Bentyl and Cramps: What Users Say

• MOM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I was given this drug a while ago as a doctor felt that I was experiencing IBS along with my GERD. I never used it because I don't really like trying new drugs. Well, about a week ago I either came down with some sort of bug with horrible stomach/intestinal cramps or a bad bout of IBS. I did not have diarrhea or vomiting, but just bad cramps. I was desperate and couldn't even rest, so I tried one of the 10 mg pills. I have to say, within 45 minutes, I felt SO much better and it seems peak was about 2 hrs in. I was able to sleep as cramping and pain were gone! It does make you drowsy, especially when first using it. That faded on day 3, but I was able to sleep anyway if I wanted because I was finally comfortable. TRY IT! And it's great because you can just use it as needed. I never needed more than 1 dose a day to keep things at bay but am able to take it 4 times a day."

• Fif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Where has this stuff been? I have been suffering with irritable bowel disease since the beginning of June and was prescribed Bentyl. The first few days were four 10 mg pills a day and that sent me into orbit, but the spasms lessened. Then I was to go down to two a day and I managed to be awake here and there. Now I am on a daily dosage of one a day. The side effects are sleepiness and a little cognitive impairment, but the cramping has decreased by 97%. For me, this has been a total blessing. As I feel better I am thinking of switching to taking the one pill at night instead of the morning. But for now, I am changing nothing. I eat a very bland diet, but hey, it is being processed normally."

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "It was great for the first day or so, but then I was struck by horrible side effects. Cramps in my legs were so bad I could hardly walk, and I literally didn't get a wink of sleep at night due to the pain and restless legs. I also experienced blurred vision and very bad nausea. I would advise a low dose at first to see how it goes, but beware of side effects."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "It's getting to be at least once a week. Cramping just like being in labor! Running to the bathroom and sometimes not making it. Never know when it will hit me... day or night. Lasts one hour to five hours. Now afraid to make any kind of plans. Will it hit me? Colonoscopy was fine."

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2023

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Truly a miracle drug. Was prescribed Bentyl 20 mg for severe cramping due to suspected IBS. When taken before a meal, it just about-if not 100%-prevents cramping, bloating, and runny stool. Bentyl is best used as a preventative measure. Take it on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before eating. I promise you, it's much more effective this way. If you wait to take it until after symptoms have started on a full stomach, it will not work well."

• mis...
• July 12, 2010

"I was prescribed this medicine for diarrhea associated with a bad case of Giardia I picked up. It not only gave my bowels a rest but eased the cramping and dulled the pain. I found it an excellent sleep enhancer as well, which is about all you want to do when in the midst of a cramping bowel attack."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I went to the E.R. with a severe case of food poisoning. After hours of fluids, IVs, and various drugs, they were able to get it to stop. I filled my prescription for Bentyl the next day, 20 mg two times a day. After about 45 minutes, I started getting bad cramps and the worst diarrhea ever. I do not recommend this to anyone."