Magnesium sulfate / potassium sulfate / sodium sulfate and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Mis...
• April 17, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "Started prep yesterday at 5:30 pm, drank 32 oz of water, and almost immediately the floodgates opened. It was violent and nonstop. Was pretty much stuck to the toilet for three hours and then off and on for another hour or so. Was able to sleep until 5:30 am but had to run to the bathroom and it exploded again. Started the second prep and could only get about half down and couldn't do anymore without gagging and spitting out. I have cramping and exploding stools again. I hope the drug companies bring back the pill my mom took years ago. I won't do this again."

• mil...
• July 27, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "Whoever said the only thing worse than taking it is taking the second dose had it right. It's salty and disgusting. I mixed it with Lemon Crystal Lite, which helped. The difficult part is chasing it with another 16 oz of water. You get so full you may vomit. Once it starts working, it's not bad. No cramps, no 'near misses.' Overall, a barbaric experience I hope to never repeat. Rated 10 for the effectiveness, 0 for the experience, so the average rate is 5."

• Okl...
• March 17, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "The taste was awful and seemed to get progressively worse the more I drank. I probably drank twice the water recommended just trying to get the first bottle down, and then got so nauseous that I almost couldn't keep the last bit in. Experienced some cramping, but it wasn't terrible. However, there was nothing gentle about the bathroom experience. Recommend baby wipes, plenty of toilet paper, a jar of Vaseline, and an ice pack. Of course, take my experience with a grain of salt -- my system has always been overly sensitive. But I won't be doing this again."

• Bru...
• October 14, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "63 y/o. One hour into the first dose. I took it straight with cool water - drank it quickly, no problem with taste - drink it fast. Before I finished the second glass of water, started the trips to the bathroom. No nausea or cramping. Get wipes! Wish I'd read that. So far, this prep is no worse than the symptoms that have me going to the colonoscopy. Eating lightly for a couple of days helps. Dose 2, who knows? 15 years ago, I used the prep that had one drinking glass after glass after glass, that was awful."

• Wha...
• December 7, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "Had several colonoscopies, endured dreaded gallon GoLytely, NuLytly, MoviPrep, OTC Mag Sulfate/water mixtures. Pros: smaller amount of bad-tasting prep. That's it for pros! Cons: within a few minutes of starting to drink, got nasty chills; lips/face and progressing through the body, inside and out. Fingertips and lips turning bluish and my teeth chattering! I'm 48 years, 5' 10" and 135# active female with no fear of vomiting after going through chemo...but this was tough! Felt like sudden flu! Wicked nausea, nervousness, muscle aches, freezing cold, cramps, and if I sat up...barf! Took 2 hours to work after being on a 24-hour liquid diet. No sleep, just projectile water-shoot-poop for 8 hours. 2nd dose=water running out rear uncontrolled! Prefer old MoviPrep."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "My experience with Suprep could not have been better. I took the first bottle at 6 pm, I drank it normally (no straw or nose plug) and didn’t find the taste terrible, like a salty cough syrup. However, given the taste is intense, I drank it all at once. I started having bowel movements in about 30 minutes, until almost 11 pm (the most intense phase during the first two hours). I did not sleep much (probably 45-50 minutes) and woke up at 4:45 am for the second bottle. The effect of the second bottle was shorter (by 8 am bowel movements ceased, and at the end, I was only passing water) and I was ready to go to my 9:45 am appointment. No side effects whatsoever: no nausea, no cramps, no bloating. Just painless diarrhea and some weakness on the morning before the exam (probably due to fasting and dehydration). I used shea butter to relieve the skin given the frequent bowel motions."

• Kim...
• April 23, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "This is my second colonoscopy, and first with Suprep. First and foremost, it is gentle and fast. I expected cramping pain but had none. It started working within 15 minutes and I went several times in 2 hours, then it was done. I must say, however, that it was hands down the worst thing I ever tasted. Tried lemon-lime soda first time, and sweet tea the next. All I could taste was the nasty mineral taste, so I just chugged it. Once that’s done, something else to drink pretty much takes care of it. Fortunately, my doctor does a 4 pm dose and a 7 pm dose — no early morning dose."

