MiraLAX and Nausea: What Users Say

• ano...
• May 23, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "If you've got IBS-C and motility issues like me, this should be a good read. I was terrified because I know how horrendous the cramping/abdominal pain can be when taking laxatives, even ones as 'gentle' as MiraLAX. While the feelings of fullness and slight nausea persisted, this prep wasn't painful and I didn't experience cramping. I'm thin, small, and VERY sensitive to even small doses of meds, so I thought this bowel prep was going to wreck me. But it absolutely didn't. Remember, people only post reviews when they've had an experience SO far out of the norm, they felt the urge to warn others. The grand majority of us -- even with IBS and motility issues - get through this with moderate discomfort, yes, but no vomiting, cramping, or spasming."

• Ruf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "I have a paralyzing fear of vomiting, which caused me to delay getting a colonoscopy for several years, even though I had suspected I had hemorrhoidal bleeding. My doctor prescribed MiraLAX with Dulcolax along with an anti-emetic (Zofran). I was so anxious I popped an Ativan before starting. I took (2) Dulcolax followed by 32 ounces of Gatorade mixed with 1/2 bottle of MiraLAX a couple of hours later. Early the next morning I drank the second 32-ounce bottle mixed with the remaining MiraLAX. I was instructed to take the Zofran 30 minutes prior to each dose. What a breeze! No bad taste, no nausea, no cramping. Just chills for a few minutes once things got going. I did not feel sick at all. I followed a low-residue diet for three days prior to my liquid-only day and had an excellent cleaning. I only wish I would have known about this option sooner. They discovered I had Stage 3 colorectal cancer. It took nearly a year of treatment, and I nearly lost my life. Please don’t delay."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "This is my 3rd colonoscopy in 2 years. Here are my experiences: 1st one - I used Suprep liquid and thought I was going to die. The taste was rough, but the chills, cramping, and the inability to move 2 feet from the toilet for hours almost did me in. It took days to recover. 2nd - I tried Suprep pills. They were SUPER expensive but easier to get down. Still had major chills, nausea, and cramps, and the result was much the same. The pills seemed to take longer to work, and I was worried that it would not finish in time. 3rd - the MiraLAX prep was the best! Gatorade made the flavor tolerable. I was able to drink it with no problem. I kept waiting for the drama, but it never came. I did the suggested soft foods the week before and included the 2 Dulcolax tabs at the beginning and 2 in the middle. The bathroom time was as expected, but no cramping or chills. Zero issues, procedure was flawless, and I feel great."

• lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "I wonder if people recounting stories with vomiting and terrible cramping are also using the MiraLAX prep with Dulcolax, which can be known to cause these issues. I've been prescribed MiraLAX ONLY prep (no Dulcolax or other laxatives) now twice: once for a colonoscopy, once for abdominal surgery. Both times it is the easiest prep I have ever done, as someone who has had 3 colonoscopies prior and had to take other prep. I, like many of you, am in my 20s and still have an intense fear of vomiting. There is absolutely no nausea for me taking the MiraLAX-only prep. 14 caps in 64 oz, so a LOT of liquid, which helps as it draws water to the bowel and cleans you out. I was never advised to do split prep, so all in under two hrs. When mixed with Gatorade, pretty easy to get down, not the best tasting but a breeze in comparison to other colonoscopy preps I’ve had to do. No cramping or pain, the only discomfort I feel is the bloating and fullness from the amount of liquid consumed!"

• Mar...
• June 8, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "I am 74 years old, and today was my 5th routine colonoscopy. MiraLAX was the easiest prep that I have ever consumed. I mixed it with Crystal Light, and it was just like drinking lemonade. There was no additional taste, flavor, or consistency to the Crystal Light. I had no nausea, gas, cramps, or any side effects. My doctor said my colon was clean and easy for him to see inside. The only negative is you must consume 32 ounces at 2 different times. I found drinking through a straw helped me drain it quicker than drinking from a glass. I have never tried the pills. I did not want to consume 32 large pills. Compared to Suprep and other liquids I have had, MiraLAX was hands down the best liquid prep for me."

• Eas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "I used this for my first colonoscopy prep this past week. I was so happy with the experience after hearing horror stories. I followed a low-residue diet for four days, then a clear liquid day. Mixing the Miralax in Gatorade was tasteless and very easy to drink. I was able to do a split prep, so even the volume I had to drink was tolerable. I had no cramping, no pain, no nausea. My doctor rated my prep as “excellent.” Would highly recommend this prep approach."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2021

