Bisacodyl and Sweating: What Users Say
Brand names: Dulcolax, Dulcolax Laxative, Correctol, Gentle Laxative, Bisacodyl Uniserts, Laxative Gentle Suppositories, Doxidan Tablet, Ducodyl, Bisolax, Carter's Little Pills, Colax, Magic Bullet, Feen-A-Mint, Gentlax Tablet, Ex-lax Ultra, Veracolate, Fleet Bisacodyl, Fematrol, Bisa-Lax, Dulcogen, Bisco-Lax, Alophen, Bisa-Plex, Bisac-Evac, Gen Lax, Evac-U-Gen …show all brand names
Reviews for Bisacodyl
- Zim...
- September 14, 2020
For Constipation "Took two tablets at about 8 am, expecting some gentle movement in a few hours. Next joke? Before 9, I was totally incapacitated with extreme cramps and nausea. This was closely followed by sweat pouring from my whole body, then the explosive diarrhea described by many others. I genuinely thought I was going to have to call an ambulance, I felt like I was dying slowly and very painfully. This product should not be sold over the counter."
- Pho...
- February 7, 2020
For Bowel Preparation "My bowel prep instructions for my procedure said to take 4 Dulcolax pills. Within an hour, I started vomiting, sweating, and muscles in arms and legs were twitching. Then, about 30 minutes into this nightmare, I started shooting yellow liquid out my butt nonstop. This was before I even started drinking the 64 oz of the other concoction I was prescribed. I had to crawl on the floor. My dog was traumatized and howling because he was so worried. It took 3 hours for the nausea, vomiting, and volcano to slow enough for me to start drinking the liquid prep solution. I’ve been up all night, shooting liquid. When I get to the colonoscopy center this morning, I’m telling the doctor she prescribed way too much. I’m a small person with no history of bowel problems. Last night was worse than food poisoning or any illness I’ve ever had. Never again!"
Frequently asked questions
- Which drugs cause opioid-induced constipation?
- Dulcolax - How long does it take for bisacodyl to clear your system?
- Lou...
- July 6, 2021
For Constipation "Worst experience of my life. I've been taking cocodemol, this has caused 10 days of constipation. Bought Dulcolax from Tesco and read instructions which were 1 to 2 tablets when needed. So I took one to be on the safe side. I took it at 8 pm and by 1 am I was screaming in agony with severe stomach cramps that felt like contractions but 10 times worse. Tried to go to the toilet, nothing happened. Cramps continued constantly and the pain was unbearable. This went on for hours. I cried, rocked, and screamed with the pain I couldn't even stand up straight. Finally started going to the toilet at 4 am, sweating, shivering, nausea, I actually saw stars. I was sitting on the bathroom floor sobbing and considering ringing 999. It is now 9 am. I'm still getting stomach cramps and been on and off the loo for hours so I can't leave my house. I'm freezing cold and still feel sick. I was supposed to be at work tonight but had to phone in sick because I have no clue how long these horrible side effects will last. Believe me, I would much rather have stayed constipated."
- Rel...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 3, 2020
For Constipation "I have taken Dulcolax for severe constipation twice. I suffer from constipation frequently and have done so my whole life. I take Movicol, but recently the periods between 'going' have been getting longer. The first time I took Dulcolax, I took 1, and it had very little effect. Yesterday, it had been almost 2 weeks since I last moved my bowels, so I took 2 this morning. 10 hours later, I suddenly began to feel very, very ill. Dizzy, extremely nauseated, headache, terrible stomach cramps, cold sweat, the lot. I tried unsuccessfully to move my bowels 3 times, then on the 4th attempt, an unholy amount of poo left my body. I now feel much better. It did exactly what I took it for. Although the journey was unpleasant, it was short-lived."
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Anonymous
- March 3, 2020
For Constipation "This is absolutely horrendous stuff! I cannot believe they are able to sell this in shops! I took 2 last night as I’ve been constipated for a few days, woke up at 7 am with stomach cramps but managed to get back to sleep. I then woke up at 8:30 am thinking I was going to puke. I ran to the toilet and it was like an explosion of diarrhea. I then came over in a hot sweat and fainted on the toilet! Ears ringing, head spinning, dripping in my own sweat. Absolutely awful stuff, avoid!"
- Anonymous
- August 11, 2020
For Constipation "Took 2 pills and woke up about 3 hours later in excruciating pain! It felt like someone was stabbing me in the stomach and twisting the knife. I probably did more vomiting than number two. Cold sweats, confusion, and profuse pain. I just wanted to pass out to get some type of relief! At one point the pain had gotten so bad I asked Jesus to come take me out of my misery. There is no way that stuff should still be on the market."
- Anonymous
- July 7, 2021
For Constipation "Had been having severe constipation, so I decided to go to the store and pick up some Dulcolax. Let me tell you, if you haven’t already, DON'T take it. The box said 1-3 pills, so I, of course, went ahead and took 3. I took them at 4 pm, and it is now 10:30 pm, and the pain is truly unbearable. It feels like your insides are being squeezed to death from the inside. I’m too scared to even go lay in bed because it is just too unpredictable. Throwing up, diarrhea, overheating one minute to chills down your whole body the next, sweating so much it looks like I just got out of the shower, so light-headed, seeing stars, caught myself passing out on the way to get water-luckily, I was able to sit down before I lost consciousness. This stuff should not be allowed, seriously debating going to the ER. If you can avoid it, avoid it."
