Can you take dicyclomine for weight loss?
You may have read online or heard anecdotal information from people that one of the benefits of dicyclomine is that it can cause weight loss.
Before you start, it’s important to understand the facts.
Dicyclomine is commonly prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but there is no clinical evidence to suggest it helps with weight loss.
IBS itself can cause unintentional weight loss, not the drug.
In this article, we’ll discuss dicyclomine’s safety using peer-reviewed medical studies published in scholarly journals (my only gold standard when reviewing medical literature).
Additionally, we will explore alternative, proven strategies for weight loss.
Let’s dive in…
What is dicyclomine?
Dicyclomine (pronounced “dai-sai-kluh-meen), brand name Bentyl, is an oral prescription medication indicated for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) through its antispasmodic and anticholinergic action on the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract (gut).
There is also another form of this medication that can be administered by intramuscular injection, but it is less commonly prescribed.
For the purposes of this article, we will focus on the oral formulation.
Dicyclomine oral medication is used to treat IBS, as it helps relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, spasms, and diarrhea.
The usual dosing for managing IBS symptoms is 20 mg four times daily.
To lower the risk of side effects, some doctors will start their patients off on 10 mg initially.
Common side effects of dicyclomine
Dicyclomine can cause mild and, in some cases, more serious side effects.
Some commonly reported side effects are:
- Nausea
- sedation/sleepiness
- Dizziness (fall risk, especially in older adults!)
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
These are called anticholinergic effects, which can be really bad for older adults, especially those living with dementia.
To understand why, I recommend reading my articles on the 2023 Beers Criteria of Inappropriate Medications and the Comprehensive Guide To Dementia.
Mild side effects of dicyclomine
Dicyclomine can also cause mild side effects, which disappear after a while.
In addition to the side effects mentioned above, other mild side effects include:
- Weakness
- Nervousness or Anxiety
- Mild allergic reaction (any drug has the ability to cause this – rash, trouble breathing, facial swelling)
***If you suspect you are experiencing an allergic reaction, call your doctor immediately!
Serious side effects of dicyclomine
Dicyclomine has the potential to cause serious side effects. If you experience any of the side effects listed below, call your doctor immediately.
If you think these side effects are very severe and that your life may be in danger, don’t wait – call 911 or your local emergency number immediately!
- Some serious side effects of dicyclomine are:
Psychosis or delirium - Heatstroke
- Central nervous system depression
- Severe allergic reaction
The creator of the YouTube video below, pharmacist Garrett Campbell, provides a concise yet informative overview of dicyclomine’s uses, dosage, and side effects:
Dicyclomine for weight loss?
No, dicyclomine does not cause weight loss.
Weight loss is not a known side effect of dicyclomine reported in medical studies.
There are some anecdotal reports of people losing weight while on this medication, but I suspect this is a misconception.
People with IBS have difficulty absorbing nutrients from their food and have a greater propensity to lose weight due to this medical problem.
Since they are being treated with dicyclomine, my suspicion is that these people are equating their weight loss to the medication and not their IBS.
My recommendations for clean weight loss
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To achieve clean weight loss, focus on incorporating healthy dietary fiber, MCT oil, and coffee into your routine.
Dietary fiber keeps you full and is low in calorie count, especially when combined with a sensible low-calorie diet.
The POUNDS LOST Study showed that participants lost 16 pounds over 6 months after combining dietary fiber with moderate caloric restriction!
My go-to fiber choice is Supergut’s Vegetable and Fruit Fiber Prebiotic Mix.
Additionally, MCT oil can increase metabolic rate and aid in fat loss.
This meta-analysis reported weight loss of one pound over a 10-week period in study participants.
I use BUBS Naturals MCT Oil Powder, a company founded to honor the legacy of Glen “Bub” Doherty, the ex-Navy Seal killed in action in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012.
You can read about this national hero’s story and the company here in my detailed review.
Finally, coffee consumption has been associated with reduced BMI and waist circumference, as shown in this meta-analysis.
My top pick is VitaCup Organic Instant Coffee Sticks a convenient option for weight loss.
As always, consult your doctor before starting any new weight loss regimen to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to understand that there’s no clinical evidence to support the use of dicyclomine for weight loss.
Dicyclomine is primarily prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome, and its effects on weight haven’t been studied.
It’s crucial to prioritize safety and explore other proven methods for weight loss.
It’s recommended to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional and consider strategies such as dietary fiber, MCT oil, and coffee intake to help achieve your weight loss goals.
