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Guaifenesin and Pain: What Users Say

Brand names: Mucinex, Mucinex Maximum Strength, Humibid, Breonesin, Tussin Expectorant, Robafen, Family Meltus Chesty Coughs, Fenesin, Guaiatussin, Organ-1 NR, Scot-Tussin Expectorant, Guiatuss, Altarussin, Diabetic Tuss, Guiadrine G-1200, Xpect, Junior Meltus Chesty Coughs with Catarrh, Dristan Chesty Cough Guaiphenesin, Benadryl Chesty Forte, G Bid, Ganidin NR, Humibid Pediatric, Mucinex Children's Chest Congestion, Guaibid-LA, Aquamist, Amibid LA, Mucobid-LA, Guaifenex LA, Fenex-LA, Rompe Pecho EX, Guaifenesin LA, Humavent LA, Guiacough, GG 200 NR, Glytuss, Anti-Tuss, Diabetic Expectorant, Allfen Jr, Genatuss, Siltuss DAS, Gua-SR, Humigen LA, Altorant, Duratuss G, Robitussin Mucus + Chest Congestion, Guaifenex G, GG-Cen, Benylin E Calmylin Expectorant Siltussin DAS-NA Balminil Expectorant Drituss G Beechams Veno's for Kids Chesty Cough Junior Meltus Colour and Sugar Free Expectorant Help I Have Chest Congestion Bidex-400 Humibid E Fenesin IR Hill's Balsam Chesty Cough Beechams Veno's Expectorant Lemsip Cough Chesty Dristan Chesty Cough Mucinex for Kids Guaifen NR Buckley's Chest Congestion TabTussin 400 Siltussin DAS Diabetic Tussin Mucus Relief Refenesen Chest Congestion Relief Bronchoril Hytuss Mucaplex Tussin Mucus + Chest Congestion Air Power Diabetic Tussin Chest Congestion Giltuss EX Expectorant Giltuss Children's EX Expectorant …show all brand names

Pain: mentioned by 11 users (3.6%)

Based on user experiences from 306 Guaifenesin reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

dizziness 4.9%
nausea 4.9%
cough 3.9%
drowsiness 3.9%
pain 3.6%
vomiting 2.6%
diarrhea 2.3%
headaches 2.3%
insomnia 2.0%
upset stomach 2.0%

Reviews for Guaifenesin

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • SDC...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 2, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "Mucinex (guaifenesin): 'With moderate to severe fibromyalgia for 25 years, lost my career & lived in fear of having a life to avoid a flare-up, mostly sleeping bedridden 75% of the time. I also have polyneuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, occipital neuralgia, severe cervical DDD, myelopathy, etc... have tried every antidepressant, SSRI, pain medicine, anti-inflammatory... you all know, with major side effects. Feb 2016 I got a cold on top of allergies, used Mucinex daily 800 mg then up to 1600 mg & could not believe the relief even at 800! I have prayed for someone to invent a NEW MEDICINE for fibromyalgia that would work... turned out this OLD MEDICINE has returned a lot of my life to me, helps the pain, brain fog, fatigue & depression too!"

10 / 10
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92 Report
  • Cra...
  • November 26, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "I had been a healthy, active male with no previous health issues. In 2000, I experienced a very minor injury, which all on its own progressed until all of my muscles, tendons, and deep tissues were wracked with pain...10/10. I could not sleep for more than a few hours, and I could not stay awake for more than a few hours. My life was destroyed. After prolonged testing, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Amitriptyline only masked the pain, but I've had to increase the dosage over the years, and the fogginess in my head was terrible. A month ago, I tried Mucinex 2x/day, and the pain and fatigue and fog have since evaporated! I can run long distances again!!! No pain; no fatigue. I feel like Rip Van Winkle...where did the last 16 years go?"

10 / 10
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47 Report
  • Cal...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • December 27, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "Suffered with pain and fatigue my entire adult life, but in 2008 I was bedridden from fibromyalgia and fatigue. This is not a quick fix, nor is it a cure. It is a treatment I will use for the rest of my life. The protocol is complicated and can be expensive, depending on your required dose. I had to eat a low-carb diet to control my fatigue. Each year since 2008 has been measurably better. This protocol is most difficult for the 'natural' crowd - no herbal supplements, must avoid most 'natural' skin products - but for me, it has been well worth it. I am stronger and in less pain than when I started this. Most importantly, I am not bedridden."