• S E...
• December 8, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "For me, this prep was tolerable. I mixed the prep solution with water, held my nose, drank a few gulps at a time, then had lemon slices nearby to suck on. It really wasn't bad! It started taking effect about 45 min. in and worked well. My doc said I could take a bit longer than an hour to drink the Suprep mix if needed, so that's what I did (took about 90 mins.). Since you start getting dehydrated, the 32 oz. of water afterwards feels like a relief. After that, I made the mistake of having some Gatorade, which seemed to cramp me up a bit, so stick with water. Also, be sure to allow enough time for it to all work - for me, it lasted at least 2 hours after finishing each round of the prep. Do not fear the prep - if you follow the directions and don't guzzle, it will be fine!"

• Dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "Tastes awful, but it could be worse. I read a gazillion reviews and tips before undertaking my first dose at 3:30 p.m. I did divide the diluted dose into two portions, added a little Polar Half and Half (lemon/grapefruit soda) and some crushed ice. Still very bitter and salty. Took long gulps through a wide straw, breathed through my mouth, and then 'chased' between with lemon wedges and sips of the 32 oz of water you are supposed to follow up with. Some burping while drinking. Took 30 mins to drink and 30 mins to kick in, and I've been going for the last 2.5 hrs. Some cramps; a tad nauseous. Not looking forward to the 2nd dose. Keep telling yourself that it's better than getting colon cancer (my dad died of it)."

• Tri...
• December 12, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Suprep Bowel Prep did the job! Was it pleasant? Not in the least. It tastes bad (sweet and salty), but it wasn’t horrid to me. Took first dose at 3 p.m. Within 15 minutes, I was nauseous, light-headed, cramping, and suffering full body sweats. Then the chills set in, and I was shivering uncontrollably for an hour. Fell asleep for an hour. Around 6 p.m., I started having significant “movements.” Second dose was at 9 p.m. Drank it much slower and was only able to get down 2/3 of the solution due to severe nausea. I was able to drink plain water, however. I never threw up, but that was only by sheer willpower and nonstop swallowing against it to keep the medicine down. Was completely cleared out by midnight."

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "For me, this prep solution was a good alternative. I liked that it was just about like drinking water, so I could just chug it down, get it over with. I bit down on a couple of lemon wedges afterward to kill the very strong aftertaste. It was a lot of liquid to drink in a short time, and getting up in the middle of the night to do it again was not my favorite part. I am pretty certain, however, that I am well prepared for an effective scope. Also, I had minimal cramping and discomfort after ingestion, which was nice. Overall, I much prefer it over the preparations I have used in the past."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "So I took my first dose of Suprep tonight at 5. As I was downing it, I started reading reviews, which honestly scared the poop out of me (no pun intended). It was pretty foul-tasting. Robitussin is definitely an accurate description. But if you’ve ever had to chug a shot of American Honey, then you are tough and you got this! I used a straw and chugged it down with four big gulps. After about 10-15 minutes, I started cramping. My husband recommended a nice hot bath, which actually was a great idea. I cramped for around 30-45 minutes and was starting to freak out that they would get worse. But they did subside in intensity, then went away. It was painful but not intolerable. And after that, smooth sailing. Clearing out nicely with no discomfort. No chills, no hypertension, etc. Will see what the second dose brings, but so far not too bad at all."

• Nas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "I am having my first colonoscopy tomorrow at the age of 21, so I was very nervous about the prep for this. As absolutely awful as the Suprep tastes, the prep is nowhere near as bad as I expected. It kicked in about 20 minutes after the first awful batch, which tastes like you took Maraschino cherry juice and dumped a half a cup of salt in it and drank it. GROSS. But I went twice in about 30 minutes, then I would think I was done, and I'd start walking, and it would hit me again. It really hits you like a ton of bricks when you gotta go. But I went about 10 times, and now I'm only going about a half hour at a time. I started crampy and bloated. Drinking all the water and that taste made me a bit nauseous, but it went away after a couple of minutes."

