Dulcolax and Pain: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• August 11, 2020

For Constipation "Took 2 pills and woke up about 3 hours later in excruciating pain! It felt like someone was stabbing me in the stomach and twisting the knife. I probably did more vomiting than number two. Cold sweats, confusion, and profuse pain. I just wanted to pass out to get some type of relief! At one point the pain had gotten so bad I asked Jesus to come take me out of my misery. There is no way that stuff should still be on the market."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2021

"I will never take this Dulcolax ever again in my entire life. You're better off taking a liquid or e-lax pills unless you're desperate. Here's my experience. After 3 days without making a movement and having eaten a meal that had a lot of dairy, it explained why making a movement was a bit tough, almost impossible. I grabbed 2 Dulcolax pills and am thankful I didn't take 3. This isn't gentle. I was twisting and turning about to cry from the pain, thinking I should just call 911. The cramps came and went for 1-2 hours. Just don't take it, I'm glad it works, but it hurts. For real, DON'T TAKE THIS STUFF! I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO WENT THROUGH THIS."

• Anonymous
• July 7, 2021

For Constipation "Had been having severe constipation, so I decided to go to the store and pick up some Dulcolax. Let me tell you, if you haven’t already, DON'T take it. The box said 1-3 pills, so I, of course, went ahead and took 3. I took them at 4 pm, and it is now 10:30 pm, and the pain is truly unbearable. It feels like your insides are being squeezed to death from the inside. I’m too scared to even go lay in bed because it is just too unpredictable. Throwing up, diarrhea, overheating one minute to chills down your whole body the next, sweating so much it looks like I just got out of the shower, so light-headed, seeing stars, caught myself passing out on the way to get water-luckily, I was able to sit down before I lost consciousness. This stuff should not be allowed, seriously debating going to the ER. If you can avoid it, avoid it."

• Dol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2020

For Constipation "This past Friday night, the 21st of Feb, I took one Dulcolax for constipation as per directions on the box, which said 1-3 may be taken. It was about 9:00 pm when I took it. By about 10, the pain and nausea started and grew steadily worse. By 11, I was in agony, sweating profusely, so much so my hubby had to peel my pajamas off me, they were soaked. Finally, yesterday a BM, but still cramping today. It's Sunday, and it's still painful, the nausea and acid bubbling in my throat, sweating, and those cramps that I can feel in front up to the bottom of my ribs, so it's probably intestines, and even my back feels like I was hit with a bat across the ribs, same location, under the ribs. Please take care using this product, drink plenty of water. Most of us on these reviews have given you the basic info we felt we needed to call 911. As women, we are strong, but this brought me to my knees. I took it only once, and it was the lowest amount, just a horrible experience."

• Tif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2021

For Constipation "This has got to be the worst stuff I have ever taken. I only go to the bathroom every 2 or 3 weeks. It gets overwhelming and just so bloated. I need relief. Well, Dulcolax was the last thing I should have done. The pains in my stomach are so intense I feel like something is seriously wrong. It feels like someone is wringing out your insides. I have been dizzy, sick to my stomach, an overall ill feeling, and super nauseated. I would rather have a bloated stomach. Idk what to do! I have been up and down, sitting on the bathroom floor and on the toilet. Not knowing whether to throw up or poop. Worst ever and very scary. I feel like I was going to pass out. I tried laying down, and the pain is too great."

• Yas...
• January 7, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "I was advised by a doctor to take Dulcolax before the colonoscopy. Day 1 @ 8:30 PM: 2 tablets, 5 mg each. Woke up at 6:30 AM with cramps and passed motion. Then it all started an hour later with severe diarrhea and cramps. The pain was so intense I thought I’d have to call an ambulance. Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), it was okay after a few minutes. Had mild broth for breakfast and a few hours later passed motion twice with severe pain again. Had to take Drotin DS, 1 tablet. Had motion again in the night. Day 2, 3:30 AM. Woke up at midnight with cramps and motion. Did my Tahajjud prayers and went back to bed. The feeling of discomfort and sense of passing motion remains for the next 2 hours. People with IBS-D & A should “never” touch this tablet ever in their life. It’s a poison, not a lifesaving drug."

• Iss...
• July 17, 2019

For Constipation "Look, it is a laxative. Yes, it will cause pain. It says it on the box. TAKE IT WITH LOTS OF WATER! Seriously! I cannot reiterate this enough! I have IBD and sometimes I get constipated. This really helps. Yes, the pain can be uncomfortable (to some, unbearable), but take some anti-inflammatories and you'll be fine. The cramps are a signal that the meds are working like they are supposed to. Trust me as someone that has a bowel disorder and has had 5 colonoscopies before the age of 30, this works. It JUST TAKES TIME! I know poo pain. I know poo cramps. I know the pain! It sucks! It really does! Yet, it is effective. There are some people that may not be able to handle it, but others can. Don't be scared and understand it is good for a reason."

