Hyoscyamine and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Wil...
• April 23, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "A year and a half ago my IBS flared up and continued to worsen to the point that it totally controlled my life. I went to 2 GIs who ran all the tests on me and finally said it's just IBS. They treated me for diarrhea but that wasn't really my problem. I'm constipated with non-stop cramping for a few days, then have several non-stop hours of really awful pain and diarrhea. I tried a third GI, and he finally tried hyoscyamine .375 2x day. I felt better right away, and for the first time in over a year, I don't feel that exhausting cramping. The only side effects I have are an extremely dry mouth and throat, sleepiness, and sleep disturbances. The dry mouth is really bad, but an easy trade-off because I'm back in control of my own life."

• Eag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have severe IBS and am frequently suffering from either constipation or diarrhea. The pain from either one (but especially the diarrhea) is excruciating at times and can be debilitating. After a hospitalization for dehydration due to the diarrhea and for pain management, my PCP prescribed a regular dose 1x a day, as well as a sublingual PRN dose. The PRN, in particular, has been an absolute miracle drug. It does cause some drowsiness, but it is worth it to me to get so much pain relief so quickly. I usually feel better within just a couple of minutes of taking it. No other medication has ever helped me so much or so quickly."

• IBS...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 24, 2014

Hyoscyamine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I've had Irritable Bowel Syndrome for 11 years, and for almost the entire time, this was the medication I was on. It worked great at first, but then I started having to take double doses (which at least helped with nighttime problems, as it made me extremely drowsy). Eventually, it had no effect on my pain whatsoever, and I only experienced the side effects. I've switched to Librax, which has given me limited results. This medication was a lifesaver for years with very fast results, but I guess it just stopped working for me."

• Rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2014

Hyoscyamine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome "A gastroenterologist prescribed this for me when I was having very severe abdominal pain from Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction and IBS. Well, it did everything but relieve the pain. It blurred my vision, made me nauseous, gave me a pounding headache, made me feel very hot, dried my mouth, made me drowsy, and slowed down my heart rate. The pain continued to worsen, and I ended up in the ER. I had several more attacks afterward, and the Levsin didn't work then, either. I was then referred to another gastroenterologist, who prescribed me Bentyl and Doxepin. While I have had fewer side effects with them, they haven't touched my pain, either."

• Kam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 14, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have had irritable bowel for years, and it has gotten so much worse since having on and off C. diff since 2014. This drug helps a lot with stomach pain and even helps my GERD a bit. Causes major dry mouth and drowsiness, but worth it!"

• whi...
• August 8, 2018

"I was prescribed this after having nausea and vomiting for three days and was unable to keep any food down, much less water, possibly food poisoning. I'm writing this as one of the side effects of this medicine, the drying effect, actually helped me in that I had been experiencing hot flashes from menopause (55 yr. old female). The estrogen/progesterone patch I have been using for the past two years wasn't working any longer. While taking the hyoscyamine .125mg sublingual, I had not one hot flash. Other side effects: grogginess, dry mouth, dry eyes. Had to share my experience as this would be considered an 'off-label use' for maybe someone else out there who's suffering from hot flashes or chronic sweating who can't take other meds. I was prescribed 20 tablets."

• Anonymous
• July 20, 2011

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "This medicine proved very effective for controlling my irritable bowel syndrome. However, at 0.0375 mg, I found it rather sedating. So, I split the tablets, and it still controlled my symptoms. It also helps with the stress incontinence I have as a result of prostate surgery. Overall, it was a miracle for me."

• Dra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 18, 2022

For Urinary Incontinence "I take 5 or 10 mg for nighttime incontinence that started after menopause. It helps with daytime, too. It makes me a bit drowsy at night and dry mouth. I got off it for about two months, and the incontinence returned with pelvic floor pain. After 2 days back on this, it was better."