bentyl

I have been having abdominal pain post a positive ct scan for diverticulitis in early november.  I have episodes of severe pain with diaphoresis but no fever.  2 repeat ct scan have shown improving diverticulitis.  Long story short, my GI guy has put me on bentyl.  Has anyone had experience with this drug?

[kitty's mom]

I've been going through batteries of tests for 2 months for suspected IBD.  They gave me Bentyl when I was sickest and was taken to the ER.  It was the only thing that gave me some relief from pain.  I took it on a regular schedule for about a week, now just take it as needed when abdominal cramping gets bad.  A side effect is that it can make you drowsy and blur your vision.  I noticed that, but when I take it I'm pretty sick so I don't go anywhere.  There have been times where I've waited until after I drive myself to work to take it so I'm not dangerous.  Read your pharmacy insert or call any pharmacist if you're concerned about side effects or interactions.

[ShawnP]

I've used Bentyl for IBS and diverticulitis in the past and it worked wonders for me, however just the like the previous poster it can make you drowsy at times.  I would pay attention when you take it to see if you notice any effects.

Best of luck!

[Jaybay]

If I remember correctly, bentyl is a smooth muscle relaxer, which is why it works on intestinal cramping - intestines being smooth muscle.  If you need to take it regularly, the drowsiness usually goes away with time, but be aware of its effects on you before trying to drive, etc.

[Lynninpa]

I have had severe pain in my lower left abdom. for years now, and was put on tramadol. I was told by my dr that it was ibs, take fiber, drink water. That did nothing, and the pain gets worse and worse. I just found out after going to a stomach specialist that it is NOT ibs, it's diverticulitis, and that is why I have the severe pain, and am down to 89 lbs, because when I eat it hurts sooo bad, on the lower left side, so I try not to eat. I am being put on this medicine along with prednisone and then we'll taper me off the of tramadol that I'm now addicted to after being put on it for years, and I'm pissed that I was misdiagnosed. The specialist said that the pain on only the left side, the fatigue, the weight loss, all this was a BIG clue to my regular dr that it is NOT ibs. Anyone else go thru this???