Dicyclomine and Blurred Vision: What Users Say

• Ibs...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 13, 2018

Dicyclomine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I am a very tiny 104 lb 21-year-old who's been suffering from IBS-D post-cholecystectomy. Now it's been a year since I deal with trapped wind, intestinal pain & bloating, diarrhea. It is literally my ileum & descending colon that I feel spasming horrendously, I can only imagine it feels like labor. I have a love-hate relationship with Bentyl. I'm an emergency Bentyl user (read the potential long-term use effects). This helps at least 90% of the time. And when it kicks in, I think, 'that attack wasn't that bad'. It stops the spasming and it decreases the pain, score 10, pain during drops to a 2 60ish minutes later. 8/10 because of side effects. Mine include blurry vision and confusion. I had to leave work one time because I was just confused, had blurred vision, and was having an anxiety attack. Believe me. Stay at home for the few hours or take it at night. I honestly hope I helped someone because IBS sufferers need to support each other."

• Fin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2020

Dicyclomine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I was 18 when I took Bentyl, had stomach problems on and off for about a year and a half, it was so bad one day that I couldn't get out of bed. About 5 months after that, I was prescribed this medicine. It did NOT help at all. While I understand that it can be a hit or miss for most people, I have to say that the side effects made my pain seem like nothing, and that's not an exaggeration. I took my first dose in the evening (10mg), and within a half hour to 45 minutes, my left arm and lower neck went completely numb, my hands were tingly, my vision became blurred, I had trouble breathing, I felt cold, and I couldn't concentrate on anything. I even took the medicine and was safe about it, did everything my doctor told me to do, but it made no difference. I genuinely believe this drug isn't worth the side effects, especially if you already suffer from mental problems like I do."

• waw...
• July 13, 2019

Dicyclomine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have long-time IBS with two diverticulitis attacks within the last 4 months. This medication does quell my pain (10mg) within one hour of taking it. For this, I would rate it at 10, however, the side effects are very bad. Double blurry vision, extreme dizziness, lethargy, and disorientation. Do not make any plans outside your home if you plan on taking this. I only use it when the pain and discomfort becomes extreme. So thankful my wife is a former EMT-I and a CRNA. She helps me much."

• bad...
• February 11, 2016

Dicyclomine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Started with a low dose at 10 mg to avoid drowsiness. This was the only option for me after fighting IBS for over 15 years. Works on your first day right away. The only side effect is a little blurry vision. I take one dose right before dinner time. The pill regulates the bowel movements like clockwork. This pill also helped me with my sleep issues."

• B H...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2013

Dicyclomine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Meds: Subutex 8mg SL 2x daily (recovering addict), Bentyl 20mg oral as needed up to 4x daily. I have irritable bowel syndrome flare-ups randomly, depending on stress level, caffeine/nicotine/stimulant intake, etc. The first few months, one 20mg Bentyl stopped a flare dead in its tracks. Now it doesn't and I have to double dose, because when I flare, the pain is so severe that I begin vomiting, sweating, shaking, and cannot function at work. The double dose is effective, but causes blurred vision, cognitive impairment, and a general feeling of being 'disconnected' or 'high', minus any kind of euphoria. Going to discuss this with my PCP."

• JMB...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 23, 2025

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had been on dicyclomine for years for my IBS. It helped for quite a while, but a few months ago I started to experience blurred vision and severe diarrhea immediately after eating a meal. Stopped the dicyclomine mainly due to the blurred vision (which subsided) and discovered the diarrhea is gone - back to good solid bowel movements. So reevaluate your meds from time to time because things can change!"

• Anonymous
• November 8, 2015

Dicyclomine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have battled IBS for years, have seen several doctors with no luck. About a year ago, I had horrible stomach/abdominal pains and diarrhea and ended up in the ER. The doctor gave me Bentyl and Zofran. Within half an hour, the cramps disappeared, and I was able to relax. When I followed up with my primary doc, he put me on a normal daily dose of Bentyl, and it works great for me. I now only take it as needed, and the only complaint I have is that it definitely blurs my vision, but it keeps me functioning and works pretty quickly when needed."

• tum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2013

Dicyclomine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Unfortunately, I have not had a good experience with Bentyl. I've had severely blurred vision after just 3 days of taking 10mg 3 times per day along with extreme bloating. I have been extremely uncomfortable and stopped taking the medicine. Hopefully, there is something else available to help my symptoms."

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

Dicyclomine 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."

• big...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 28, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have had surgeries that led to a few different infections in my bowel, which has led to severe 10 out of 10 pain when passing bowel motion. The theory is scar tissue has caused this condition, but after all the tests, there is no way to verify because it is in the small intestine. Years of pain, three trips to the ER with horrific pain, and a decade later, a doctor put me on this. This medicine has been a miracle, I have never had any pain since. I went from suicidal to being able to function and even go on vacation. However, there have been side effects. I have had blurred vision, I am generally lethargic at all times, and nausea. All said and done, the side effects are nothing compared to the other pain, but they are bad at times."

• Twi...
• May 4, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I was in the ER twice in the same 24-hour period with gastroenteritis caused by some viral thing. I was prescribed this dicyclomine upon discharge of my second stay, and it works very well for the cramps, but there were side effects that are not worth it to me. I’ve had the feeling confused, fogginess, blurred vision, and hallucinations. The hallucinations are super trippy, I’m talking to people who aren’t even there… That’s not cool."