- Pet...
- July 21, 2021
For Constipation "I really do not recommend this medicine. I had a pretty major surgery, so I had to take pain medicine. Because of this, I became constipated. I went for a few days without any bowel movements. I think I took Dulcolax once a day for two to three days before anything happened. I woke up and suddenly felt like I had to go to the bathroom. Then the cramps started. The cramps were horrendous. I was shaking from chills and sweating, and I was doubled over clutching my stomach. I felt nauseous, and I felt like I couldn’t sit still. Not much was coming out, so I ended up taking a suppository, which finally did the trick. The cramps and constant running back and forth to the bathroom lasted for HOURS. I would rather have my surgery 10 times over than take this medicine again."
- Aan...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 19, 2021
For Constipation "DO NOT TAKE THIS..... I had been constipated for a week and needed something to help with that. I took Dulcolax at 9:30, it woke me up in pain at 3:30. It felt like period cramps at first, and I tried to sleep it off, but it finally was so unbearable I went to the bathroom and couldn’t go for 2 hours. I was in so much pain that I was sweating and threw up. This is not ideal for just needing a little laxative. I truly do NOT recommend, and I will never be taking it again."
- Chr...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 16, 2021
For Constipation "WOULD NOT RECOMMEND. I took 3, like the box said (10 pm). I took it because I haven't been able to potty for a week. Around 2 am, I woke to my stomach cramping so bad. I got up and went to the bathroom, and nothing happened. 30 minutes later, I felt even worse, so I went back to the bathroom. At this point, I'm nauseated and very lightheaded, and once I got to my destination, sweat was literally pouring off me like I've been digging holes in the desert with a temperature of 115 outside. With all of this going on, I went into an anxiety attack, which now it's hard to breathe. Thankfully, it FINALLY released itself. The next morning, I felt like I've been run over by an 18-wheeler and exhausted beyond belief and shaky. Definitely not ever taking this again."
- Unc...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 13, 2014
For Constipation "I hadn't gone for 4 days and decided to try Dulcolax. I am 5'1" and 120 lbs. The bottle says anywhere from 1-3 pills, and my constipation was pretty bad, so I decided to take 2. Worst mistake of my life. I took the pills at 2:00 pm, and by 6 pm I had the most terrible cramps I have ever felt in my entire life. I was shaking, cold sweating, and felt like I was going to throw up several times. Hours later, and I'm still having terrible diarrhea. It works, but the side effects are too much for me."
- Cat...
- July 19, 2021
For Constipation "I took these pills at 9 a.m., and by 1 p.m. I was overcome with intense stomach cramps, shaking, sweating, and diarrhea. Since 1 p.m. I’ve had multiple bouts of diarrhea, and I’m extremely nauseous. It’s now 6:30 p.m., and I’m literally afraid to leave my bedroom for fear I may not make it to the bathroom. Constipation is better than this. I will be throwing this product in the trash and advise others not to use it."
- Dol...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 23, 2020
For Constipation "This past Friday night, the 21st of Feb, I took one Dulcolax for constipation as per directions on the box, which said 1-3 may be taken. It was about 9:00 pm when I took it. By about 10, the pain and nausea started and grew steadily worse. By 11, I was in agony, sweating profusely, so much so my hubby had to peel my pajamas off me, they were soaked. Finally, yesterday a BM, but still cramping today. It's Sunday, and it's still painful, the nausea and acid bubbling in my throat, sweating, and those cramps that I can feel in front up to the bottom of my ribs, so it's probably intestines, and even my back feels like I was hit with a bat across the ribs, same location, under the ribs. Please take care using this product, drink plenty of water. Most of us on these reviews have given you the basic info we felt we needed to call 911. As women, we are strong, but this brought me to my knees. I took it only once, and it was the lowest amount, just a horrible experience."
- Ean...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 14, 2019
For Constipation "These comments are the only thing getting me through. The descriptions are gloriously accurate. The cramps are comparable to labor contractions, including the nausea and sweats that go with it. I can’t believe they’re allowed to put the word gentle on this box."
- Anonymous
- October 8, 2011
For Constipation "Within 8 hours of taking 2 tablets, I experienced uncontrollable sweating, body shakes, vomiting, and stomach cramps accompanied by loose bowel movements. Although technically this medication relieved my constipation, I nearly ended up in the emergency room. 24 hours later, I still have lower back pain, cramps, and am unable to keep food down. Please do not take this medication lightly!"
- Nik...
- November 26, 2018
For Bowel Preparation "DO NOT TAKE!! Tonight was my first time taking a laxative, and I happened upon Dulcolax. I woke up at 2 AM with the worst stomach cramps of my entire life. Spent two hours puking/dry heaving, bawling my eyes out, my whole body tingling and blood red, and sweating profusely while butt naked on the toilet. I seriously almost called 911. I really thought I was dying. I would much rather go through labor again than ever feel like this. Will NEVER take this again!!!"
