Bentyl and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Blo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I've suffered with the symptoms of IBS for years, including excess flatulence, ridiculous bloating, constant stomach pain and alternating constipation/diarrhea. I don't like to take prescription meds, so I tried probiotics, digestive enzymes, yogurt, kefir, peppermint oil, herbal supplements...all to no avail. I had developed such a severe pain in my right-hand side, below the ribs, that I was starting to wonder if I had something more serious going on than just IBS. Within a few hours of taking this drug, my poor, outraged stomach and intestines probably cried with relief. The pain on my right-hand side is gone. No more bloating or dreading the after-effects of mealtime...no more avoiding social situations due to the IBS symptoms. My stomach has already gotten flatter and I no longer have the 5-month pregnant appearance thing going on. I've noticed some drowsiness and mild constipation, but these symptoms pale in comparison to the horrors of ongoing IBS pain."

• Han...
• December 2, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I’ve been dealing with IBS-C and stomach pain for a few years now. At first, I was just managing it with over-the-counter probiotics, enzymes, fiber gummies, etc., but over time, everything stopped working. I needed something stronger once my stomach cramps got so bad it led me to throw up and have awful diarrhea. My doctor prescribed me Bentyl for the stomach cramps. I take Bentyl as needed anytime I feel the onset of my stomach cramps, but typically I don’t need it more than once a day. As soon as I take it, the cramping subsides and I no longer get to the point of extreme pain. But in my experience, once my stomach cramps get to their worst point, I don’t find relief with Bentyl. It only works for me if I catch it in time. I often feel my heart beating faster than usual, along with some drowsiness when I take it. A much better feeling than the cramping though. Also at times, I feel it makes me more constipated, so I try not to take it too often since I have IBS-C."

• Niy...
• March 25, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "So I had a bad case of gastroenteritis and ended up in the ER due to bad stomach pains (LIKE REALLY BAD), vomiting, and unable to have bowel movements. The ER doc prescribed me Bentyl, and when I tell you I’m so happy to have found this forum, I am ecstatic! Not because this drug helped me, but because there’s others who had the same HORRIBLE effects I had. Minutes from taking Bentyl, my mind was distorted, restless and I almost unhooked myself from the IV and walked out. I remember refusing treatment (ultrasound) which isn’t like me at all. I packed my bags and demanded to be discharged. I was a total lunatic, my mind was racing, I was very confused and I couldn’t focus. The car ride was the worst! I was hallucinating and in this weird foggy state for TWO DAYS. I thought it was tied to my viral illness, but no, it was from Bentyl. So when I say I’ll never take this again, I will never. I had crazy thoughts, I couldn’t sleep for two days, it was hell on earth. Never again!"

• Jus...
• August 9, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have had Irritable Bowel Syndrome-C for most of my adult life, and this medicine is the only thing that calms everything down. I do not take it every day - only when things get intolerable, and even then I usually try to take it at night, as it does cause drowsiness and 'cognitive impairment.' It definitely works, though! In my opinion, it's worth a try."

• PLA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2024

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "This medication is wonderful - I have constant pain and pressure and gas in my upper right abdomen, also, bowel movements are wonky. I happened to have an almost full Rx of this medication and decided to try again after reading mostly favorable reviews. I am glad I did. It takes a few days to fully adjust to Bentyl, but it is worth it. This is the only medication that seems to help. I have tried the hyoscyamine sublingual with limited effectiveness and more side effects. So far, only side effects have been dry mouth at times and feeling a bit drowsy/high, but the feeling is not unpleasant. I am taking only 10 mg once or twice a day, as my symptoms, though very uncomfortable, are not debilitating. This helps mitigate the side effects. Good medicine."

• 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."

• Riy...
• January 30, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I take Bentyl for irritable bowel syndrome flare-ups, and it does work for me. I would suggest taking it at night before bed or make sure you're home because it can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. This is an antispasmodic, also known as a muscle relaxer. So be careful when taking this. It really does work wonders."

