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GERD and Baclofen

Posted , 5 users are following.

lynne90477
lynne90477

Hi,

I've been struggling for nearly 3 years with all the usual symptoms.  Had umpteen tests and tried lots of different pills and lifestyle changes, but I am still struggling.  Been taking Domperidone for nearly 3 years now and don't think it is as effective as it was.  My Gastroenterologist has recently prescribed Baclofen but I am reluctant to try it after reading all the side effects particularly drowsiness.  Has anyone tried Baclofen? and has it helped? 

Tahnks,

Lynne

1 like, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • papote53
    papote53 lynne90477

    Posted

    Hummm, I believe baclofen is a muscle relaxer, right? Any reason why he just gave you this? 
    • lynne90477
      lynne90477 papote53

      Posted

      Hi Papote,

      thanks for for taking the time to reply.

      Yes I believe Baclofen is a muscle relaxer and I'm not convinced it will work for me as I feel things need tightening not relaxing.  However, if you google gerd and baclofen there is evidence that 'Baclofen has been shown to reduce transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation' .

       

    • papote53
      papote53 lynne90477

      Posted

      jejeje, a muscle relaxer helps the sphincter relax less.  Weird but interesting, because a benzo like xanax or valium makes the sphincter relax more. ;-) 
  • dominique64820
    dominique64820 lynne90477

    Posted

    Hi Lynne

    I'm exactly where u r however I don't take medication. Doesn't work for me. I take dgl licorice and a few other natural things. Otherwise if I'm really bad I take gaviscon. My main issue is at night. I can't lie flat. Makes going on holiday a nightmare. I have an appointment with my gastro end of this month and I'm seriously considering an op. Linx would be my first option.

    I was getting really good results with acupuncture and then I decided to go cold turkey off my anxiety med ( lexapro) and it just messed everything up. Reflux came back with vengeance. I'm still persevering with acupuncture and reflux is settling slowly.

    For me I would go for op over being on med long term but that's just me. I don't like taking meds.

    • lynne90477
      lynne90477 dominique64820

      Posted

      Hi Dominique,

      Thanks for taking the time to reply.

      I too have tried acupuncture and although it helped me relax I don't think it helped my symptoms.  

      I have tried lots lots of different pills none of which seem to help with the exception of Domperidone and I don't think this is as effective as it was.

      Surgery has never been offered to me as the results of tests don't support this.  

      my last gastroscopy showed a small area of Barrett's but I am being offered no further treatment other than continuing with more pills.

      At my wits end with it all.

       

    • dominique64820
      dominique64820 lynne90477

      Posted

      Hi Lynne

      I too was offered amiltriptaline by one gastro. That's a muscle relaxant. I took it years ago for chronic back pain. It helped me sleep. I didn't want to go back on it though, due to feeling spaced out all the time!

      If u have start of Barrett's can't you ask for op? Do u have to be offered? When I'm 100% about having the op I will be demanding it not asking for it.

      Anyway let us know how you get on.

      All the best Hun

      Dom

    • papote53
      papote53 dominique64820

      Posted

      Hi Dom,

      No. they won't unless is advanced.  They are not really concerned with barrets because the low chance on becoming something else. Many people have barrets but just don't know it unless symptoms takes you to do an endoscopy and find out you already had it for years.  My GI said I have mild barrets with no direct symptom so my GI only gave me PPI's and sent me home.  Now, they have no evidence PPI's help with barrets and even some believe it might make it worse.   Actually, they have no idea how to deal with barrets. ;-(   Btw, barrets is reversible. ;-)  Is all about diet and lifestyle changes and not PPI's. ;-)

    • dominique64820
      dominique64820 lynne90477

      Posted

      Yes I think acupuncture helps with my hormones and keeping me calm but then that really helps reflux because as soon as I get stressed or lose my temper my reflux is bad! And as we all know it then takes time to settle back down as the oesophagus is irritated.
    • dominique64820
      dominique64820 papote53

      Posted

      Hi pap

      Thanks for that. How are your symptoms lately? Any more thoughts on having procedure? I see my gastro end of this month. I'm sick of waking up with chest pain and that's with my bed elevated. There's no way I would get to sleep if I was flat.

      Hope you had a lovely Easter.

      God bless

      Dominique

    • papote53
      papote53 dominique64820

      Posted

      Blessings Dom,

      Yes, I'm going to see my GI on the 1st.  I plan to ask for another endoscopy in 5 months to see if the barrets is gone.  If not, I will ask for the stretta therapy at another GI office in Tampa.  But as you know the GI said barrets has nothing to do with my chest/rib-cage pain and lack of air so that is another issue.  I will be seeing a rheumatologist the 25th but I really do not expect much and actually do not want much.  All they can do is give you more medication for pain which I do not take. ;-(

      Take care and God bless!

      Jose

       

  • gayle14m
    gayle14m lynne90477

    Posted

    Hi lynsey. Are you taking domperidone because your sick a lot or too stop nausea. I use it for my nausea as I suffer with gastri issues. I also use gavison a lot and busopan for cramps. Under investigation because I'm having difficulty swallowing now and constipation. Good luck. Let me know how you get on.

    • lynne90477
      lynne90477 gayle14m

      Posted

      Hi Gayle,

      Thanks for taking the time to reply.

      Domperidone I believe causes peristalsis and should increase pressure in the LES. It is the only drug I feel has helped my symptoms.

      Buscopan made the whole thing worse for me.

      Good luck with your investigations.

    • dominique64820
      dominique64820 gayle14m

      Posted

      Lower oesophageal sphincter muscle. The muscle that opens and closes to allow food down and stop acid coming up, but in our cases they are faulty and don't close properly hence acid coming up.

  • wpshark
    wpshark lynne90477

    Posted

    Wow Domperidone was banned in 2013 here in the UK, Causes heart problems. I was on it for 3 years and then progressed up the ladder of meds until I was on max doses of Ranitidine and Ezomeprazole with prescription only thick Gaviscon. None worked! So I had the Nissen and 8 weeks later I feel great!!!
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