Dextromethorphan and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 3)
Brand names: Delsym, Delsym 12 Hour Cough Relief, Vicks Dayquil Cough, Cough Syrup DM, Dry Cough, Buckleys Mixture, DexAlone, Benylin DM, Bisolvon Dry, Robitussin CoughGels Long-Acting, Vicks Formula 44, Dextromethorphan HBr Adult Formula, Calmylin, Scot-Tussin Diabetes, ElixSure Cough, Covonia Bronchial Balsam, Robafen Cough Liquidgels, Sucrets Cough, Creomulsion, Buckley's Mixture Cough Suppressant, 12 Hour Cough Relief, Robitussin 12-Hour Cough Relief, Babee Cof, Silphen DM, Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care Dry Cough Suppressant, Balminil DM, Delsym 12 Hour Cough Relief for Children & Adults, Robitussin Cough Long-Acting, Benadryl for the Family Dry Forte, Contac Cough, Bisolvon Dry Junior, Dristan DM, Dexi-Tuss, Delsym Children's 12-Hour Cough Relief, Triaminic Long Acting Cough, Creomulsion Children Buckley's DM Robitussin Direct Cough Tussin Cough Gels (Long Acting) Vicks Nature Fusion Cough Duract Max Strength Cough Hold Triaminic Thin Strips Cough Giltuss Honey DM 8hr Cough Giltuss Children's Honey DM 8hr Cough Hold DM Robitussin Children's Cough Long-Acting …show all brand names
Reviews for Dextromethorphan
- JJa...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 26, 2020
For Cough "Took Robitussin syrup right before bed and woke up at 4 am and found out I’d pooped the bed, and it was watery. Probably the most disgusting experience of my life. Would not recommend. Dextromethorphan definitely caused me diarrhea."
- cou...
- June 30, 2016
For Cough "I am currently trying to get over a very nasty cold. I couldn't handle the coughing anymore, so I bought Delsym. I took it before, years ago, with no problems. It made the cough worse before it started to help. It made me drowsy. I napped and was cough-free during that time. Maybe 3 hours. Then I woke up not feeling 'right.' I started to feel hot and had some stomach cramping. I got up to go pee, and all of a sudden, it's like I lost all control of my body. I started sweating uncontrollably and started falling and passing out repeatedly. My muscles tensed up, and I couldn't move. I finally came to long enough to stand up and immediately got horrible diarrhea. I still feel totally out of it. Make sure you have someone to monitor you if you take it."
Frequently asked questions
- Does Mucinex help with Covid?
- Dextromethorphan - can you give TusQ Dx to a child and what is the dose?
- How do I Treat Cough and Sore Throat if I have COVID-19?
- How do I treat a mild case of COVID-19 at home?
- Chi...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 29, 2019
Dextromethorphan for Cough "I took Delsym once and didn't help cough, decided to try a second dose more than 12 hours later, still no help, but now have explosive diarrhea. (Not ideal when you have a bad cough!) Would not recommend."
- Jan...
- October 26, 2016
Dextromethorphan for Cough "It's been years since I've taken any Robitussin. I should have stayed with just the Tussin. This was Robitussin DM nighttime, but has the same active ingredient of dextromethorphan. I did not have much in my stomach, so that may have been the problem. But it's been 24 hours, and I still have diarrhea, but it was worst while sleeping and waking up after it was too late... FOUR times. That has never happened to me in my life. The cough syrup was the only new thing. I've been dehydrated all day, drinking Pedialyte, and rice and bananas. At least I'm making it to the bathroom. Never again! Ugh! Remember, your small intestines are 22 ft long, so it could take 2 days to get out of your system! Not ever taking the chance again."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Ama...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- June 21, 2019
Dextromethorphan "My son had chronic ear infections when he was little and continues to have them every time he gets a cold. He is now 30 years old and continues to use Delsym 12 Hour Cough Syrup to avoid an ear infection. He takes a dose at night and a dose in the morning at onset of a cold. As the cold begins to subside, he stops the dose in the morning and just takes it at night until the cold is completely gone. I've told a lot of people about it, and only one person has told me that it didn't work. I have taken Delsym myself, and neither of us have experienced feeling drugged or have had the explosive diarrhea that others on these reviews have spoken of. Everyone is different as to what they can tolerate. It thins the mucus so it can drain properly and not cause the infection. I'm no doctor but just figured it out on my own years ago when I was told that it thins the mucus. I had him try it, and he has been avoiding ear infections ever since. Beats antibiotics and surgeries."
- FMG...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 10, 2016
Dextromethorphan for Cough "I had a very bad cold to the point of settling in my chest. I took Delsym 12 hour to help. I couldn't believe it really worked to keep my cough at bay, but I started to have severe side effects from it. I had dizziness like I was going to blackout, heart palpitations, SOB (shortness of breath), diarrhea, and vomiting at the same time (sitting on the toilet and holding a bucket at the same time wanting to pass out from the dehydration). Never again, I'll stick with Creomulsion."
