Clenpiq and Headaches: What Users Say

• CMA...
• July 19, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "I just had my first colonoscopy on Friday, July 16. I was terrified of the prep! Please don't be. I have no other prep to compare Clenpiq to, but I will say that I recommend this prep. Please follow recommendations for the 3 days prior and the 1 day prior. Remember to stay hydrated. I took my first dose at 6:15 pm, and the prep started working 30 minutes later. I did use a straw, and I had cold ice water next to me to drink along. By 10 pm, I was done. I was able to sleep a few hours, and I was not running to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I can honestly say it was minor discomfort. I did the second dose early in the morning, and I was done within one hour. I did experience a little nausea and headache with both, but that could have been my nerves again. Doctor said I was super clean. Like others have said, the taste is between sweet and salty - a bit odd. Thank you for all the suggestions on the site."

• mlu...
• June 7, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "For 2-3 days prior to prep day, I ate very low fiber foods. Prep day, I did liquids. At 5pm, I drank the first bottle. It was okay and I sucked a lifesaver while I drank it. I used a straw and was able to finish it fairly easily. I then drank 24 ounces of liquid. About an hour later, I got a headache and was nauseous. Then, I began going to the bathroom regularly. From about 7 p.m. to midnight, I was running to the bathroom and I did dry heave a bunch. But by midnight, I was pooping totally clear. I was so nauseous that I decided, since I was totally clear, that I was not going to take the second bottle. I decided not to tell the doctor I only did one bottle of prep since I was still pooping totally clear. I am 5 feet and 116 pounds, and the doctor said I was 100 percent clean and did a perfect job. I am not saying everyone should only drink one bottle, but if you feel you absolutely cannot continue AND you are pooping clear, I can say it worked for me!!!"

• Anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "After reading reviews of Clenpiq, I was absolutely terrified to take it in preparation for my colonoscopy. I had nightmares about it. I have emetophobia and was so scared it would make me sick, and I'd have to cancel my appointment. BUT IT DIDN'T! In fact, I felt great and had a very smooth, easy prep. No nausea, no vomiting, no real cramping. I was gassy and had a mild, nagging headache, but all very tolerable. It doesn't taste amazing, but it's really not bad. It's just really sweet. It worked very quickly, too. I started drinking at 6 and by 7 was well on my way to being cleared out. My doctor said my prep was perfect, and he could see everything. It is now the day after my procedure, and my only complaint is that I'm still feeling the effects of Clenpiq on my bowels a bit. But it's not incapacitating at all. If you're scared of this product, I strongly encourage you to give it a try. I was truly pleasantly surprised. All that panic for nothing at all."

• Fir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "I had an 8 am appointment. Drank the first bottle of Clenpiq quickly at 3 pm the day before. Had no results by the time my second bottle was due at 9 pm, just some belly rumblings. Two hours after the first bottle, I started drinking more fluids to see if I could push things along. I thought it wasn’t working and worried my exam would be canceled. I drank the second bottle of Clenpiq at 9 pm. At 11 pm, it started to work, I had a few explosive watery diarrheas, went to sleep at 2 am. Then had three more in the clinic at 7:30 am. I had no cramping or pain. I wasn’t sure if I was bloated, but I did feel relief when my bowels started moving at 11 pm, so I must have been bloated. I had a headache in the morning. I was afraid to take any Tylenol, so I waited until after. Then I asked the nurse for Tylenol, and my headache went away. The only reason I am writing this review is to let people know that my first bowel movement wasn’t until 2 hours after my second bottle and not to lose hope. The doctor said my bowel prep was excellent."

• Sal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "Just had a colonoscopy screening this morning after Clenpiq prep. I hope this encourages others with anxiety about colonoscopy prep. I was terrified of all the possible negative side effects - headache, cramping, nausea, and vomiting, and not being cleaned out after all of that. I have a sensitive stomach and don't drink a large volume of fluids. Ate a low-fiber diet for 2 days prior to prep day, and I took Zofran (anti-nausea medicine) 30 min before each prep dose. I easily drank lots of fluids yesterday - and I am NOT a chugger - and I was not hungry. My nurse said I could sip the prep - better to take 30 minutes to finish it than drink too fast and risk nausea/vomiting. It didn't taste BAD, just very sweet. The prep resulted in clear, pale yellow elimination with no cramping, extreme urgency, or other side effects. I took one Clenpiq dose at 3pm and one at 9pm yesterday. My procedure was at 7:30am today. I am SO thankful I did it - screenings are so important! I will choose Clenpiq again!"

