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Senna User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Brand names: Senokot, Senna Lax, Geri-Kot, Ex-Lax, Swiss Kriss, Correctol Herbal Tea Laxative, Gentlax, Ex-Lax Chocolated, Black Draught, SenoSol, Agoral Ex-Lax Gentle Nature Fletchers Castoria Dosaflex Dr Caldwell Laxative Innerclean SenoSol-X …show all brand names

Senna has an average rating of 5.3 out of 10 from a total of 309 reviews on Drugs.com. 39% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 44% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Senna

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Zma...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 7, 2021

For Constipation "I've been struggling with constipation on and off for the last few weeks and wanted to try some senna tea to help. I drank one cup about 1 a.m. last night, and this morning at about 7:30 I felt a healthy need to use the bathroom, so I very happily made my way there, thinking this tea thing is great! As soon as I sat down on the toilet, I was extremely nauseous and had abdominal cramping at the same time, which is horrible when you have no idea which end it's gonna come out from. I then started sweating cold sweat, then my legs and arms went numb, my ears started ringing, and my vision went blurry. I knew something was no bueno and tried to get out of the bathroom and lie back down in bed. Next thing I know, my husband is picking me off the floor of the bathroom where I'd just fully passed out stone cold. Yeah, I don't think I'll ever be trying this again. Really scary experience. Thank goodness I fell backward into a wall and not forward and broke my face on the bathtub."

2 / 10
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6 Report
  • Mom...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 31, 2018

Senna for Constipation "Ok, so I took two pills at 8 pm to help with some constipation I’d been having for a couple of weeks. Honestly, I didn’t really look into it before buying it. I’d never taken a laxative before and didn’t really think about how they work. So after I took the pills, I Googled it. The reviews scared me to death. They read, “explosive diarrhea, extreme cramping, vomiting... then more explosive diarrhea.” Not the stuff dreams are made of. I was so scared. The next day, I was to have a 7-hour car ride with family, and I thought for sure I’d be stopping and exploding diarrhea all day. I packed toilet paper, Imodium, and Advil. What I got were period-like cramps, I felt a little crappy, but no diarrhea. Thank God. About 11 hours after I took the pills, I had soft stool. Then about 20 hours later, I had a little diarrhea. Not explosive :) I would use it again, though. I felt a little crappy all day, but it didn't really do much for me."

3 / 10
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11 Report
  • Fal...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 24, 2020

For Constipation "I suffered from trauma and a subdural hematoma that landed me in the ICU and hospital for 5 days. I was started on narcotics and muscle relaxants for pain and was not very active, both led to constipation. I was started on Purelax, an osmotic stool softener that is mixed in 6-8 oz. of liquid once per day, as well as Senna, two tablets/day approx. 10 hours apart. Used this way, the combination worked great other than my first BM, which needed manual removal. Once home, I stayed on both until I was more mobile and gradually decreased to one tab per day and then no tabs, and finally stopped the Purelax once I was somewhat back to my normal activity level. Like all meds, they have to be used properly and for the correct indication and application."

10 / 10
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7 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • HIG...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 4, 2024

Senna for Constipation "Despite the bad reviews, I've used this medication four times now and had an excellent experience. I think the difference is you have to drink a lot of water before bed (you'll definitely wake up to pee) and drink lots when you wake up. There is a sense of urgency, although the defecating itself is not painful nor should it be. I think people don’t drink enough water and get bad cramps! I have chronic constipation (usually 5 days) and was prescribed Restorilax by my MD. When it didn’t work, I used this instead. Don’t overuse as it’ll lead to dependency!"

10 / 10
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  • Not...
  • December 24, 2017

Senna for Constipation "Took 2 pills around 6:30 pm. At 3:15 am, I woke up to HORRIBLE stomach cramps/pain. I honestly thought I was going to pass out from the pain. I went to the bathroom, still having trouble going. Then I started throwing up. For the next 4 hours, I was rotating between diarrhea and throwing up, along with the chills. It honestly was worse than the stomach flu. I never could go back to sleep that night due to the extreme pain and nausea. I will NEVER EVER take this again. Even though I did eventually “go,” I’d rather be constipated than go through this again."