For Constipation "I took the normal adult dosage of MiraLAX because the medication I’m on for my gastroparesis is making me constipated. Here it is, around 4 hours later, and I’m nauseous, dizzy, my heart rate is up over 100, and my stomach hurts. Plus, I am still constipated. I’m laying in bed on a sunny, beautiful day when I could be outside because I can’t even lift my head up off my pillow without being dizzy and nauseous. I’m never taking this stuff again!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "I just had my first colonoscopy, and I, like many others, was terrified of the prep. I was prescribed a split dose, which involved 2 Ducolax tablets an hour before drinking 32 ounces of prep the night before the procedure and 32 ounces 6 hours before my procedure. I am here to tell all of you that may be worried, it was a BREEZE! I started my low-fiber diet 6 days prior to my prep and followed the instructions given to me by my doctor exactly, which included taking a cap full of MiraLAX before bed 3 days prior to my prep. I took 2 Ducolax 2 hours before I started my prep and 1 Zofran (for nausea) and 1 Gas-X (for bloating) an hour before I started drinking the MiraLAX solution and was done cleaning out in less than 2 hours. For the second round, I did exactly the same thing and sailed right through. I am here to tell you not to be afraid. Go get your colonoscopy - it could save your life."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I used this MiraLAX prep last week along with Dulcolax, and I will NEVER use it again. After the third dose, I still had not had a bowel movement. Then, all at once, I broke out into a profuse cold sweat and felt as though I would pass out. I headed for the bedroom to lay down, and after about 3 minutes, a wave of nausea hit and I barely made it back to the bathroom before projectile vomit occurred. This was my 3rd colonoscopy/endoscopy, and NEVER AGAIN WILL I USE THIS PREP. After I vomited the poison from my system, I felt better and continued with the process. I was able to have the procedure, but I told my doctor what happened, and he said from now on he would use MoviPrep or Suprep."

• CBa...
• May 26, 2016

For Constipation "I was lulled into a false sense about this drug by my doctor and reviews, which said it would work over several days and help me have a natural bowel movement. This is not my current experience. I haven't had a real bowel movement in 9 days, which is the first time in my life this has happened. I have some health issues and have been eating 400-600 calories per day. I took the MiraLAX at 7 PM, assuming nothing would happen for a few days. At 9:15, abdominal pain, cramping, running to the bathroom. Sweating bullets through my clothes and feeling incredibly nauseous, it took a while, but it started working. Almost 2 hours later, I am hoping the worst is over. It was effective because it is working, but be aware it CAN work fast and feel terrible."

• Avv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2019

For Constipation, Acute "I’ve used MiraLAX previously with success. Most recently, after a number of issues, a change in diet, and medication changes, I had developed significant constipation issues. After a few days of discomfort and a fear of straining creating other issues such as hemorrhoids and diverticulitis, I decided to give it a try again. Worked within an hour on a full dose. No major cramping or pain, but definitely a need to go. The most uncomfortable side effect was the excessive sweating. Didn’t last long but was quite uncomfortable. Some mild nausea when it first started, but ended quickly as I continued to have bowel movements."

• Kam...
• February 26, 2012

For Constipation "I am 14 years old and was taking an anti-inflammatory medicine as well as a prescription painkiller for my kidney stone that I have. Those medicines made me constipated, and while I was at Children's ER, my nurse practitioner prescribed me MiraLAX. I was skeptical and afraid that it would counteract with my other medications. She assured me that it would be okay. Did you know you don't have to take it just once a day? I took 2 doses at once with 16 ounces of water, and a couple of hours later, I finally had a bowel movement. Overall, this medication is really phenomenal. The only bad thing about it is that it causes gas and nausea. Other than that, I'd say this is the best constipation reliever for all ages out there!"

• Use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2016

For Constipation, Acute "I had used other laxatives to regulate my digestive system, and many of the other laxatives gave me awful side effects, such as nausea, excruciating cramping, and others. MiraLAX worked very well without the side effects the other meds had."

• Joe...
• October 3, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "I am a 190 lb man and took the MiraLAX/Gatorade bowel prep (Dulcolax and Gas-X, then 8 oz MiraLAX in 64 oz Gatorade, drink for 2 hours) starting at 6:00 AM following a day of liquid diet. By 9:00 AM, I had one normal bowel movement and one loose movement. I drank more water, felt bloated and nauseous, but by 10:45, I had no more bowel movements. I used a Fleet enema and stopped drinking because I was not allowed to drink any more 3 hours before my 1:00 PM colonoscopy. My colonoscopy was aborted midway due to inadequate prep. It is now 4 days later, and I still have diarrhea. I do not recommend this for a bowel prep."

• Nop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2021

For Constipation "I’ve had multiple doctors prescribe this for my IBS-C over the past decade. I don’t know why they keep insisting it will work because it never has. It doesn’t matter the dosage, I just get super nauseous every time and get stomach pain with no constipation relief and am ultimately told to stop using it. I know multiple other IBS patients who have had the same experience. I don’t know anyone with severe constipation who has actually had any luck with MiraLAX."