• Mad...
• February 11, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "Today I took my first dose of Clenpiq at 5:30 pm. I have really bad gag reflexes, so I was terrified to drink it. It took me almost an hour to get it all down. After each small swallow, I chugged a glass of water and a soft lemon/lime popsicle and waited until I got the taste out of my mouth. The popsicles were a lifesaver. They helped me not to gag. Using the straw did not help. I also held my nose as I swallowed. I was on the toilet before I finished the first bottle. I had no cramps, no vomiting, and no nausea. I had a headache. I followed the same pattern with the second bottle at 3:30 am. I was on the toilet halfway through at 4:10 am. About 5:30 am, I was finished. I stayed near the bathroom at all times. Sometime during my pooping, I had excruciating burning and irritation. Overall, Clenpiq was not as disgusting as I thought it would be, but really sweet nasty. It cleaned me out completely, and my colonoscopy was fast and clean. No polyps. Did the job."

• 28a...
• March 18, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I'm a 28-year-old female, physically fit and healthy. I saw a gastroenterologist because I thought I had hemorrhoids. My grandfather died of colon cancer, so my doctor deemed me enough of a risk to warrant a colonoscopy, despite being so young. I did the split dose, and as someone who fears medical procedures, I can attest that this was very easy. I've seen the nightmare stories online of people running to the bathroom and staying there for a long time. I didn't have any of that. Clenpiq obviously tastes like medicine, but it's bearable and easy to drink! I experienced bowel movements 1 hour after the first dose and periodically throughout the evening and after the second dose. It's not fun to do a colonoscopy prep and fast for 24 hours, but it was so much easier than the internet makes it seem. Clenpiq seems to work really well. I did not have any dizziness, nausea, or headaches, and by the morning I was prepared for the colonoscopy (which was also much easier than I anticipated)."

• Cre...
• September 19, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "So I’ll start by saying I first picked up some gigantic bottle, like over a gallon, lemon-lime flavored. I stopped in my tracks at the pharmacy counter. I’m at most 110 lbs and hate lemon and lime, so that was not going to work. I called my doctor and he scripted me Clenpiq. They normally don’t because the big one is usually free (and it would have been) and the Clenpiq was around $150. I didn’t care, I wanted a successful procedure. I paid $138 at Walmart. Started at 5 pm. Hit within 30 minutes. Didn’t bother me at all. Since I have GI issues, that experience was nothing new. The first bottle really cleaned me out. The 2 am one was far less productive, but it had to be done. The flavor was okay, it was tolerable and went down quick. No pains or cramping. Even the urgency was less than what I normally deal with! Went in for the procedure. All good. This product is the way to go! I did have a headache, but that was likely due to no caffeine, food, or sleep!"

• Kit...
• January 8, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I'm 24 and had my first colonoscopy this morning. Despite major anxiety, I was pleasantly surprised. The fluid was easy to drink and tasted quite sweet, like candy. I hate cranberry and though it was cranberry flavored, it didn't taste repulsive at all, and I actually liked it. I had NO unpleasant side effects like nausea, headache, or cramps, as I feared I might, and though I spent more time in the bathroom than I would have preferred, it wasn't nightmarish. I did the same-day instead of the split dose and was able to get a few hours of quality sleep in with vivid dreams before my morning exam. Like everyone says about turning on a faucet, it gets the job done, and it's nice not to have to drink heavily. The two bottles are such a nice advancement to what my family members went through in the past, and I'm so glad this product is available and I like that it doesn't have to be mixed. Clenpiq is very convenient and worth the extra money in comparison to other bowel prep solutions!"

• Nev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "Followed instructions explicitly as I’ve had trouble in the past due to hemorrhoids, pain, and bleeding. I was assured this would be more gentle. WRONG. Cost $60 with insurance. Took 2 bottles, 1 at 4 pm and the second at 10. Was up till 3 am and had an 8 am test. I have read where others have had quite an easier time, but not me. I was given a steroid rectal cream to ease the pain, but it did not help. The prep did clean me out but had a terrible headache, nausea, bleeding, rectal pain like glass, and explosive episodes. Thank goodness I don’t have to repeat this anytime soon. Two days post-colonoscopy and still nauseous, poor appetite, and bloated. Could be effects of air from colonoscopy, but as this was my 3rd colonoscopy, I don’t remember feeling this ill 2 days post-test. Will not use this again. Rating it 1 due to the terrible side effects even if it did clean me out."

