Senna and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Bob...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 2, 2020

For Constipation "I had another medical condition, so I was prescribed a medication that was effective but made me constipated as a side effect. So anyway, my GP gave me a prescription for senna with instructions to take it daily. A few months later, I began experiencing lower abdominal cramps before I needed to poo. My GP was unconcerned. Some time later, I moved house and registered with a new GP. During my first appointment, she looked over my medical history and my repeat prescriptions, and she was shocked to see I’d been taking senna every day for a year. She said it should never be prescribed for long-term use and she would never have a patient on it for more than one week. She told me to stop taking it and instead prescribed Laxido as a daily laxative (I'm in the UK). I hoped that the pain would then stop, but unfortunately, it hasn’t. My GP thinks the overuse of senna has inflamed my intestines, and I’m now having to see a gastroenterologist. So while senna was effective, overuse can cause serious problems. I can only hope that the gastro doctor can help."

• Mea...
• August 4, 2018

Senna for Constipation "Took one dose and nothing. Took second dose, and that’s when the headache and cramps, and the stomach gurgles started. It sure cleared the pipes, but wow, liquid fire from within, and lived in my bathroom for a day. I was tempted to just sleep on my bathroom floor to make it easier. Once I thought nothing more could possibly come out, a new wave would hit. Can’t even eat crackers or it goes right through."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2022

Senna for Bowel Preparation "Dehydration can cause constipation. So if you're dehydrated and then take a laxative, it WILL cause cramping. You got to keep in mind, in order for laxatives to work, it has to pull fluid from your body in order to soften your stool. That's the reason your poo is watery. Dehydration alone causes leg cramps and dizziness. So, making sure you drink plenty of water before and after taking a laxative. I would highly recommend it. It will help with preventing and easing bad side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2022

Senna for Bowel Preparation "Dehydration can cause constipation. So if you're dehydrated and then take a laxative, it WILL cause cramping. You got to keep in mind, in order for laxatives to work, it has to pull fluid from your body in order to soften your stool. That's the reason your poo is watery. Dehydration alone causes leg cramps and dizziness. So, making sure you drink plenty of water before and after taking a laxative. I would highly recommend it. It will help with preventing and easing bad side effects."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2021

For Constipation "This drug worked *incredibly* well for my constipation. Within 24 hours of taking it, I had basically cleared out my whole digestive system. The problem is it works *too well*. I had bad diarrhea and severe cramps for hours once it kicked in. 1 pill (half a dose) of Senna had me doubled over in pain and sprinting for the toilet for the better part of an afternoon. I'd much rather wait a bit longer for something like MiraLax to work, since that is always gentle and never causes any issues for me. Do not recommend."

• Jcc...
• April 16, 2020

For Constipation "Senna works every time! It can take 12 hours to a day to work, but it works with no side effects except some cramping, which is good. I take 2 chewables for the first dose, then take 1 more tablet when I start to feel cramping with no bathroom luck, usually works an hour later. To make it more effective, stay hydrated with warm liquids, massage your abdomen, and place a stool under your feet when using the bathroom to help you go better. Natural and safe!"

• Aub...
• April 17, 2021

For Constipation "Do not take this. I took one pill around 11 PM. Then around 1 PM the next day, I was vomiting non-stop and had severe abdominal pain. I have not been able to eat and am finding the easiest things to be impossible. I’m fatigued, weak, and still have bad cramping. The cramping is so bad that I can’t even stand up straight. It totally ruined my day. I hope tomorrow is better, but I will definitely be throwing this product in the garbage. Avoid."

• Car...
• October 3, 2017

Senna for Constipation "I have constipation regularly. Milk of magnesia gives me terrible cramps and makes me have nausea. Usually no BM. Miralax takes 3 days to work on me. Bisacodyl tablets react the same as milk of magnesia, except with horrible gas. Senna, I have normal cramping before a BM, it usually takes 8 hours to work. Very pleased."

• Kli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2022

For Constipation "I just took a package of Senna laxative back to the drugstore and told them I felt like it almost killed me, and there should be a big warning on the package. After taking as prescribed at night with lots of water, I woke with extreme cramping and nausea. I crawled to the bathroom, where I lay on the floor because I was passing out. It was coming out of both ends, and I had no control. I was sweating profusely, and my heart was pounding in my chest. It was several hours before the feeling passed. It was terrifying, and I get the same reaction from any senna-based laxative. I don’t know why there isn’t a warning about this on senna medication."