• Jul...
• June 16, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had been taking this for a year, with no side effects. They made me kind of giggly and high, but just recently I've been having terrible side effects. I get dizzy, disoriented, anxiety attacks, insomnia, and terrible migraines. I had to be taken off of it immediately when it sent me to the ER with dilated pupils, blurred vision, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and the major disorientation."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2017

Dicyclomine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "This medication works wonders for me. Tend to get stomach cramps regularly, I miss work sometimes because I am constantly running to the bathroom. If I am traveling, I have to stop and use public restrooms. I never know when it's going to hit me. I am weak and faint sometimes from these flares. The only drawback is that it makes me feel tired and I get blurry vision. It has really helped me."

• Kim...
• December 22, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I take Bentyl for IBS and diverticulitis. It works great. Usually starts to work within about half an hour. Side effects for me are drowsiness and blurred vision, but I will deal with that in order to reduce pain from IBS/diverticulitis. I would highly recommend it, but start it at home or when you have time to sleep off the drowsiness until you get used to it."

• 38y...
• January 8, 2012

Dicyclomine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Just started taking it, and it really hasn't helped much at all. One nasty side effect I'm having is that every time I take a pill, I have a fever spike that runs up to around 101, and my vision is blurred. I have no idea why it's doing this to me."

• elt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2024

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I took this due to the fact that I was having horrible cramps from IBS. The first time I took it, I got some relief. But subsequent doses have not helped me. My doctor says to take more Miralax, but my stools are already soft. I just can't push them out. Horrible pain, blurry vision, and cramping like I've never experienced in my life. This drug, I believe, has led to me being more constipated. I've been to the ER multiple times with this issue. They always say you're constipated, take a laxative or take more Miralax. The pressure gets so bad I get tenesmus, and I have trouble urinating. Also, it blocks my poop from coming out, just a small squirt at a time. Don't know what to do. Living like this is unbearable."

• sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 6, 2020

For Noninfectious Colitis "I've had ulcerative colitis for about 4 years now. Asked my GI for this after I was given it after visiting urgent care, it eliminated all my cramping. I could finally do something other than clench my stomach. The only side effect for me was some blurry vision, but other than that, it doesn't seem to impact anything. I take 10 mg 3 times a day, and it is sufficient enough for me to get my pain under control."

• Jol...
• March 30, 2019

"Sudden attack of pain in the right side of the abdomen, just under the rib cage. 30 minutes later, worst vomiting and diarrhea ever, didn’t stop vomiting till 20 hours later. Diarrhea every 30-60 minutes for 4 days, continuously. On the 2nd day, went to the ER, CT & ultrasound ruled out the gall bladder. Saw PCP Monday, biliary colic possible, special testing would show it. I was given a prescription for dicyclomine (Bentyl) and got relief after only 30 minutes! 10 mg, before meals and bedtime. One time heart racing and nearly fainting, likely because I had had no solid foods for 5 days. Enjoying full meals is great though still dizzy, dry mouth, blurred vision. I lowered the dose to 1 in the morning and 1 at night, has kept pain, nausea, and diarrhea at bay. HIDA scan soon to see if bile ducts are blocked. Regular BM now, so maybe I’m on the mend. Read Rx site and says the capsule can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce. Will try that since I don't metabolize meds well. Sprinkling it on food will allow me to adjust the dose."

• MrS...
• September 23, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "My doctor prescribed this after he decided, out of the blue, that he wasn't comfortable prescribing me Donnatal anymore. Donnatal was a 10/10 in terms of relief and lack of side effects, but Bentyl has been awful. Blurry vision, nausea, coordination problems, flushing of the skin, hot flashes, extreme dry mouth and eyes, and maybe half the time very slight relief from cramping and pain. The negative side effects absolutely outweigh the minimal benefits, especially the added nausea on top of the nausea from my IBS. I'm supposed to take 4 per day, but even 2 per day and the side effects are unbearable. I can't drive after I take this either because of the vision and dizziness issues. Hands down, one of the worst poisons I've put in my body."

• Gho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2023

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I've been suffering from stomach issues for the past several months: stomach pain, bloating, lower back pain, sluggishness, bowel problems, and all that fun that comes with aging. I talked to my doctor about it, and this is the medication he recommended. So far, it's helped me. I have noticed my vision is a little blurry. I didn't know that was a side effect until now. I can't tell if it's from this medicine, the new birth control I'm on, or my new contact prescription. I guess I'll talk to my doctor about it next time I see them."

• Bry...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2020

Dicyclomine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Within 20 minutes of taking Bentyl 10 mg, I had blurry vision, dizziness, and depression with suicidal thoughts. Reduced my abdominal pain by about 80%, but the side effects were unbearable."

• Hap...
• February 27, 2017

Dicyclomine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "This medication has been huge for me. I don't run to the restroom as often. My pain is way better. The only side effects I have are dry mouth, loss of appetite, and blurry vision."

• roy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2017

Dicyclomine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Helped my IBS discomfort. Minimum help in reducing 'bloating,' but helped in reducing colon stress. Caused blurred vision, dizziness, and tiredness as side effects."

• fra...
• April 17, 2016

Dicyclomine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I took this without ill effect for several years, then suddenly it became a bad migraine trigger. The blurry vision became intolerable, so I had to stop."