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

For Bowel Preparation "I'm sitting on the toilet typing this. This works, and it works well. The taste isn't any worse than hardcore alcohol. I drank it with just water in about 20 minutes and then the 2 cups of water after that. Noises happened, light cramping. And about 45 minutes after finishing everything-look out. It's all liquid and easy peasy. Not anywhere close to as bad as I was expecting! I'd do this every week."

• Gla...
• July 24, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "Much better than the old prep I used 9 years ago. The taste was not too hard to tolerate. I mixed with cold water and a packet of Crystal Light lemonade. I did not experience any nausea. I was very well hydrated prior to starting to take the prep, which might have helped. I drank the other two 16 oz's while still standing at the sink. I stayed in bed until I felt the urge to go. Throughout the experience, I never had any cramping, only the urge to go, like RIGHT NOW! When I sat down to go, it was like someone turned on the water faucet for a short blast and that was it for that time. This continued every 1/2 hour to 20 minutes for about 2 1/2 hours. Every time I eliminated, I drank a glass of water or Gatorade to stay hydrated. Advice - drink plenty of fluid before and during prep. Use cold water and Crystal Light flavoring. Don't forget to apply a little Vaseline to your bottom before your first trip to the bathroom. Baby wipes will be your friend! Good luck!"

• Poo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "I read over 100 reviews prior to taking, and this is what I learned and recommend. Start 1 week before the procedure with a very low fiber diet and try to eat only 1 meal a day, especially if your GI system is sluggish. You'll thank me! I drank Suprep with a straw and chased it with lemonade, followed by a bite of a lemon, which others recommended. Big help! No bad cramps, just a lot of watery stuff coming out for about 12 hours. I thought I wouldn't need the 2nd dose, so I didn't take it; was still pooping liquid. They were able to complete the colonoscopy but had to flush me out. Am I bad? Good luck! It's not as bad as you think it will be!"

• Apr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "I recently underwent a colonoscopy and was absolutely dreading the prep. I bought Miralax and Dulcolax in advance and considered chickening out of the Suprep and switching to the alternative. I was sure I would experience abdominal cramping and misery after reading awful reviews online. I'm happy to say I made it through both doses with no pain whatsoever. It got the job done, didn't taste great but Gatorade or peach and white grape juice worked well as a chaser. I did have a touch of nausea after dose 2. The most important thing I can say is if your doctor orders you to take both prep doses - DO IT! I thought for sure I was prepped well after dose #1 but quickly came to find that assumption was wrong! Make sure you hydrate well and then some more! I did experience some mild leg cramping the morning of the procedure."

• Apr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "I recently underwent a colonoscopy and was absolutely dreading the prep. I bought Miralax and Dulcolax in advance and considered chickening out of the Suprep and switching to the alternative. I was sure I would experience abdominal cramping and misery after reading awful reviews online. I'm happy to say I made it through both doses with no pain whatsoever. It got the job done, didn't taste great but Gatorade or peach and white grape juice worked well as a chaser. I did have a touch of nausea after dose 2. The most important thing I can say is if your doctor orders you to take both prep doses - DO IT! I thought for sure I was prepped well after dose #1 but quickly came to find that assumption was wrong! Make sure you hydrate well and then some more! I did experience some mild leg cramping the morning of the procedure."

• Ade...
• January 14, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I must say, it’s not the worst prep I’ve done. I took some of the tips I read and chilled the bottle of medicine and mixed it with a 16.9 oz bottle of room temperature water. I drank it down, then drank two 16.9 oz bottles of water with some iced tea mix. Took all of 10 minutes. An hour later, I had a regular bowel movement, the real action began half an hour after that. Then it was every 15 to 30 minutes for about 3 hours. I had a break for an hour and a half, then another blast. I didn’t have any of the chills, cramps, or nausea a lot of people spoke of, nor had my doctor told me to do liquids only the day before, trust me, I ate. To keep hydrated today, I’ve been drinking watered down white grape juice and lemon-lime Gatorade, as well as clear chicken broth. I still have to do the second dose, so I don’t see much sleep tonight. My appointment is at 9 AM, and it’s about a half-hour cab ride to the facility, so I hope I’m finished running by then. Good luck, everyone!"

