Painkillers and Acid Reflux
This page continues from Page 1 of Acid Reflux Natural Cures.
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Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 12/23/2008: Chuck from Warner Robins, GA writes: "I am just now finding out that I have acid reflux. I shattered 3 neck vertabrae and ruptured a disk in the thoracic area of my back. I was prescribed Lortab and 800mg Ibuprofin. I started feeling this constant urge to have to swallow about 2 yrs ago and felt like everytime I took my pills, it would get stuck in my throat. I was just diagnosed yesterday. Do you have any advice for me? Thank You."
Replies[SIDE EFFECTS] 04/24/2010: Judy from Marianna, Fl replies: "I have just recently started having somewhat the same symptoms you are experiencing. However, mine does not have the burning sensation at all, mine is pure raw pain at times. The lump in my throat is very uncomfortable and the pain in my chest right around my esophagus can be excrutiating at times. I have arthritis in every joint and I have been taking ibuprophen pm everynight to help me rest since there is no comfortable position. I have just recently started investigating this and was deathly afraid of cancer of the esophagus. Have apt set to see Dr. This has relieved me tremendously, but I sure sympathize with the pain."
04/07/2011: Jane from Portland, Oregon replies: "RAW Apple cider vinegar1-2 T vinegar
1/3-1/2 t Baking soda
4-6 oz water
Tall glass for fizz reaction and bang it down to Alkalinize your stomach. Must use RAW Apple Cider Vinegar to make it turn from an acid to an alkaline in your stomach. I spell relief "BURP"
Pure Turmeric with coconut oil. I make a lukewarm drink of Coconut (vanilla flavored)milk with a spoon of coconut oil to melt and 1/2 t turmeric. Mix and sip. If you like curry, this will taste good and comforting. Tummy ache from meds will be all gone."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 06/14/2008: Ross from Vancouver, BC Canada writes: "I used Ibuprofin for at least 20 years ( Ate them like candy.Thought they were like crack for pain)Then I developed Reflux.Tried everything. Until I stopped taking any NSAIDS there was no respite.What has worked for me is boiled ginger root tea, strained and kept cool,after a meal.(3oz) This has really helped me and the reflux is now barely noticable.I now use tramadol and Tylenol for pain. ( I have diabetic neropathy (sp?) so I need some relief fror that). No connection with those painkillers, but definitely with Ibuprofin."
Replies06/17/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn. replies: "Hi Ross from Vancouver. Please be aware that there is lots of controversy with prolonged use of Tyelnol (acetaminophen) even at recommended levels. Too much tylenol destroys the liver. It is also recommended that you never take it on an empty stomach. Why are you taking all these pain medicines for such a long period? If it's joint pain or post-traumatic arthritis type pain, consider MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) instead. One fellow I got started taking it for post fracture/repair pain liked the way it worked so well that he gave it out for Xmas presents that year. It is a whole lot safer than NSAIDS or tylenol."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 06/06/2008: Kira from Los Angeles, California writes: "Up until two months ago, I had never experienced acid reflux. I've spent almost 50 years eating almost nothing but chocolate, citrus and several cans of diet coke a day.I then developed a sudden onset of acid reflux attacks -- to the point that my throat was closing up, causing me real terror for about 48 hours as I struggled to breathe. I am writing to relate what I think may have caused the problem (which I now seem to have on a regular basis but less severely).
I had minor cosmetic surgery that involved removing some of the "matrix fat" in my lower abdominal area. To put me to sleep for the surgery, I was given one Benedryl tablet. After the surgery, I had acid reflux -- although it remained mild and went away in a couple of weeks. I attributed the problem to the one Benedryl tablet. After the acid reflux went away, I thought maybe the Benedryl had been falsely accused. So I took a tablet to sleep one night, and the next day was fine. That night I took another Benedryl, and I had acid reflux the next day.
I stopped the Benedryl and was fine in about a week. I then had further cosmetic surgery and more matrix fat was removed from my abdomen. I took just one more Benedryl tablet for this surgery. The next day my throat was closing up and I've had daily acid reflux for 3 weeks now.
