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What if you can’t take PPIs or H2 blockers?

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j17556
j17556

After an endoscopy, I was diagnosed with Oesophagitis. I was put on pantoprazole - 40 mg, twice a day, for 8 weeks to heal the inflammation.

The side effects were unbearable; I had to stop taking them after a week. Terrifying panic attacks, constant anxiety, bowel issues, achy muscles (especially hip pain), depression. I'm on no other meds, have no other medical issues, and have never had a panic attack in my life. My husband was going to call an ambulance, as I actually started seizing up during one. Luckily, I had Ativan, and it calmed me down.

I then tried Pepsid AC, as I'd heard they were much easier to tolerate. Well, not for me. They also gave me severe anxiety and depression. (I guess I'm hypersensitive to acid blockers? I wonder why?)

My GI doctor says these meds don't cause the side effects I experienced, and has no other options to suggest.

This all leaves me very fearful that I won't heal. Everything I hear and read says without these meds, my oesophagitis will never get better. I'm following all of the advice regarding diet, sleeping elevated, etc.

Is it possible for inflammation to heal without the meds? Am I doomed because I can't tolerate acid blockers? Any advice would be much appreciated.

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • anne39526
    anne39526 j17556

    Posted

    I was diagnosed with Barrets two years ago and have tried several PPIs and Acid Blockers, all caused severe bowel problem, some caused nausea. in the past week I just stopped them to let my stomach recover, I am feeling simply awful, I have stomach pains, diarrhoea, no appetite. I do intend to try Tagamet (Acid Blocker) when my system settles down. At the moment I intend asking my GP for anti anxiety tablet, I've never suffered from anxiety but this situation is so stressful.

    I'm thinking of anti inflammation diet - leaving out any trigger foods, I have silent reflux so absolutely no symptoms. My GP sees no point in trying to take the medication with severe side effects, she says I have no reflux problem, she doesn't believe in silent reflux.

    I really wish there was another option to the PPIs and Acid Blockers, even envy people that can tolerate them. My life would be so much better if I could just take them without side effects.

  • j17556
    j17556

    Posted

    I'm so sorry you can't take them, either. I agree -- there should be other options. I also envy those who have no issues with them.

    There's such a strong brain-to-gut connection, I think anxiety is very common. I have Ativan to take as needed, but I'm careful not to abuse them.

    This is all just so challenging to deal with. I have LPR in addition to GERD.

    I hope you find a good solution.

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