• Val...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Taking for severe ulcer pain. I was prescribed Bentyl from the emergency room recently when I was having uncontrollable pain due to ulcers. It felt like I was being impaled through my stomach, and the pain went to my ribs and back. I needed IV fluids, morphine, and a proton pump inhibitor before I felt any relief. The doctor sent me home with omeprazole and Bentyl. Before having the Bentyl, my ulcer pain would wake me up from a deep sleep every night, but now I'm sleeping through the night. It does make me very drowsy, so I typically don't take it in the morning. I take it in the afternoon and at night. It's been a lifesaver, even though it's not usually prescribed for ulcers, it's helped me greatly."

• Nan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 14, 2022

"I suffered horrible nights with frequent urination for years. I’d just get back to bed-and I felt the urgency like my bladder was full-so I had to get right back up-just urinate a half tsp. I was so miserable. I told my doctor that I just couldn’t take it anymore! He told me that Bentyl was a stomach medication; however, one of the benefits of using Bentyl off-label was relief from Interstitial Cystitis (IC). The first night was purely a miracle! I actually got some much-needed rest. Pure relief through the night! It’s affordable and gentle on my system! I take four pills a day, and what a pure blessing this has been. Hoping others suffering from IC will have the same excellent benefits with Bentyl as I do! It helps me sleep at night; with a slight drowsy feeling, but doesn’t cause drowsiness during the day. I appreciate this medication more than anyone can ever know as I’ve suffered so badly, and this beats injecting meds into my urethra every night! No thanks! I’ll take the pill anytime! Thank you!"

• Nan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 14, 2022

"I suffered horrible nights with frequent urination for years. I’d just get back to bed-and I felt the urgency like my bladder was full-so I had to get right back up-just urinate a half tsp. I was so miserable. I told my doctor that I just couldn’t take it anymore! He told me that Bentyl was a stomach medication; however, one of the benefits of using Bentyl off-label was relief from Interstitial Cystitis (IC). The first night was purely a miracle! I actually got some much-needed rest. Pure relief through the night! It’s affordable and gentle on my system! I take four pills a day, and what a pure blessing this has been. Hoping others suffering from IC will have the same excellent benefits with Bentyl as I do! It helps me sleep at night; with a slight drowsy feeling, but doesn’t cause drowsiness during the day. I appreciate this medication more than anyone can ever know as I’ve suffered so badly, and this beats injecting meds into my urethra every night! No thanks! I’ll take the pill anytime! Thank you!"

• Gho...
• January 18, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "When I first started taking Bentyl, it worked very well. Aside from the side effects of being drowsy and lightheaded, it did the job it was meant to. However, over the past year, problems started to occur more frequently, thus stressing me out and making the cycle continue. I would up the dose, but side effects worsened. Overall, it takes off the edge. I give it a 7."

• rea...
• August 4, 2011

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I've been suffering for two weeks before I got prescribed Bentyl. Bentyl has helped greatly and helped with the urgency I was feeling. I don't like the drowsy feeling it leaves, but I suppose I'd rather have the tiredness than the constant problem of 'going'. Bentyl has been a good medicine for me. I recommend it to others who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or other problems!"

• Jos...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 25, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Double-edged sword for me. I take it for Crohn's disease. If I start cramping up and take Bentyl, it does typically help with bowel spasms fairly well. On the flip side of that, it tends to make me a bit drowsy and kind of lethargic, and occasionally causes panic attacks and anxiety that last for a few hours. Kinda have to weigh the risks with rewards though."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 4, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "This medication is a literal lifesaver for my Crohn's. The side effects may be irritating to put up with, but I would rather the occasional drowsiness than frequent stomach pain, nausea, or inconsistent bowel movements. It helps me to actually go to the bathroom, even though my GI doctor warned me that some people experience constipation. This medication has saved me from being inconsistent with work and school. I don't have to worry about any discomfort while out and about."