• And...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "I'm a larger guy. A full week before I did Suprep, I took Miralax every day and started a liquid diet two days early. Pre-Suprep, charged all electronics and put them in the bathroom. I've decided to hang out in here until done. Measured out two sixteen-ounce cups of water and put it in one giant cup. Upon opening the first bottle, I gave it a sniff test, and it smelled alright. Took it warm and slammed it like a giant shot. The salty taste threw me off, but I went straight to my big cup and slammed the water. Kissed my fiancée goodbye and have set up camp in the bathroom. Two hours later, light cramping and faucet-style diarrhea. After reading and hearing about preps, I came in scared. This feels easy as hell. Liquid went down fast."

• IBS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "Suprep tastes like a nasty sour grape to me. Yuck! I wanted to vomit when drinking it. BUT... My original prep was Trilyte. That, to give you an idea, was 4 liters (4000 mL) that you had to drink. It made me very ill, and I began vomiting. The endoscopy center said that Trilyte was all that my insurance covers, but was able to find me a 'sample' of Suprep. I still had troubles with it. But it did not make me vomit. The troubles I had were: nausea, bloating, abdominal cramps, and headache. The positive side is that it really does work! It really cleaned me out. Also, I managed to not vomit while taking it. Also, it is half of the amount of Trilyte. There are 2 6 oz bottles that you dilute with cool water along with 2 more 16 oz waters each time."

• Jul...
• September 25, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "Well, to start out, I tried this with a positive attitude. I was on clear liquids 1 1/2 days before my colonoscopy. I had a colonoscopy 9 years ago with a different prep, but this was the first time with the Suprep. I chilled it like everyone said and used cold water. The first bottle I got down with no problem, but when it starts getting down to the bottom, it gets much stronger. I held my nose and used a big straw. Well, 6 hours before my procedure, I had to do the next bottle. It did not go down well at all, I managed to get half the bottle down before vomiting. As far as cramps, I was in the bathroom like 2 hours with each bottle. I have no description to tell you how nasty the taste was, and the medicine lingered in my mouth even after I chased it with Ginger Ale. It really did aggravate my stomach the morning of my procedure. I know it works good, but the taste needs a lot of improvement. If the prep would not be so hard, I know more people would have colonoscopies to save their life."

• Opt...
• February 22, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "I drank the first bottle right down, doesn't taste bad at all. It went down smooth. I immediately drank the two 16 oz cups of water. Felt bloated and a little nauseous, but that went away. It took a while for it to start working. Had lemon water ice, and the taste goes away immediately. I was extremely nervous about this because of the side effects more than anything. Have some cramping. Will take the next bottle at 10:00 pm. I hope it works faster and I can get some sleep. 7:45 am procedure. I don't even feel hungry after the whole day of just liquids."

• Pau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "Let me first agree with all the comments that it doesn't taste good. But it is much better for me than my previous experience with Golitely, which did not. Be sure to chill everything thoroughly before starting... I used a very long drink straw and put it to the upper rear of my mouth so it mostly went past my tongue, and it isn't too bad that way with a Gatorade green apple chaser. I had much less cramping and it appears to have done the intended job well. Just be near the toilet and tell your family to not get in the way."

• Jul...
• October 10, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "My experience was good. I am 5'7" & weigh 135 lb. I took one and a half bottles of the prep, though directed to take both bottles, and it worked perfectly. Very gentle. No nausea, vomiting, or cramps. Bloating, yes, but brief as it worked quickly. You must drink two 16 oz glasses of water after each dose. Being well hydrated alleviates cramping & bad side effects. My two doses were 2 pm (1 bottle) and 8 pm (1/2 bottle). I liked this schedule because by 10:30 pm the ugliness was over. I slept the night without a bathroom visit. I have an irregular heartbeat for which I'm on Toprol XL. I did experience a brief episode of a racing heartbeat when I awoke, but it subsided. I am certain it was the prep as that isn't typical. Cons: awful taste that makes you cringe; the taste remains in your mouth the next day despite tooth brushing. Pros: gentle, no painful cramps, fast acting, and, for me, the cleansing took less time than past prep solutions."