Dicyclomine and Cramps: What Users Say

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

Dicyclomine 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

Dicyclomine 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

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."

• Ayd...
• March 13, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I get horrible cramping in my lower abdomen, and my GI suspects I have IBS, so she prescribed this to me to take as needed, up to twice a day. This is the only stuff that works for me, in all honesty. I have tried everything else, and this has worked like a charm every time I have needed it."

• Lib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had my gallbladder removed about 7 months ago. I was still having gallbladder attacks, per se, even without the organ. Yesterday, I went to the hospital, and after a boatload of tests, I was prescribed this medication. First, through a shot, and within 30 minutes, my pain went away. Although it did come back before I left. The doctor couldn't diagnose what I have, and so I was referred to a gastroenterologist. Overall, I have to take dicyclomine 3 times a day to keep the cramping pain at bay. Hope this helps. 20-year-old female."

• 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."

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

Dicyclomine 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."

• Amb...
• March 27, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have Crohn's disease and had been taking balsalazide. However, I was still getting terrible cramps and bloating. I hated eating because it led to me looking like I was 6 months pregnant and being in crippling pain. My GI prescribed me dicyclomine in addition to my other treatments, and it has worked wonders! I can eat and not even think about it afterward! No bloating, no pain! This must be what it feels like to be normal."

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

Dicyclomine 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...
• February 12, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had severe head trauma at 20 years old, put on Bentyl at 24 after having a cyclic vomiting episode and abdominal migraines. Since I have head trauma, it affects my stomach, I feel like I'm being ripped in half. I told the ER doctor this, they gave me this IV. It stopped most of the pain and nausea immediately. Also, I never knew it wasn't uncomfortable for everyone to have a bowel movement and that cramps were abnormal. I thought it was just 'gas.' On 20 mg, 2-4 a day as needed, but I wait as long as I can to take them, it seems to last more than a day with me. With these, if I am on the toilet with cramps, I take the pill, and the cramps go away after that. I take them more as needed, but that is because I know what will trigger mine, which is some food, stress, commitments, money."

• kar...
• December 12, 2011

For Noninfectious Colitis "Agree with other posters saying this medicine is a lifesaver, at least as far as quality of life! Was suffering from colitis post-gastroenteritis for four days with a low-grade fever (100.5) and finally couldn't take the pain. Was prescribed Bentyl with Flagyl and doxycycline for the colitis. Started working within hours to relieve the terrible cramping and bloating."

• Bug...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 7, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "This drug has helped me tremendously with the terrible cramps and diarrhea I would sometimes get. Usually only take 5-10 mg. However, my daughter takes the same since her surgery, and her insurance requires a drug test prior to a refill. Makes no sense."

• mis...
• July 12, 2010

Dicyclomine "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."

• Nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Was prescribed Bentyl 10 mg for IBS-D to be taken 4 times a day. Took my first dose for 2 days. Was sick as a dog with horrible diarrhea and the worst cramps. Decided to just take one 10 mg Bentyl at bedtime. So far, it’s been great."

• Vic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 11, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Took 6 pills per day for one month as prescribed and never stopped my diarrhea. Could not eat for 2 months, just clear liquids. I had an old pill of Clindex from 1999, and it stopped the cramps, bloating, and diarrhea. Don’t think they make or sell that pill anymore. LIBRAX also works, but it sells cash for $1500, only the elite can afford that!"

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

Dicyclomine 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."

• JbL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have been taking dicyclomine for the past three days, and I still continue to have cramps in the upper and lower abdomen. I am taking 20 mg four times a day, and I personally feel that when I take it, whether it’s in the morning or at night, it doesn’t help me sleep or eat better too much. My weight has been fluctuating, so I was hoping that the medicine would work well, but I still feel a bit less abdominal pain. Perhaps it’s because I experience flare-ups every day that the medicine isn’t as effective."

• SMS...
• June 15, 2016

For Noninfectious Colitis "It worked for me. It helped with bloating and cramping."