I am sure the Benedryl is part of the problem. I may also have been exposed to some bacterial infection in the doctor's office where both surgeries were performed under not overly sterile conditions (but then I've had plenty of surgeries in other doctors' offices with no problem re it not being very sterile). I'm just saying its possible I was exposed to some acid reflux causing bacteria in this doctor's office. It's also possible that the removal of the matrix fat itself somehow removed some sort of protective hormone in this fat -- just a theory.
I've also noticed that eating Flan seems to badly trigger the acid reflux (although I ate the same Flan constantly up until I took the Benedryl for the first time without a problem)."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 05/21/2008: Jack from Mosier, Oregon writes: "I have been using ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) for acid reflux for over 2 years. I started having reflux after I had a sore foot and was prescribed 600 mg of Ibuprofin 3 x daily. prior to that time I could eat anything. After a couple of weeks of the large dose of Ibuprofin I could not eat anything without severe Reflux. After using antacids for a long time I tried 2 TBS. per 8oz ACV to Water 1/2 hour prior to eating. It worked better than all of the antacids to releive the symptoms and the reflux slowly went away."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 03/29/2008: Jen from Paramus, NJ writes: "I have had symptoms of GERD for about 4 months-coughing, lump in the throat, terrible sore throats, etc. I can't pinpoint what the cause of it is. I have noticed though, that when I take aspirin -Excedrin, for several days in a row, my symptoms act up. Since I suffer from migraines and sinus headaches, Excedrin (2 pills) would be the only relief for me. I also thought back to when my symptoms of GERD began. Doctors had put me on rounds of antibiotics. When one didnt work, they prescribed another-several times. Again, I was taking aspirin during the same time as well. I truly believe there is a connection between the 2. Now Im hoping to find a natural cure, as I sit here typing and my throat's on fire! =/ I think Ill give the ACV a try."
Replies05/10/2009: Colin from Halifax, Yorkshire England replies: "have you tried salt gargle I had lump in my throat for a long time I gargled with salt and it was cured in days"
[SIDE EFFECTS] 08/31/2009: Ren from New York, Ny replies: "I have had a lump in my throat for about 4 months now and have some discomfort at my sternum (where the sphincter is in your stomach). I have been taking many brands of medications for reflux and nothing helped. I am a healthy, active, slim individual in her 40's and in the past could eat anything including spicy foods. But for the past 4 months nothing would work until I started reading all of your recommedations for Apple Cider Vinegar. I thought it was a crazy idea but at this point I wanted to try anything to make this discomfort go away. And to my surprise this is the only thing that helped. Started helping the first day. Took two teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water 3 times a day. And now I read about the connection of Acid reflux to ibuprofen. I have been taking ibuprofen for migraines and sinus headaches for over 15 years now. Usually every other month. That is the only medication that works for my headache. Very scary thought that this may be the cause of my symptoms. It seems my symptoms and use of ibuprofen sounds like the rest of you. I will now look into other medications for my migraines."
09/01/2009: Kathy from Punxsutawney, Pa replies: "Just FYI for the people who have never heard of this, but aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminofen, etc, even willow bark extract, can cause a rebound effect. That is, when you take a pain killer for a headache, when it wears off you get, surprize...a headache!, especially if you take a pain killer often."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 03/17/2008: Margaret from South Bend, Indiana writes: "In response to the acid reflux/ibuprofen link. I was a regular user of advil cold sinus during the fall to help with sinus headaches. I have suffered from reflux off and on for 5-7 years. I also am curious about a possible antibiotic link. I was prescribed tetracyclene in the 70's for acne. I took it for at least a year. In 1996 I was prescribed another cyclene antibiotic and it really bother my stomach."