• Lov...
• December 28, 2014

For Constipation "So I was having cramps for 2 days, decided to try this by recommendation. Took 3 tablets at 9:00 pm, woke up at midnight with chills, the worst cramps since childbirth, and ran to the restroom! 2 hours later, I woke up to the worst sweats and nausea, wasn't sure which end to put on above the toilet! Then woke up 2 hours later with the cramping again! So yes, this stuff works! But seriously, start with 1 tablet, and yes, I stayed in bed the following day due to my lower back and stomach being so sore from the cramping."

• ale...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2021

For Constipation "Absolutely awful! I have spent the last 5 hours of my life in the bathroom. I am currently on vacation, and this is just not it. I am not even pooping with color anymore, it’s literally water. And non-stop and excruciating pain. I can barely walk six feet without having to run back to the bathroom to poop. I took the correct dosage, I really shouldn’t be afraid to leave the toilet to lay down in my bed. I feel nauseous, and I honestly preferred being constipated."

• jjt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2019

For Constipation "I have suffered with chronic constipation my entire life. I have had scope tests, tried all the things I read about and what the doctor says, but after a while everything stops working and I have to take a store-bought laxative. I bought Dulcolax for women because it said GENTLE overnight dependable relief. What a crock. This product almost killed me. At 11 pm I took 2 little pills. By 2 am the cramps started, by 4 am the pain was getting severe and I was up every 20 minutes. By 6 am I was vomiting and the pain was excruciating, by 8 am I had to call for my husband because I was sweating profusely, my skin felt clammy, my legs were tingling and my head started to spin like I was going to pass out. The pain just kept getting worse. I was a full 36 hours in sheer agony. It did move my bowels, but at this cost, it is not worth it. I actually thought at one point that I was going to die. This product is dangerous and should not be sold to anyone."

• Rae...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2020

For Constipation "Took 2 Dulcolax tablets at 8 pm for relief. Got no relief at all. Relief I actually survived the ordeal. By 3 am, I thought I was going to vomit. Cramps so incredibly strong. Nothing happened. Laid on the bathroom floor covered in cold sweat. Could not move, even to sit on the toilet was risky as I was extremely faint and lightheaded. Finally had a release. Thought my whole insides ended outside. Thought that had to be all, but no, another 3 hours of incredible pain, cramps, and sweats. Ended up sleeping on the bathroom floor to cool down. Two days later, and I can’t seem to eat without getting massive pain in my stomach area. Have a recurring cramping nearly every 30 minutes that has me hunched over in pain. If it doesn’t stop tomorrow, I will need to see the doctor. Hopefully not a twisted bowel due to tablets."

• Anonymous
• July 26, 2021

For Constipation "OMG. Save yourself. Do the enema. Holy smokes. My diet was off, and I knew it. After the 3rd day, I figured I better do something. My abdomen was huge. I'm not a big guy and don't take meds of any kind willingly, so when it said I could take 1 to 3 of these tiny time bombs, I opted for 1. ONE. The cramps started about 6 hours later. Got me out of bed. I spent the next 2 hours doubled over in pain so high I vomited. No joke! Both figuratively and truthfully. No BM yet. I figured if it hurt that bad, I must have a real problem. Bowel obstruction? Cancer? I thought I was dying. I lay on the bathroom floor in a cold sweat, only getting up to vomit or try to crap. Once it finally happened, it took 3 days to be over. My body kept trying to turn my anus inside out. Poor butt bled for 24 hours. My stomach still isn't right 4 days later. Save your booty! Don't do it! Anything but Dulcolax... that part on the box that says 'Gentle, dependable relief,' there ain't nothing GENTLE about it!! POOPERS BEWARE!!"

• Bma...
• September 14, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "This drug was horrible. I was instructed to use it as part of a 'light' bowel prep for surgery. Took the dose (three tablets) and expecting a 'light' and 'gentle' laxative effect over time, headed to the mall with my husband and son to do a bit of shopping. An hour later, I started feeling a little weak, tired, and generally off. I blamed this on poor sleep last night. Within another 30 minutes of that onset, those feelings intensified, and the feverish sweating and intense stomach cramping began. I ended up in the toilet at the mall evacuating pure liquid from my bowels. I texted my husband to get the car and meet me at the closest entrance. I barely made it the ten-minute drive home without having an accident. The pain, constant bathroom trips, liquid poops, sweating, nausea lasted a couple of hours. I will never, ever take this drug again!!!"

• Lol...
• September 8, 2014

For Constipation "Have issues with chronic constipation, and when I get really constipated, I start to feel very fatigued and nauseous. Was looking for a quick fix this time around and took 2 tabs Dulcolax at 9 am. I slept most of the day, I don't know if this was from the constipation or the remedy, but started having horrendous bowel cramping at about 7:30 pm. The first few times I went to the bathroom, I was only able to pass a few small hard lumps with a lot of pain, straining, burning/cramping bowel pain so bad I thought I was either going to vomit or pass out. Finally, about the 4th time the cramps struck, I had a large bowel motion followed by diarrhea. That's where I am right now, and I'm hoping this 'experience' will be wrapping up soon!"