2 / 10
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  • Rev...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 4, 2022

Senna for Constipation "Oh my God, how I wish I could go back in time. I took one tablet last night as I was quite badly constipated, and I regret it SO much. I have had a terrible sleep, with horrible abdominal pains (equivalent to my bad period cramps), cold shakes, and lightheadedness. I went to the bathroom when I could finally bear to move, and I am somehow more constipated than before - so bad that I actually collapsed/passed out on the toilet and have cut/bruised my eye. I am so, so scared as I’m only young and alone at Uni at the moment, and I genuinely feel like I may die, the pain is that bad. Please, I suffer from constipation often, and I would rather be constipated all those times than take this again. Don’t take it!"

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • Jes...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 2, 2019

For Constipation "After my recent bowel surgery, I was placed on some heavy pain medicines. Due to these pain medicines causing some constipation, I was given Senna to get things working. I took two pills at 10 pm at night, not expecting much. I spent the next three days on the toilet, a constant feeling of needing to open my bowels, which ended up causing a lot more straining and issues. In conclusion, the pills do work, but be prepared to call the toilet your best friend for a few days."

2 / 10
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7 Report
  • Sto...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 29, 2019

Senna for Constipation "My husband has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and hasn’t had a bowel movement for 4 weeks. His oncologist said for him to take 2 Senokot in the morning and 2 in the evening, plus he’s taking Miralax. He still hadn’t poo’d, but tonight he was miserable, and it has led to bleeding. He has more chemo tomorrow, and I will let his oncologist know that this did not work for him. The Miralax is still a good thing, at least to me and my family."

1 / 10
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14 Report
  • Hat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 4, 2018

Senna for Constipation "I couldn’t go to the toilet for more than a week (although I do suffer from constipation). I took Senokot at night, and the next day (around 3 pm) I had the urge to go. I went three times, roughly an hour apart, and ended up with diarrhea. I did feel relieved, but still a week later, I’m stuck again."

8 / 10
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9 Report
  • Ibs...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 8, 2019

For Constipation "I was really excited to try this product because of its natural properties because usually natural laxatives are very gentle on the body, but this is horrible! I took one pill about two days ago, and it wasn’t until today I started to feel some movement, but the cramps are horrible. I can’t even move, it’s like someone is taking a knife and slowly twisting it in my intestines. It gave me a bowel movement, but not worth it!"

3 / 10
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8 Report
  • Lis...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 26, 2025

Senna for Constipation "After coming back from vacation, where my guts were not happy, I was 3 weeks of not having a decent BM. I felt awful and had a brutal headache. I read all the reviews, which had me concerned, but I was desperate. I’m 61 and weigh 125 (well, maybe 130 with the extra poop)."

10 / 10
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1 Report
  • Lor...
  • January 27, 2017

Senna for Constipation "After getting out of the hospital following a heart attack, I was so constipated that nothing I tried would help me have a bowel movement. I tried everything that others suggested, even ate prunes, dried and boiled. Finally, I found a bottle of children's Castoria in my medicine closet that I kept there for my children. I took the Castoria and was relieved to have a bowel movement within 12 hours. Thank you, Castoria!!! The only side effect was that I have been regular ever since!"

10 / 10
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11 Report
  • ont...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 13, 2018

Senna for Constipation "Product works! (But beware) I bought Senokot to bring on vacation (time change messes with my bowels), and I was feeling a little backed up, so I decided to give it a try ahead of time to test the effectiveness. I only took 1 pill before bed, and as other comments said, I woke up around 2 a.m. with some slight cramping and discomfort but was able to fall back asleep. The next 2 days produced 5 movements and a lot of gas and cramping. Nothing excruciating, but certainly not comfortable. For someone with severe constipation, I'm sure this product is great, but for the occasional user, this is simply too strong."

5 / 10
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  • the...
  • April 26, 2018

Senna for Constipation "This was the worst laxative I ever tried. I got such a terrible thunderclap migraine and suffered for 3 days. Horrible. Then, when I googled it and found I was not alone, why is it still on the market?"

1 / 10
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12 Report
  • RHY...
  • February 14, 2018

Senna for Constipation "Okay, I too at first had painful dry bowel movements, which I took as causing my constipation. The ones behind it were loose. (after taking Senokot) With me, it seemed like the ones behind it had to push the old dry ones out first. This might take a day or two with Senokot. Ever since taking Senokot, my movements have been loose. I have had constipation for years. I take two Senokot at night and sometimes one an hour after lunch."

9 / 10
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8 Report
  • Cal...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 3, 2017

For Constipation "To everyone leaving negative reviews about it not working. I'm not sure you understand how senna works. It irritates your bowels, forcing a movement. But in order for it to work and not just cramp you, you need to make sure you're drinking enough water. Ideally as close to a gallon as possible a day. Dehydration will keep it from working."