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[NAY] 02/25/2008: Kathleen from Fernley, Nevada writes: "I worked in Gastroenterology for years and GERD is not neccesarily caused by Ibuprofen.' People who get stomach ulcers (caused by the bacteria, helicobacter Pylori, a corkscrew bacteria that burrows into the stomach and causes the nasty ulcers) are advised not to take IBUPROFEN, Aspirin, and any other Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, because they thin the blood, and cause the ulcer to bleed. H.Pylori is easily cured with a triple antibiotic regime (which is quite uncomfortable, but it does work).
As for GERD, it is mostly caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol and over eating, and having a hiatal hernia contributes as well. I am all for natural cures, However, they may just mask the symptoms.
My husband never had heart-burn. He Had a gastroscopy for stomach problems which was Gastritis, and it was discovered then, that he had damage to his esophagous.
Interestingly our Endoscopy Suite, we found that people with symptons of pain and burning had less Barret's, because they usually sought treatment before damage occurred.
My husband has been on Protonix since he was 53 years old (he is now 66)and over the years, protecting his esophagous with Protonix, his Barrett's is actually healing.
He must have a Gastroscopy every 2 years, to keep track of this condition, as Barrett's Syndrome (caused by acid reflux into the esophagous which changes the esophageal lining from normal to that of the stomach)is abnormal and is a pre-cancerous condition because stomach lining doesn't belong in the esophagous.
For people who have non-healing Barrett's or excruciatingly painful GERD, there is a procedure called Nissan Fundiplication that has been helpful. Look for a G.I. or General Surgeon who has done many of these procedures and ask if he will talk to previous NF patients that would be willing to talk to you, about their results. Hope this Helps."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 01/27/2008: Kathryn from Stuttgart, Germany writes: "My husband and I suffer from headaches (bad ones). In 1995 he introduced me to ibuprofen, which greatly helped his headaches, and mine too.' He had been taking it for headaches for several years. In 2000, he thought he was having a heart attack, and went to the hospital. There, after many tests, they determined it was reflux. Two years later, I too, turned up with mild reflux. A few years later, we figured out that ibuprofen relaxes muscles, can cause constipation as well as relaxing the LES stomach valve and causing GERD. We very rarely use ibuprofen now, but still suffer from reflux problems. Orange peel/orange peel extract helps, as well as using a 2-week prilosec treatment when needed. Coffee is poison for me now! I try to keep away from coffee so I can drink wine now and then."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 01/23/2008: Lisa from New Jersey, United States writes: "I have been suffering with acid reflex for about three weeks now.' I am 46, in good health, trim and eat a fairly balanced diet. I do indulge in sweets occasionally and have three or four cocktails on the weekends. I have never had gastric issues, never had heartburn, not even with my two pregnancies. Early in December I had a nasty spill on the ice and landed directly on my tail bone. For the pain I was prescribed Hydrocodone with ibuprofen. I took about 10 pills out of thirty, but did not continue because I didn't like the way it made me feel. I continued with basically round the clock doses of advil instead. My suspicion is that my reflux is due to heavy ibuprofen use. I am now taking Prilosec OTC. I have been on it for a week and have noticed only a slight improvement. I also have a very annoying lump feeling in my throat that comes and goes. If anyone has had a similar experience what have they used and is this a temporary sort of situation or is it possible that this is an issue I will always have to deal with?"
Replies04/17/2009: Step from Houston, TX replies: "I had a very similar experience. I have NEVER had any stomach/acid reflux problems. No matter what I ate. A month ago I had some body pains so started taking ibuprofin (over the suggested limite, I took 8 in one day the second day I was taking them). I also mixed it with Vikoden. Well, I developed irratated stomach lining (not an ulcer yet) and have had acid reflux now for about 3 weeks. I dont know if it well ever go away.For clarification, I was only on ibuprofin for 2 days and only mixed them with 1 pill of Vikoden twice. I stopped all medication after the stomack issues.