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2016

For Constipation "I hadn't been to the bathroom for almost one week. My stomach was rock hard, and I felt so sick. I took three senna tablets at 7 pm. At around 2 am, I woke up with the most horrible stomach cramps and gas. I lay on my left side with a cushion pressing into my cramping stomach until 5 am. I had the most intense urge to poo. I barely made it to the toilet. I had explosive diarrhea. It was the most painful stomach cramps I have ever had, I sat on the toilet for an hour, bent over my legs, crying from the pain. I still feel sick and crampy at 6 pm. It did get the poo out, but it was horrifically painful."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2017

Senna for Constipation "Senokot is an unpredictable laxative. I take pain pills for chronic pain. For years, I took magnesium oxide, which worked like a charm. However, I had to keep adjusting the dose, and it finally stopped working altogether. After trying other laxatives unsuccessfully, I tried Senokot. Began with 2 pills: nothing. 3 pills: nothing. I finally took 4 pills, and the next day, excruciating cramps & went 4 times. Stools were not soft, and I had to strain despite taking stool softeners (these have never worked alone, but I read that taken with Senokot helped). At my wit's end because nothing aside from enemas works. I eat prunes, plenty of fruit, dried figs, & tons of vegetables. I can't take the cramping side effect, which I never had with magnesium oxide."

• JDB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2022

Senna for Constipation "I am 7 days post-op from a hysterectomy, and the pain meds I’m on have caused constipation. I took 2 of the Senokot-S (stool softener + laxative) at the request of my doctor. 7 hours after taking the pills, I started getting sharp and severe cramps in waves. Gradually, they became more intense, more severe, and more frequent. This lasted for 6 full hours. I had 2 small BMs during this time. Finally, the cramping became so severe and there was no break between waves of pain that it had me comparing it to childbirth and kidney stones, it was damn close to both. At that point, I had an explosion of diarrhea - multiple times in the span of 5-7 minutes. This was approximately 13 hours after taking the pills. I was able to get some relief at that point from the cramping, but the bowels are still having spasms 24 hours later and expelling gas. Is this medication effective? Absolutely - it will 100% empty your bowels, but it is a HORRIBLE way to go. Don’t do it."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2019

Senna for Constipation "I took Senokot, and it took about 9-10 hours for mine to start to work. When it did work, the experience itself is not the most comfortable, given slight cramps and a BM with a soft but foreign feeling consistency. However, it did get the job done, and I do not regret choosing this option. Would only recommend if constipation lasts for more than a couple of days, else, don’t put yourself through discomfort for nothing."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Day...
• July 19, 2021

Senna for Constipation "I actually would recommend this product when you feel uncomfortably bloated. I took/take one tablet at night if I feel the need with a mixed herbal tea. The next morning, you do need a bowel movement, and you do get some cramping, but if you don’t take more than you need, it’s bearable and relieving. Heed the warnings, though, if you think you might not tolerate this or you’re tempted to take more than you should - DON’T. You will be on the loo on and off with severe stomach cramping for hours and hours. I took 2 one night, and I could barely walk around town the next day, I was in so much pain with my stomach and feeling sick. Can have really horrible side effects, but if it’s needed, it’s needed."

• Day...
• July 19, 2021

Senna for Constipation "I actually would recommend this product when you feel uncomfortably bloated. I took/take one tablet at night if I feel the need with a mixed herbal tea. The next morning, you do need a bowel movement, and you do get some cramping, but if you don’t take more than you need, it’s bearable and relieving. Heed the warnings, though, if you think you might not tolerate this or you’re tempted to take more than you should - DON’T. You will be on the loo on and off with severe stomach cramping for hours and hours. I took 2 one night, and I could barely walk around town the next day, I was in so much pain with my stomach and feeling sick. Can have really horrible side effects, but if it’s needed, it’s needed."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2017

Senna for Constipation "Took one the first night, got cramps and diarrhea, ate half the next night, was okay, half the third and nothing. Took one the next, got cramps and diarrhea. Took three-fourths of a tab for two nights straight, nothing, nothing. Took one the next night, STILL nothing."

• Poo...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 31, 2017

For Constipation "Senna totally works if you take the right amount. I see one girl took too much and experienced horrible cramps. Yes, you may get a little stomach pain, but think about what's going on inside of your body. The best way after you use senna, or if you don't find it works, is to eat strawberries, papaya, and blueberries on a little bit of shredded wheat cereal, more fruit than cereal... and continue to eat fruit, a ton, like a full cereal or salad bowl full of strawberries, blueberries, papaya, blackberries, apples... in the morning! Food is medicine, and fruit in the morning should be a requirement in life!"