10 / 10
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57 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • sut...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 3, 2013

Guaifenesin for Cough "Actually, I was using Mucinex to control a nagging nighttime cough. Although I had extreme pain in my ankles and legs EVERY SINGLE DAY, I never dreamed that Mucinex would have any effect in helping that. I took a dose of the Mucinex FastMax just before I went to bed, and WOW, no cough AND no leg pain at all that night, at last, I was pain-free! I know it had to be the Mucinex because absolutely nothing else had made a difference! I will keep some on hand to use from now on. I hope this helps someone else also. Thank you."

10 / 10
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45 Report
  • Pip...
  • January 5, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on protocol for almost a year. I was a patient of Dr. St. Amand, who has mapped me three times. He said I cleared almost 75% and upped my dose at 7 months. I have since been in agony. Ligaments and tendons tight and painful. Muscles constantly aching and stiff. Fatigue and pain off the charts. I would rather manage my occasional flare than try to do this, so I am discontinuing. Very disappointed."

3 / 10
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29 Report

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  • Fib...
  • March 20, 2014

Guaifenesin for Fibromyalgia "I had a terrible experience with Mucinex. I followed the protocol for just over 1 month, hoping to feel some relief, but I felt really heavy, like I had a bad flu, and had worse pain. I think most people are experiencing relief, so give it a shot; it just didn't help me."

1 / 10
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  • Suz...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 29, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "I was on the guaifenesin treatment method of Dr. St. Amand. After 6 months, I could no longer tolerate the pain and exhaustion. Went to another endocrinologist and discovered I have panhypopituitarism, and the pain and exhaustion were from that. Please make sure you are tested for all possible issues. Note: I also discovered that I should have been paying attention to the pain and not assuming it was just part of the guaifenesin treatment. This delayed discovering what was truly wrong."

2 / 10
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25 Report

More FAQ

  • Sal...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 30, 2022

Guaifenesin for Cough "This is the first time I have experienced symptoms of Coronavirus. I did take the flu shot despite not being vaccinated for the Corona. I have always stood by Mucinex for years before the invasion of the virus. And, Mucinex hasn't floundered not one time. My Coronavirus experience was harsh, but without Mucinex being part of my supportive intervention plan. Mucinex has assisted in my recovery from the Corona. The Mucinex helped me endure the onset of pain and struggles to breathe, as well as body aches. Taken as instructed on the box, I am thankful."

9 / 10
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6 Report
  • tle...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 27, 2025

For Fibromyalgia "I had never heard of this protocol, took it for a cough that wasn't letting me sleep. Did nothing for the cough, but couldn't figure out why I suddenly felt something approaching 'good' for the first time in I don't know how long. I could get up and do the dishes I'd been dreading, and though I have had the symptoms for so long I often have a hard time being able to express what they are, my normal does not seem to allow me to do a fraction of what I need to, even while forcing myself to remain upright and attempting to do whatever needs to be done for hours. Various pain, fatigue, dizziness, brain fog. I have an autoimmune disease and was originally diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and it definitely seemed to fit my symptoms, but as many overlap I wasn't totally sure. I found this while trying to find out if there were some reasons for the fact that I felt the improvement. I know I'd taken it before but not for years. Anyway, I need to look into this more. I just took a second dose."

7 / 10
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0 Report
  • Mel...
  • February 7, 2018

Guaifenesin for Cough "I had the flu, and night coughing was keeping the family from sleeping. I tried everything! This worked the first night. I noticed it made my throat feel dry and sore. Drink plenty of water."

9 / 10
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13 Report
  • Mad...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 7, 2023

Guaifenesin for Cough "I just tried the Mucinex pill (12 hours) for the second time. Both times, it made me cough more and harder. The coughing is now painful and less productive. I am throwing it away."

1 / 10
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2 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.