- Lov...
- December 28, 2014
For Constipation "So I was having cramps for 2 days, decided to try this by recommendation. Took 3 tablets at 9:00 pm, woke up at midnight with chills, the worst cramps since childbirth, and ran to the restroom! 2 hours later, I woke up to the worst sweats and nausea, wasn't sure which end to put on above the toilet! Then woke up 2 hours later with the cramping again! So yes, this stuff works! But seriously, start with 1 tablet, and yes, I stayed in bed the following day due to my lower back and stomach being so sore from the cramping."
- Mom...
- October 12, 2016
For Bowel Preparation "This is the worst med ever! There is absolutely nothing 'gentle' about it. I've tried it 3x and have given up. First, the cramps were unbearable, to the point where the pain was so bad I started sweating real bad, my hands were clammy, I was dizzy, I felt like I was dying. I literally almost passed out! They need to pull this off the market!"
- jjt...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 20, 2019
For Constipation "I have suffered with chronic constipation my entire life. I have had scope tests, tried all the things I read about and what the doctor says, but after a while everything stops working and I have to take a store-bought laxative. I bought Dulcolax for women because it said GENTLE overnight dependable relief. What a crock. This product almost killed me. At 11 pm I took 2 little pills. By 2 am the cramps started, by 4 am the pain was getting severe and I was up every 20 minutes. By 6 am I was vomiting and the pain was excruciating, by 8 am I had to call for my husband because I was sweating profusely, my skin felt clammy, my legs were tingling and my head started to spin like I was going to pass out. The pain just kept getting worse. I was a full 36 hours in sheer agony. It did move my bowels, but at this cost, it is not worth it. I actually thought at one point that I was going to die. This product is dangerous and should not be sold to anyone."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 9, 2013
For Constipation "I took 2 Dulcolax for mild constipation, and 5 hours later was hit with severe abdominal pain and sweating for about 45 minutes. It was the first time that I had used this. I was about to leave for the emergency room, and it subsided. My daughter read some reviews on Dulcolax and found that several people were affected in this way. I would definitely stay away from this product. It did relieve the constipation this morning."
- Sio...
- August 2, 2016
For Constipation "Took 5 mg of Dulcolax going to bed at 10 pm. Woke at 4 with excruciating abdominal cramps, then started having heart palpitations, sweats, nausea, worse pain than childbirth... then I fainted! Woke up on the tiled bathroom floor with 4 children looking at me thinking I was dead... have a head injury from the bang on the tiled floor, soiled myself 'cause I hadn't the energy to lift myself to the toilet seat... profuse diarrhea for 30 minutes... bed-ridden for 6 hours after the faint... NEVER again will I take this medicine... on the bottle, it says 'for gentle relief of constipation'... nothing could be further from the truth. I'm actually traumatized."
- OAK...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 22, 2020
For Constipation "Took two Dulcolax before bed because I had been constipated for a few days. All good until about 7 am the next morning when I woke up with the WORST pain I have ever had. I would like to mention I birthed two babies over 9 lbs :) this pain was way worse. I threw up, had sweat pouring off my body in agony. End result, it finally worked, but was not worth the severe stomach cramps. I truly thought I was going to pass out or die. Don't take it - save yourself :)"
- Add...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 26, 2019
For Constipation "Why, oh Lord. Why did I not read the reviews first? What a nightmare. In 1 hour, I had 8 bowel movements, and the last 5 were explosive diarrhea. Painful cramps made me regularly grimace in pain on the bathroom floor. Nausea. Sweating. Never. Never again."
- Sad...
- February 23, 2017
For Constipation "Lord, have mercy. I don't wish this feeling on nobody! I took two tablets at bedtime around 2:30am, woke up to stomach cramps, cold sweat, shaking, nauseated, and feeling faint! I've been on the toilet for an hour, rocking back and forth, praying. Oh my God, I feel like I'm about to die! I will NEVER in my life take another one. I'm so weak and in pain! I feel terrible and am thinking about going to the hospital! I got a trash can in front of me, throwing up and using the bathroom. Never again!"
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For Constipation "So after reading all the reviews on here, I figured I’d share my story. I’ve taken this drug a few times. First two times I had mild constipation and shared the same experience as most of you on here have had. Horrible cramping, sweats, explosive bowel movements, laying on the floor, and overall just wanting life to be over! The next two times I had taken it, I honestly swore I’d never take this drug again, but this time my blockage had lasted over a week. That feeling alone is scary thinking that your intestines will explode. So I took it each time right before bed. Woke up early in the morning with cramping but immediately released in the toilet. Diarrhea for the next few hours but tolerable. So to conclude, this is a great product for severe constipation. I’m not talking about 3-4 days without a bowel movement, I’m talking about a week or longer. Try other outlets like Colace or Metamucil. Dulcolax should be a last resort after a long period without. Hope that helps someone :)"