• Jay...
• July 20, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "My first colonoscopy. Easy-to-read bullet points: - Not nearly as bad as I expected it to be. - Taste is very sweet: not terrible. The two servings are easy to get through. - I have emetophobia (scared of vomiting), so I took a Dramamine 1 hour before each dose. I think this (+ staying hydrated) helped. - Didn’t bother leaving the toilet for 3 hours after both doses. The first bowel movements started about 1 hour after the 1st dose, sooner after the 2nd. Was up a few times through the night too. - Mild nausea after the first dose, it went away. Bad bloating after both doses, mostly went away after BMs started. Mild off-and-on headache. - Worst side effect by far is the booty pain. Two words: Liquid fire. Not even aloe wipes stood up to the raw pain, but they helped a little. - I put a step stool in front of the toilet to use as a Squatty Potty, and it helped a lot, highly recommend. 8/10: Overall easy process, about as pleasant as possible, but the taste isn’t great, and the few side effects weren’t fun."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Clenpiq definitely did the job, but I had an awful headache during cleansing. The side effects I had in the days following my procedure led me to a visit to my cardiologist, who told me that Clenpiq contains a high rate of sodium. I have hypertension and take meds that control it very well, but after taking Clenpiq, my BP rose dangerously high for 3 consecutive days following the procedure! My BP gradually returned to normal ranges by the 4th day because it takes 3 days for this med to clear your system! Don’t recommend anyone who has hypertension issues to take this as a prep! I will try Miralax prep next time!"

• SRK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "This was not my first colonoscopy, but my first time using Clenpiq. I followed a low-fiber, low-residue diet 2 days before prep. On prep day, I had fluids only. My first dose (split dose) was at 5 pm. I used a straw to drink straight from the bottle. It was not that bad. (Suprep was much worse and a larger quantity to consume). Then, I had to drink 40 oz. of liquid over a period of 5 hours. Very easy for me to do; I was done in 2.5 hrs. I had no ill effects after taking the Clenpiq, no headache, no chills, no nausea (I had all of these with Suprep). Clenpiq began 'working' in about 30 minutes. I was in and out of the bathroom 4 to 5 times between 5:30 pm and 9 pm. Tips: do use A&D ointment and wet wipes. Also, if you have hemorrhoids, use Witch Hazel or Tucks. I was 'done' by 11:00. Slept till 2 am and had my second dose at 2:30 am (basically a repeat). No issues with my colonoscopy. Two small polyps were removed. You don't have to do this again for 5 years. Hope this review is helpful!"

• Liz...
• June 11, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "OMG, the best bowl prep ever! I have used every prep out there, and this is the best. I did not taste any flavor, although it was supposed to be cranberry. I get colonoscopies yearly and have to psych myself up to drink a gallon of disgusting prep. I drank the bottle straight, then drank 40 oz of water after. Then repeated for the second round. Drinking 8 oz of prep with no flavor is so much better than trying to drink down a gallon of nasty prep, which I usually throw up. Clenpiq stayed down, no gagging or throwing up. The only problem I had was a terrible headache, which lasted until after my procedure. Thank you, Clenpiq!"

• MDS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "Probably the worst drug experience I have ever had. Name the symptom on the list, I had it: headache, bloating, ear pain, severe nausea, belching, cramping, dizzy. It took 5.5 hours with the first dose to make my first run to the bathroom, and I was living on plain pasta and soups for the last 3 days. I have IBS-C, and my regular drug Trulance does a better clean out with a tsp of olive oil. Total nightmare. I luckily had Dulcolax in the house to be able to take 3 of those to add to the mix. Added that from reading here and took the second dose right after I started going, for fear I would not be done. I am determined to make this work even if I have to take more Dulcolax. Horrible drug. How can anyone prescribe something with a 50% success rate? Last time I took some salty grape thing, ice cold with ice and a cold water chaser, and it worked fast, and I was done with both doses by 11 pm. I have a 6:30 am arrival tomorrow and likely will have no sleep tonight."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "48 yr old female doing prep because of diverticulitis. Clenpiq did its job. Liquid diet all day then took the first bottle of Clenpiq at 4 pm. Not fun to drink, but I’ve had to drink bottles of barium for other tests before, so this was nothing compared to that. I dry heaved after drinking the first half of the bottle, but then took deep breaths and finished it OK. Started to work within an hour. The second bottle was harder to get down. I drank that at 9 pm. This time, the diarrhea was much worse, it would hit so fast I barely made it to the bathroom in time, and it was only 10 feet away. Slept off and on, basically on the toilet every hour until 4:30 am. Woke at 7, went again but less urgency. Sipping water now. My appointment is at 11 am. Have a bad headache and feel anxious, but I attribute this to being a bit dehydrated. Overall, even though the medicine is gross, once you get it down, it works. I’m sure all will go well with my procedure today as I am really cleaned out."

• Ann...
• September 14, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "First, I will confirm that I followed all my doctor's instructions precisely. After the first dose of Clenpiq at 5 pm, I had a terrible headache. Forty minutes after taking the second dose at 10 pm, the nausea and vomiting started. From 10:40 pm to 3:36 pm, I was sitting on the toilet throwing up in the trash can. I was mostly, but not completely, cleaned out. The doctor wrote on the report that the colonoscopy was difficult because there was 'retained stool.' That was no surprise since I'm sure I puked up most of the second dose."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "Tastes like sweet and salty chalk, but I didn't mind. I am on the 2nd bottle now. Tons of water and clear Pedialyte, so I have zero dehydration, no headaches or anything, no cramps, no nausea. Worried a bit because I only have a small amount of bowel movements that were just liquid, and now nothing. That's it? Did it work? I go in for the colonoscopy in about 3 hours. I am up all night feeling like I gotta go, but then don't. So we will see."