• poo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2022

For Constipation "I was put on this for anal fissure, and it was not worth the side effects. Excess gas and burping, nausea, and slight confusion. Healthy 21-year-old male. My stomach hurts 24/7, cramps. Makes life miserable."

• Jen...
• April 17, 2021

For Constipation "I suffer from chronic constipation. I took the adult recommended dose mixed with sweet tea. After two hours, my stomach began gurgling. I barely made it to the bathroom. It has been like water after the first two loose movements. It has also made me extremely nauseated, and I've vomited twice. I feel so sick right now, it's unreal."

• nom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2023

For Constipation "I have had anal fissures for decades. A bowel movement can keep me in pain all day. I started on MiraLAX with different amounts and now take one full capful every morning. It took a few days to kick in, but I have zero pain on bowel movements. I do get some nausea once in a while, but it is not bad. My stools on MiraLAX are really soft and thin, and I often go 8 times a day, give or take, but I don't have this urge to go. I just do. I do have a lot of flatulence, but two months in and I am enjoying life without excruciating pain."

• But...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2016

For Constipation "I had to go to the ER due to horrible stomach pains and was told I was 'plugged up' and needed laxatives. The ER doctor prescribed me MiraLAX and so far it's done nothing. Literally. It's been three days they speak of on the back of the bottle, and I still can't go properly. I've been guzzling water like crazy, and not only does that make me nauseous (plain water is so freaking gross) and apple juice. I was told by the ER doc to take it once a day, then I called a gastroenterologist and she told me to take it at least four times a day. We'll see, but so far this product has done nothing for me."

• hED...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 4, 2021

For Constipation "I have always had trouble with being constipated, ever since I was a child. I have a sluggish colon with gastroparesis. I remember having to go to the emergency room several times throughout my childhood due to severe stomach cramps and my parents being told that I had stool backed up almost to my stomach each time. Now, with those issues in tow, I also have IBS-C & opioid-induced constipation. I have tried Movantik, Linzess, Amtiza, Milk of Magnesia, Ex-Lax, stool softeners, fiber (which is a nightmare and can obstruct your intestines if you have low or slow motility like I do), and all the other tricks in the book to alleviate constipation. I can take MiraLAX 4 to 5 days with absolutely no change in bowel movements but a lot of negative effects such as intense waves of nausea, intense gas, bloating, stomach pain, headaches, and feeling extremely ill. I experience electricity-type sensations throughout my entire body with vomiting. It literally feels like I've been poisoned."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2017

For Constipation "MiraLAX, I have found to be very effective in producing bowel movements, however, I have IBS-C, and it may be causing me more frequent bouts of nausea during the day, as well as major bloating, but not sure?"

• ace...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2024

For Constipation "I experienced prolonged dizziness and nausea after taking a full dose. I did have a bowel movement the next day, without incident. I recommend glycerin suppositories -- it is osmotic, it puts the treatment right where it needs to be without wreaking havoc throughout your system, and it usually works in 10 or 15 minutes. Hydrate frequently throughout the day."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "Love, love, love MiraLAX/Dulcolax prep. Much better than other preps. The doctor put me on a low-fiber diet for 7 days and drank additional water. If I was constipated, took one Dulcolax for 2 days before prep day. On the day of prep, I took a nausea tablet one hour before and a Gas-X tablet with 4 Dulcolax tablets at noon. Drank 8 oz of water/Gatorade hourly. Later, at 6 pm, I took MiraLAX prep, another nausea tablet, and another Gas-X, and I drank water/Gatorade hourly. I had no cramps or nausea. Not sure if nausea or cramp meds were needed, but didn’t want to take a chance. Super easy prep. Used lemon-lime Gatorade. The next day, second half of prep, although things were pretty clear the first day of prep, with nausea and Gas-X helped. Good luck. It was a breeze."

• She...
• November 15, 2020

For Constipation, Acute "My first day of use of MiraLAX, I had a lot of passing gas and one small movement. My second day, a small movement, but cramping and bloating feelings began. At night, the nausea and cramping stopped me from sleeping. Third day, still some cramping and fullness. No movement, just cramping and bloating. Going back to the urgent care for instructions. Will not take MiraLAX again."

• Col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "I took 2 Ducalax tablets at 4 (totally forgot to take with a bunch of water). My stomach was in knots after about 30 minutes. I felt awful. Then I started the first half (32 ounces and 119 ounces of MiraLAX) about 30 minutes after drinking it. I felt so, so sick! It was like I induced the flu. My stomach hurt so bad, and I was extremely nauseous. It subsided after an hour and a half. I think I crapped my brains out for 4 hours. I took the second dose, and I felt the same way. Felt extremely flu-like for hours! My stomach hurt so bad! More pooping for about 4 hours. I honestly don’t know if I would recommend this way. It honestly cleared me out, though. They said it was a good prep. The nausea wasn’t worth it."