Symptoms include:
Coughing
Feeling of something in the back of my throat
Waking up at night choking
Random vomiting
Steps Taken:
Elevated bed, mattress and multiple pillows
Sleep on left side (this REALLY helps)
Take Whole leaf aloe
Eat last meal 4 hours or more before bedtime"
04/18/2009: Dianna from Austin, Tx replies: "IMO why pain-killers make you have gastric problems may be because they delay digestion and then the food sits in your stomach longer and may even start to rot and give off gas, acids, etc. before it gets digested."
04/18/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello Lisa, Your suspicion of ibuprofen causing your stomach upset is probably right for it is an NSAID and the whole family of them are notarious for causing stomach problems ranging from acid regurg to outright bleeding peptic ulcers. It may sound strange but cayenne pepper will probably be kinder to your stomach than the prescribed medicine that you said isn't helping much.
For future reference, MSM also has an anti-inflammatory action but without the side effects of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also a natural substance found in our bodies, but the NSAIDS aren't."
08/28/2011: Christine from Boston, Ma replies: "Thanks to all of you for sharing your info and experiences. I have been an avid user of Ibuprofen for years and recently had minor surgery where I was prescribed Tylenol w/codene (sp?). I finished about 3/4 of the prescription and since then, I have been suffering the same symptoms as "Step in Houston" w/random vomitting, choking and coughing in middle of night, lump in my throat and acid reflux or heartburn. Since I am a very healthy person in my 40's, I was concerned this would may become a permanent condition. Now I am convinced that it was from the prescription pain killer and plan to try the ACV and lay off the Ibuprofen for awhile to see if I can get rid of it for good. Thanks again all you posters!"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 01/11/2008: donna from atlantic beachl, fl writes: "hi' have had acid reflux for a number of years until the last few months i was an avid ibruprfin user taking 1600 miligrams a day for a knee problem. The last few weeks has been pure hell for me. backup on my esophgus, where at tines have to try and get it up.. A feeling of peanut butter in my throat, mucus all the time.. have been taking previcid to no avail, now have double op on a new medication aciflex, watching my diet.. doctor will do the endoscopy to see if i may have caused some damage to the esophogus or stomach."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 12/30/2007: Ginny from Marion, SC, USA writes: "GERD. Thanks for the info on your site.' Two weeks ago, I had a tooth extracted and ended up with a dry socket. I was given 1000 mg of erithimicin per day. This was the beginning of my troubles. After two days, I decided to stop and I started taking 3 ibupropins for the pain, 2x per day. A few days later, I was in so much pain, I thought I was going to have to call 911. I finally made myself throw up (6x) and I got some relief. I can see now that I was poisoning myself. Now I know what not to do! Thanks!"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 12/13/2007: Bev from Elroy, WI writes: "I had been treated with zithromax for pneumonia but what seemed to trigger the severe, sudden onset of reflux was taking 200mg of ibuprofen twice within the week for pain in my neck during that time.' The ibuprofen caused a gastric ulcer since I had been on periodic courses of prednisone earlier for acute asthma which resolved after seven weeks of antibiotics. When I got the pneumonia I had no asthma but a high fever, fatigue and pain in the neck. Steroids can cause ulcers but I didn't think the effect would last that long as I was not taking any at the time. I woke up choking at night with reflux and started protonix. Stopped after about one year and since use digestive enzymes, honey, camomile, ACV with baking soda. Caution: Prevacid ia a fluoridated medication. Along with the reflux, I began severe hypothyroid symptoms I believe caused by Diflucan and Advair which are both fluoridated. Have been doing the borax detox twice a week and have reduced thyroid medication from 3 1/2 to 2 1/2 gr Armour."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 12/08/2007: Sherry from Wyckoff, NJ writes: "I found this very interesting.' I was recently taking percocet for a horribly painful episode of sciatica. I've just stopped taking it in the past couple of days, but suddenly I have (the past couple of days) the worst case of acid reflux I've ever had. It's so bad I've been searching the web for some solutions. Right now EVERYthing I eat seems to give me terrible acid. I completely believe that pain killers can do this to us."