More FAQ
- What OTC drugs relieve tripledemic symptoms in kids?
- How to Choose Cold and Flu Medications for Kids
- Cou...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 24, 2016
Dextromethorphan for Cough "Developed a cold that just wouldn't go away and that turned into a cough. Took Vicks, Mucinex, NyQuil, but nothing controlled the cough well. Decided to try Delsym, and while it did control the cough much better than the others, I woke up in the early hours of the morning with extreme diarrhea, awful, awful cramping, and sweating to death. I literally sat on the toilet for an hour dry heaving because the pain was so bad. It was terrible. For the next 24 hours, my stomach just hurt trying to recover. I only thought I had gotten minor food poisoning, but this morning when I had just liquid bowel movements again, I decided to search reviews since that's the only thing that has changed. I am definitely going to stop taking."
- Cal...
- January 27, 2016
For Cough "This cough syrup gave me the worst diarrhea ever. Maybe I'm allergic to one of the ingredients, or maybe it is a common side effect. I had bad stomach gurgling too. Go with Robitussin day or night, and also Robitussin night formula. It worked great!!"
- Cha...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 22, 2021
Dextromethorphan for Cough "Last year, my daughter's pediatrician recommended this because she was diagnosed with the flu. Fast forward to this year and week, I bought it for my extreme cough and because I couldn't sleep from coughing so much. Well, I took the recommended dosage twice and noticed the medicine was making me worse! I have never coughed so much in my life. My body is sore from all the coughing. I obtained a stuffy then runny nose that I didn't have prior to the medicine. My taste and smell left, and I have severe diarrhea. I didn't take any more, and my cough is calming down, and I can smell and taste again. Not sure what's in this, but I highly recommend you steer clear of this cough syrup. I've never had this type of reaction to a cough syrup. Never again will I take this nor give it to my daughter. I would literally cough and sneeze so much at a time I'd get lightheaded and discombobulated. Buy and try at your own risk!"
- Dol...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 13, 2018
Dextromethorphan for Cough "Avoid taking. I took the required dosage, and after one hour, I had terrible gas pains and diarrhea. Very embarrassing since I am at my office. My cough did stop, but it is not worth it. Also, made me very dizzy and confused and a little panicky. Don't take it with any kind of green tea or caffeine."
- Sar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 3, 2017
For Cough "My husband got me some Delsym (purple kind) for a horrific, barking cough I had. (It was so bad he tried to talk me into going to the ER.) After 30 minutes, I actually slept through the entire night, with only 1-2 instances of a cough. I took it 2 nights in a row, and each night I slept the entire night with little to no coughing. I've been reading all the reviews to see if anyone had the same weird feeling in their chest as I did, but from what I see, most people have had issues with diarrhea. I had no issues with the Big 'D' at all. None. Just a weird feeling in my chest/throat area, like numbness or pressure. Could have just been from all the coughing I had done and was finally able to get a break."
- Sit...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 13, 2016
Dextromethorphan for Cough "Best cough medicine on the market. I was having a cough for a week, but after I took a dose, I didn't have any cough the next day. I read a lot of reviews about the medicine. Some guys got diarrhea. Don't take any medicines if you have a weak digestive system. Next time, take lemon tea, your cough will go. This is a good medicine. Don't tell them to reduce the real power of medicine."
- Cou...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 20, 2019
Dextromethorphan for Cough "I usually use Delsym, as the other products hurt my stomach. Purchased the grape flavor and took the first dose at work. I was also told by the pharmacist that I can combine it with Mucinex-D tablets. Unfortunately, this combo got me high as anything at work - must have been the pseudoephedrine in the Mucinex-D. Essentially, my head was spinning, and I was slightly confused and excited. Another side effect included lots of watery diarrhea and loud stomach gas. I have ongoing bubble guts some 12 hours later. My coughing fits were greatly reduced, though. I definitely won’t be combining those two medications again."
- MrT...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 29, 2022
For Cough "Had bronchitis. Took it a few weeks ago. It made me very sleepy at school and very lightheaded/confused. Started it back up this last weekend. It seemed to make me super hungry. Empty stomach sensation. I woke up Monday and took the recommended dose on an empty stomach, then had four bouts of watery diarrhea by noon. Took a 5 mg dose last night before bed at 11 pm. Couldn't sleep past 4 am. I completely feel anxiety, like my blood sugar has dropped. My stomach is a shambles at the moment. Hoping it wears out soon. I just threw my bottle away."
- Del...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 27, 2022
Dextromethorphan for Cough "I was having a pretty bad cough at work, and the doctor had previously told me to try Delsym. This is my first and last time. My cough definitely calmed down. But... the horrible diarrhea that comes with it is not worth it. I've been back and forth on the toilet for almost an hour. Cough is a little better for sure."