• Dai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 11, 2019

For Constipation "One of the worst pains I have ever felt. I was lying on the floor, crying in pain due to this medication. I lost all my color and felt as though I was dying. I am usually okay with pain tolerance, but this is unbearable. Do not take."

• Sad...
• February 23, 2017

For Constipation "Lord, have mercy. I don't wish this feeling on nobody! I took two tablets at bedtime around 2:30am, woke up to stomach cramps, cold sweat, shaking, nauseated, and feeling faint! I've been on the toilet for an hour, rocking back and forth, praying. Oh my God, I feel like I'm about to die! I will NEVER in my life take another one. I'm so weak and in pain! I feel terrible and am thinking about going to the hospital! I got a trash can in front of me, throwing up and using the bathroom. Never again!"

• Oww...
• September 6, 2020

For Constipation "I had taken this before. Once after surgery and the blockage that happens. I had tried everything, stool softener, suppository, nothing worked. So I took one Dulcolax, and about 6 hours later - relief! Fast forward to last night. Took 2. Woke up at around 1 a.m. with the worst pain in my upper abdomen, truly horrible acid pain. Took some antacids and went back to bed. Woke up at 4 a.m. still in pain. It’s 9 a.m. now, and the pain is still there but just had the first lower abdomen cramping start. Hopefully, relief soon, but the rest of the pills will be going straight to the trash. Nope. Never again."

• Hay...
• December 4, 2019

For Constipation "Please, for the love of God, do not take Dulcolax. It’s 3 am, and the only thing keeping me somewhat sane is reading these comments and knowing that I’m not the only one who is going through this nightmare. The word gentle is complete and utter bull. I took 2 pills around 9 pm tonight, and at midnight, I woke up to the worst full stomach cramps ever. The diarrhea has been pretty much nonstop and so, so painful. I wish I would’ve found this page before taking these pills. They are in the trash, and I pray that this will end soon."

• 6-1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2014

For Constipation "Constipation was causing pain, and I could not relieve myself. I never take anything for this. I took 2 pills about an hour ago and have already had a bearable bowel movement. Great relief. Worked quickly. Hoping no cramps, pain, or irritable bowel to come over the next few hours. So far, so good. I will use again if needed. By the way, I drank plenty of water, so that may have helped me avoid the cramping."

• Lei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2020

For Constipation "Just no. Do not do this to yourself. I thought life would leave me in my damn toilet. The pain was unbelievable. Took 3 and drank a ton of water and a bit of Powerade. Not even an hour later, I thought I was going to have to call 911. It WILL clear you out, but the pain is HORRIFIC. Beware."

• Mam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2020

For Constipation "I took ONE! ONE damn tiny Dulcolax pill, and I felt like I was doomed! It was worse than labor by far! I was drenched with sweat, excruciating cramps, and pressure and pains so bad I couldn’t move. It definitely worked, but in the most torturous way, and I will NEVER EVER take it again! I couldn’t do anything all day besides sit on the toilet or curled up in a ball on my bed..... DON'T TAKE IT! It says “gentle” relief, and that’s rubbish!"

• the...
• April 13, 2015

"Do NOT take unless with at least TWO liters of water with and after taking, or you'll be in agony with cramps and nausea. I take two around 9 pm and drink as much water as I can afterwards until I go to bed. They usually kick in around 2 am, where I will wake up and know I need to go. No messing on the toilet, once there, I'm done within 10-15 minutes of nonstop 'runs.' No pain or cramps, which is because of the water I've had with them. Made the mistake of taking two with just a little bit of water once and was in the worst pain I've ever felt before. Pain was worse than labor and even made me cry for it to stop (no joke). That's why it's imperative that a LOT of water is drunk with and after taking these laxatives."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2023

For Constipation "This product is just awful, do not risk it no matter how desperate you are with constipation. It did clear me out, but OMG, the pain. A few times, I have wondered if I did severe damage to my intestines and should go to the ER. Forty-eight hours later, I am in constant pain of all sorts across my stomach area and bowels. I am burping a lot, lots of gas, and sometimes it feels like a heart attack is coming on, and well, it feels worse than being constipated by far. I have been drinking peppermint and chamomile tea and lots of water to flush its side effects out, but so far no change. This product really should not be on the market, given how many people have the same experience. And the label is incredibly misleading, not gentle in the least."

• Anonymous
• May 23, 2017

For Constipation "Never take this stuff!! For the love of God, don't. Worst cramps I've ever had! I seriously thought I was dying. I only took one. I can't imagine ever taking 2, let alone 3. I am serious, this pill will put you in the worst pain possible!"

• Dia...
• September 4, 2014

For Constipation "I took Dulcolax about 9 pm, and normally it doesn't affect me whatsoever. It woke me at 6 am with severe cramps, worse than childbirth, to be honest. I feel a cold sweat coming on, I was dizzy. I couldn't sit in one place, I was in that much pain. I would not recommend this, I'd go for the easy option of pure orange or something along those lines."