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PPIs versus H2 Blockers

Posted , 10 users are following.

wearykitty
wearykitty

I was diagnosed with Barrett's (no dysplasia) in late May and was prescribed 20mg of omeprazole once per day....I started taking the meds as prescribed, but had horrible side effects (primarily dizziness, but also muscle aches and general malaise)....has anyone had luck with using H2 blockers instead? I very, very rarely get actual heartburn, but apparently I've had "silent reflux" long enough to do the damage.....of course, I'm also extremely anxious about the diagnosis (which may have contributed to my side effects)....I'd appreciate any advice you can offer.

2 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • carmel83758
    carmel83758 wearykitty

    Posted

    Hi wearykitty. I took the ppis for a stomach problem and then switched to h2 s because of the same sort of symptoms you had.

    The h2s were fine for months but then I found I had pains in my face, general malaise and feeling no energy or motivation, anxiety and nausea. The hs cleared up what seemed before to be sinus, blocked ears and headaches but I have now come off of them for a bit to hve a break and get rid of the symptoms. When I go ba\ck to them will take a lower dose - cutting the pills in half - to see how that goes. Would not stay on them if have to continue on this dose. Feel as if I am about 200 and very ill when taking the full dose.

  • lucinia
    lucinia wearykitty

    Posted

    Hi Wearykitty. Have you just tried the one PPI? When I first started taking them the first one, lansoprazole, didn't agree with me at all. Omeprazole does and 20 years later I am still taking them with no ill effects and they really do help. H2 blockers also helped but only for a week. I was one of the minority of people for whom this sometimes happens. I would suggest talking to you doctor about this as it is important that your silent reflux is controlled. If you aren't under a gastroenterologist yet, get your GP to refer you as they are the best people to discuss this with.
  • stella19032
    stella19032 wearykitty

    Posted

    Hi Wearykitty, I have silent reflux and barretts too. I tried h2's but they didn't really help me. Lansoprazole was awful too. My gp switched me to Esomeprazole ( nexium) and that's been fine. As Lucina says, may be worth trying another ppi? I know lansoprazole is from a slightly different drug family to omeprazole and Esomeprazole so may be worth a go? Xx
  • darren4414
    darren4414 wearykitty

    Posted

    Hi wearykitty

    I have also recently been diagnosed with 2cm Barretts. I was given Nexium and after 2 weeks on the medication I was having extreme side affects including dizziness, muscle pain, plus radiating heat under my armpit. It got so bad that I decided to stop taking it and adjust my lifestyle.....remove all the triggers from my diet, (coffee, chocolate, alcohol, soft drinks, fried foods, citrus fruit, tomatoes and garlic. I have turned to organic food as much as possible along with taking the well know supplements.... Probiotics, digestive enzymes, slippery elm, Vitamin B complex, Magnesium, L-glutamine and now only drink water, aloe vera juice. Problem is, as much as I feel healthier, I don't really notice any change with my reflux but I think the main reason for this is that I have only ever had silent reflux.... very rarely do I get heartburn, regurgitation or indegestion. The diagnosis of Barretts was a complete shock to me because apart from some minor pain in tummy and chest, I have never noticed any other symptoms. Anyway, fingers crossed my lifestyles changes will be the difference and will save me from having to resort to another PPI.

    All the best, take care.

    • carmel83758
      carmel83758 darren4414

      Posted

      Hi Darren, you are in a similar situation to me, have tried lots of pp1s and pp2s and all had awful side effects afer a few months and could not stand it, it was better to have the silent acid reflux. Am now trying without them and could not bear to go back to them. Ventilators are helpful - up to a point - with any coughing - you can find that wheezing is getting worse because you get a chest infection.
  • andyr0
    andyr0 wearykitty

    Posted

    In some research paper I read it said H2 blockers only block about 65% of acid, compared to 90% for PPI's. From personal experience anxiety about this condition causes stress, then potentially heightens your symptoms and you can get in a vicious circle. Best to just watch what you eat and drink, identify triggers, take your tablets and try to enjoy life. Stats suggest that you are more likely to die of something else, rather than OC.
  • EdC
    EdC wearykitty

    Posted

    Hello Everyone

    I have been taking PPIs for more than 20 years  first for extreme heartburn and reflux that was caused by the stresses and pressure of owning a small very active business then later for helping with the side effects of NSAIDs taken daily for Arthritis.  I have taken Pantopropazole for 17 of those years until I found that the medication was no longer working and I suffered nausea, reflux and general overall malaiset.  My Dr changed my medication to Nexium and for two years this worked well but now similar symptoms of constant nausea. I have had two gastroscopiess that proved negative  the last a little more than 18 months ago.  My Dr suggested I stop with the PPI and take H2 blocker Ranitidine in an effort to stop PPIs altogether.  Symptoms now are extreme heartburn, reflux, no tolerance for anything but the most bland foods.  Does anyone have any suggestions.  I would be happy to hear from you.

    Kind Regards  EdC 

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