Sounds like you used a high dose regimen. About a year ago recommendations changed to a low dose regimen because of the side effects you have noted. The new low dose regimen is two tablets (1.2mg) then a single dose of one tablet an hour later.
Medical News: Low-Dose Colchicine Effective, Safe in Acute Gout - in Rheumatology, General Rheumatology from MedPage Today
I dose my dad this way when he flares up and he tolerates this regimen w/o any side effects. Since he usually waits to say anything until his hand is so swollen he can barely use it I continue one tab 2X a day for 2 or three days depending upon how his hand looks.
Dsclaimer: I'm not a rheumatologist nor did I sleep at a Holiday Inn last night.