizzy, literally exploding every ten minutes. I really wanted a good clear-out, and it worked. I needed this. I feel bad for those who got really bad pain, I didn't but felt 'off.' Really dizzy, anxiety, feeling out of body. I fainted twice. I think it was the shock of finally emptying pounds of waste. I'm seeing my doctor again because he was saying this can stop bowel function if used long term. I've been struggling with severe constipation for months now and hoping my doctor can help me find a safer way to stay regular because nothing helped but this. I suggest staying home and drinking lots of water on this med. Don't use it unless absolutely desperate. I'm stopping it tomorrow."

• Str...
• August 1, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "Taken 2 bisacodyl one night, next morning and again that night. Wow, second night was awake from 4 am till 12 pm clearing my bowels. Severe cramping pain. Slight sick feeling and dizzy. Had procedure and bowel prep was perfect. Just wish the cramping and popping would now stop."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 19, 2021

Bisacodyl for Constipation "I suffer from chronic diarrhea and sometimes heavy constipation. I've tried every laxative on the market and find over-the-counter meds too mild for my situation. Then I decided to try Dulcolax pills. The box said 1-2, so to be sure I'd get it all out, I took three. They definitely work, but I'd agree with the people saying the pain is serious. I also woke up in the middle of the night with an urgent need to go to the bathroom. I was also cold sweating, shaking, dizzy, and near fainting. My chronic diarrhea does that to me too, so for me, the pills are worth it during my worst constipation. I wouldn't use it, though, without having tried out everything else first. Also, the advice above (or below) about electrolytes is a good one. You will feel drained even though you only take one or two, and dehydration is serious."

• And...
• March 31, 2018

Bisacodyl for Constipation "My doctor told me to take a Dulcolax suppository. 15 minutes and supposedly relief. An hour, and I had severe pain, but nothing came out. An hour later, water and blood coming out. The pain = unbearable; I was rocking and groaning; seeing stars from lightheadedness. I would go from hyperventilating to no breath: so much sweat. I felt I was going to pass out even when not even water came out. I said forget any embarrassment, because I was worried I would pass out or it would get even worse, and I wouldn't be able to get help if I needed it. I called my parents and went to the ER, where I had what looked like a panic attack, but from pain, not anxiety. I couldn't walk. I was crying for hours. Even with the fluids and nausea medication, I felt dizzy and feverish. My body wouldn't calm; it felt like I was holding my muscles continuously flexed for 4 hours. The next day, I went home, slept for a full day. Still no bowel movement until the next day. Never again."

• Nev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2021

For Constipation "I took the recommended dose (2 tablets) at 2 am. I woke up around 6 am, and before I could get to the toilet, my insides began to audibly groan with bowel pain worse than anything I've experienced. Sat on the toilet for 15 minutes with no hint of a movement, my intestines churning, feeling dizzy, barely being able to keep my eyes open and having strange shivers. It seemed to do nothing for my constipation, instead turning my insides into toxic sludge while remaining completely clogged up. I considered waking up my partner to take me to the hospital, not that I could muster the strength to call out. I was in so much pain that the only thing that could move my bowels was to completely lose my dignity and squat on the bathroom floor. 2 soft poos on the tiles made way for liquid diarrhea and intense nausea as I sat back on the toilet. 45 minutes on the toilet slowly eased the pain, but I've felt tired and under the weather all day. Take if you are a masochist."

• ash...
• April 18, 2017

Bisacodyl for Constipation "I wish I would have read the reviews first! Horrible! As I'm sitting on the toilet about to pass out! Horrible nausea, cramps, and dizziness! Gets the job done, but dang! I'd rather be constipated!"