- No...
- November 23, 2022
Dextromethorphan for Cough "Well, I wish I had read the reviews before I took Delsym before work this morning. I started a new job recently, and I had a slight cough but no other symptoms, so I thought Delsym would decrease the annoying tickle in my throat. Well, I was not prepared to be sitting here at my desk, clenched like my life depends on it. Diarrhea is not fun in an office environment with a shared restroom. I'd rather have dealt with the slight cough. Take heed and learn from my misdeeds."
- Amy...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 17, 2019
For Cough "I thought I was going crazy till I read the reviews here. Dextromethorphan did work pretty well on my cough, but caused nausea, diarrhea, and a near panic attack. I have an anxiety disorder, and I wish I’d known about the possible effects on mood before taking it."
- Sin...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 9, 2017
Dextromethorphan for Cough "Have a sinus infection which causes a pretty bad cough... got tired of it and reached for Delsym (I bought it a month earlier for my son's bad cough, and it worked for him)... took it at 3 pm today, and by 5 pm I had the runs!!! Cough was gone, but it made me go! I don't have IBS or any digestive issues, so it seems to be affiliated with this medicine... up to you if it's worth it... for me it was, that's how bad my cough was."
- ash...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 7, 2017
Dextromethorphan for Cough "Have a little bit of a lingering cough from a cold. Not giving me much trouble except keeps me up at night. I heard this was good, so I took it so I could get some sleep. Helped tremendously with the cough, but then I was having bad stomach cramps and diarrhea. I hadn't eaten anything that should have upset my stomach, and it didn't really feel like a 'bug,' so I looked up side effects for Delsym. Now I wish I had done that first because I probably wouldn't have taken it. So, while it worked for my cough, I still didn't get any sleep due to the stomach issues."
- Bar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 8, 2017
Dextromethorphan for Cough "Had taken Delsym brand since Saturday for an aggravating cough, adding to it Mucinex as my former doctor always insisted. No problems except smelled the Mucinex in my stools, but no real cough control either. At 10 p.m. last night, took the first dose from a bottle of Equate brand like Delsym and a Mucinex. At 1:30 a.m., I had the first of hours of sudden, explosive, watery diarrhea. Thought I’d been exposed to a stomach virus, but no nausea or vomiting. Still in agony this morning and still coughing, so took another dose of the Delsym knockoff and decided to research side effects since it didn’t match the stomach viruses I’d had in the past. Why did I do that? I just ran for my Immodium, since having IBS-D, it is my best friend. No more Delsym!"
- Bar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 8, 2017
Dextromethorphan for Cough "Had taken Delsym brand since Saturday for an aggravating cough, adding to it Mucinex as my former doctor always insisted. No problems except smelled the Mucinex in my stools, but no real cough control either. At 10 p.m. last night, took the first dose from a bottle of Equate brand like Delsym and a Mucinex. At 1:30 a.m., I had the first of hours of sudden, explosive, watery diarrhea. Thought I’d been exposed to a stomach virus, but no nausea or vomiting. Still in agony this morning and still coughing, so took another dose of the Delsym knockoff and decided to research side effects since it didn’t match the stomach viruses I’d had in the past. Why did I do that? I just ran for my Immodium, since having IBS-D, it is my best friend. No more Delsym!"
- ILo...
- December 5, 2017
Dextromethorphan for Cough "I have used the kid version with success for my children. It does work well to stop a dry cough. It lasts 8 hours, rather than 12. Unfortunately, the last time I used it for my child, she ended up dry heaving for hours and had a bout of explosive diarrhea. It stopped once the medicine wore off (about 8 hours after her dose)."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 30, 2021
Dextromethorphan for Cough "I was a little nervous to take this medication after reading all the negative reviews about horrible diarrhea and nausea. I suffer from IBS, gastritis, GERD, and endometriosis, so my intestines are an absolute mess. I am usually very sensitive to medications, but I was willing to risk it due to having a horrible cough from a virus of some sort. I have been sick for days, and the cough was keeping me up at night, so I gave it a go. Delsym worked absolute wonders for me! Slept all night with no cough and never had any kind of negative effect on my GI system. I would highly recommend this medication if you have a nagging cough."
- Rev...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 18, 2022
Dextromethorphan for Cough "Took a dose at 10:30, and before midnight, I was running to the bathroom with horrible cramping and diarrhea. I will never take this medicine again. I’d rather deal with a cough than stomach pain and diarrhea!"
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about dextromethorphan
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Dextromethorphan for Cough "I was sleeping in the recliner and coughing no matter what I tried. This worked very well. I think it might be the best 12 hours of relief I have had from coughing. Slight diarrhea but so worth the cough relief. I would take this again when that sick with a cough."