• Ter...
• March 16, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "One hour after drinking the first bottle of Clenpiq, I went to the bathroom and vomited for over an hour constantly. Bowels didn’t move for another hour or so. I was freezing and wrapped a blanket around me. Next, the horrible sweats started. My hair was soaked. I was so miserable I couldn’t get comfortable. I started shaking, and I had tingling in my feet and hands. I could barely speak because my teeth were chattering. I asked my husband to stay close because I was really scared and, at one point, thought I might be having a stroke because my left leg felt numb. He handed me the phone, and I called the doctor on call. He said I would be fine and side effects like this are rare, and he would cancel my colonoscopy. After starting to evacuate my bowels, the horrible side effects started to ease. I did some more vomiting and finally was able to lay down for a bit. It’s 12:40 in the morning, and I’m still pooing, feel weak, have a headache, and can’t wait to never use Clenpiq again."

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 12, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "I followed my doctor's instructions for colonoscopy prep exactly, and this stuff still did not clean me out all the way, per my doctor! If you are going through all the effort of staying on a clear liquid diet for 36 hrs and making yourself have cramps and diarrhea, you would expect the stuff to actually do the job it's supposed to do! It tastes vile and had a really delayed effect, i.e., it was still 'cleaning me out' after my colonoscopy. Also made me feel nauseated, dizzy, and have headaches on and off. Would not recommend."

• 1st...
• August 24, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "I’m a 46-year-old female, 120 lbs, and overall in very good physical health. I was prescribed Clenpiq, day-before regimen. Prep morning, I drank water hourly starting at 9 AM. 1st bottle of Clenpiq at 3 PM. Tasted weird, sweet drink, but palatable (not cranberry). Kept drinking liquids hourly: plain and coconut water, beef broth (“dinner”), Gatorade. Took 90 minutes for movement, gentle liquid diarrhea (like turning on a faucet), not explosive or painful like a stomach bug. 2 Dulcolax tabs at 6:30 PM. 10 PM, drank 2nd Clenpiq. Was difficult and had to drink in tiny sips, with sips of water in between to minimize foulness and a warm, uncomfortable sensation in my chest. Drank slowly so I wouldn’t become nauseous. 3 more glasses of water/coconut water until 12:45 AM. I was cleaned out and had a headache. Slept from 1 AM to 6 AM. Doctor said prep was very good and procedure was successful. My advice: follow directions closely, go on a reduced-volume clean diet before prep, and hydrate a lot!"

• JER...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2024

For Bowel Preparation "My dad passed away from colon cancer so I'm at high risk. This was my 6th colonoscopy but first with Clenpiq. We all know that the prep is worse than the actual procedure. No prep will be easy but this one seemed to be better than others in the past. My appointment time is Monday at 6 am, so I started the first bottle at 2 pm Sunday just to be sure. With other preps, I started later and was up all night. It started working at 5 pm. It did give me an awful headache but might have also been from coffee withdrawal today (I can't drink coffee black). Decided to drink Mountain Dew since it's okay and has caffeine and feel better. Started the second bottle at 8 pm and could only get half in. Felt too nauseated and didn't want to get sick. I seem to be almost “clear” and ready for tomorrow."

• And...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "In the middle of prepping for colonoscopy. Started morning drinking lots of water. Then had 4 Ducalax tablets. Bowel was soft, but no diarrhea. Then I took my first bottle of Clenpiq. It gave me a headache, and then I threw up. Sat back on the toilet, and bowel was a cross between sluggish and diarrhea. Not looking forward to taking the second bottle."

• red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "This prep is certainly easier because it is just two small bottles to drink. Unfortunately, by the time I was ready to drink the second bottle, I was nauseated. You must drink lots of water with it. Two days later, and I still feel the awful side effects: headache, sore stomach, and some nausea. I think I preferred the older preps. You started them earlier, and there were fewer side effects, if any."

• She...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "Worst experience ever. Followed instructions to a tee, ate/drank only clear liquids. Drink plus water made me completely want to vomit. Started peak elimination about the time for my procedure. In and out of the bathroom in Johnny with IV. Excruciating headache still hours after the procedure, and my rectum is bleeding and so inflamed it feels like it’s on fire. And I’m still eliminating. I cannot believe they charge what they do for this poison. This was my third colonoscopy and my worst experience. Why do doctors prescribe this? So they can keep you coming back for more $$$$!!! Do not take this garbage!"