10 / 10
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  • Jos...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 23, 2017

For Constipation "I am befuddled as to all the negative reviews of Senna-Lax on here. I don't know if people are taking over the prescribed amount on the bottle. But you should only start with 2 of the 8.6 tablets (to start off) at bedtime with a glass or two of water. You will have a bowel movement, maybe several, the following morning. It takes about 8-10 hours to work. Sometimes, I will have a cup (but no more) of black coffee. Yes, you will get some cramping and have to go several times, but that means it is working! I would much rather put up with a day's worth of minor cramping than suffer with constipation and toxic stuff sitting in my system. The reason you are going a lot is because it is removing all the 'backed-up' waste that has been sitting in the colon, and it's a laxative!"

10 / 10
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  • Sto...
  • June 14, 2016

For Constipation "I was recommended to take Senna-S, but Drug Mart said their brand Senna-Lax was the same thing. I took 2 pills as directed, and for the past 5 days, I have had explosive, constant diarrhea, black liquid, yellow mucus coming out non-stop. Horrible stomach pain and cannot eat, and deathly afraid to eat. Made me feel worse than the flu. Have been in bed for 4 days, and I am a hospice patient, so I would never, ever recommend this. I have had several colonoscopies, and their preparation was no way as bad as this. I won't buy drug generics from any drug store again. Pay the regular price, as the Drug Mart generics are not worth the results."

1 / 10
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12 Report
  • Ano...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 25, 2018

Senna for Constipation "I suffer with IBS-C (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation) and rarely will have a bowel movement naturally. I take Senokot-S every 3 days, and it consistently produces a bowel movement, but it varies how my body reacts to the medication. At times, I have to take two or three doses, and other times, it causes extreme cramps, nausea, and diarrhea after one dose. Unfortunately, any stimulant laxatives such as this cause “lazy bowel” and dependency issues. So, although effective, I would recommend starting with something different, such as Lax-A-Day, before turning to this medication."

7 / 10
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7 Report
  • Ico...
  • December 25, 2016

For Constipation "I take opiate pain relievers, but if I do some walking, I usually don't have a problem. When I stay in the house too long, I get constipated pretty badly. It's been about 8 months since I've taken any Sennakot, so I figured it would work. The ones I'm taking are 8.6 mg, and I've found in the past that if I only take 2 or 3, nothing happens. I found that I need 5 or 6. Sometimes, I would get some bad stomach pain, but it was a small price to pay to get some relief. Twice this week, I've taken 6 before bed (8 a.m.), but nothing happened. The second time, while getting up to use the bathroom, I felt it working and went back to sleep, but when I got up an hour later, nothing. Anybody else have this happen? Maybe I sleep past my opportunity."

7 / 10
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9 Report
  • Do...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 24, 2022

Senna for Constipation "My fiancée took it around 10 pm, woke up at 7 am, and is constantly on and off the toilet, unable to pass anything until 20 minutes after, but before that, she was in such pain she was literally shaking. If you’re reading this after the fact, then have some still water, milk, yogurt, or chamomile tea. It should help and avoid spicy food and fizzy drinks."

1 / 10
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4 Report
  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 5, 2021

Senna for Bowel Preparation "Worked very well. Took 2 of the tablets at about 10 pm. When I woke up, bowel movement started around 10 am. I had no chills, no side effects like a few of the other reviews, no nausea. Just completely cleared me out!"

10 / 10
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6 Report
  • Big...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 21, 2019

For Constipation "I used one tablet of the natural senna tablets made with natural plants. It worked fine for me. I did not notice any side effects. I have occasional constipation. It does soften the stool. I am very pleased with it. I bought 20 tablets for £1.79."

10 / 10
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  • Jac...
  • December 19, 2017

Senna for Constipation "Very helpful medication. I didn’t experience any pain along with it, despite all the previous comments. Just woke up and had to poo. I have IBS, and it helps a lot with my constipation (plus it doesn’t have a taste, unlike Laxaday)."

10 / 10
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8 Report
  • Joe...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 4, 2021

Senna for Constipation "I was nervous to try Senokot after reading the reviews on this site, but I just wanted to post to say, if you have opioid-induced constipation, it's worth giving senna a try. I can't comment on constipation in general, but for OIC, Senokot worked perfectly for me. Took 2 tablets at night and another 2 in the morning. By the evening I was all cleared out with no side effects whatsoever."

10 / 10
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4 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.