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 12/01/2007: Grace from Chicago, Illinois writes: "I was baffled as to why all of a sudden for the past month I was suffering from severe Acid Reflux. Granted I've had various gastro-related problems (inherited IBS) and not ever exactly a person with a cast iron stomache, the Acid Reflux was entirely new. In fact, it started when I ended up in the emergency room with severe chest pains (feared it was the heart). I was prescribed Nexium and told it was Acid Reflux. I'm in my late thirties, slender and in good shape, a recent mom, and practice a healthy diet. I hate sodapop and most junk food, all with the exception of coffee and green tea, which I was drinking heavily. But while suffering rather severe throat pain and heavy acidity in my mouth recently, I was cutting down my caffeine intake and eating smaller portions of food... without much change. I'm trying the ACV and baking soda for relief... I'll report on its effectiveness soon, I hope! But going back to when this all started, I have to say I began taking Ibuprofen rather regularly (daily) for about 2 months for pain from a slip and fall accident prior to the Acid Reflux problem. For me anyway, there is definately a correlation. I plan to put the Ibuprofen away possibly for good!"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/21/2007: adri from el paso, tx writes: "hello, i have migrains and i have taken so manny pills for this and different brands that i have lost count. recently i have been noticing that when i eat. i get a pain in my stomach right inbetween my brest.where the mouth of the stomach is, this has been going on for about 2 months or a bit longer, but not that bad. recently this past week i have been awaken by a pain so intence in the same spot. and to sleep on my stomach is so painfull. well to make the story short I was reading through peoples comments, about pills, and have realized that I am a hevy user of advil. advil dose wonders for my migrains. i usually take anywhere from 2-3 camp. at a time. about everyother day. my question is has anybody experienced this problem with the pain on the stomach after using advil?"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/14/2007: patricia from Sunnyvale, Californai writes: "I believe what initially caused my acid reflux was from taking my favorite painkiller ibuprofen for many years. Read the warning label, it will cause stomach problems later down the road. It wasn't until a doctor told me to stop taking it that I my symptoms subsided. Foods containing oil have the worst affect on me. I have been modifying what foods I eat to relieve the symptoms and continue to look for a natural remedy. Pleaes be aware of taking IBUPROFEN, I think it is what slowly ruined my stomach years ago."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/14/2007: Patricia writes: "I just sent a message and forgot to mention the name brand for ibuprofen - it is ADVIL. I think this painkiller is what initially caused my acid reflux. Took it in my 20's & 30's for headaches, maybe once every 2-3 weeks I think. At least every month!"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/05/2007: Janelle from Pensacola, Florida writes: "I am 19. I have had heart burn on and off (mostly on!) since I was 11. I would go through bottles of tums and rolaids with little relief. For a year or so, it all went away. But recently, I have gained about 15 lbs (yet still not overweight), I have injured my shoulder and have been taking 800mg of Mortin... my heartburn is uncontrollable. I am sick to my stomach, nausous and have a constant sore throat. Nothing seems to help. Thats why I started searching for something that would releave me of this pain. I am going to try the ACV recipe and I'll let ya'll know how it goes!"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/04/2007: Wendy from Spanaway, WA writes: "I began suffering severe acid reflux and heartburn two weeks ago.' My doctor prescribed prilosec which only worked for five days. He then prescribed nexium which works better but I am still supplementing with maalox. After reading the above, I realize that my symptoms could have been caused by my recent reliance on tylenol pm to treat the insomnia associated with quitting smoking. I am also a diet cokeaholic. I will definitly reduce both and see if the symptoms subside."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/02/2007: Cynthia Mishoe from Thomasville, NC writes: "I was recently told I have GERD.' I do take ibuprophen alot, but after reading this I can tell you not anymore. I quit taking their perscribed medication today and now am taking Apple Cider Viniger. Sounds like I need to be taking a few other things also from reading this."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 10/10/2007: Vickie from WEST BEND, Wisconsin writes: "i had double bunion surgery, my doctor gave me percocet for my pain, the percocet was to strong and gave me terrible side effects, so my doctor told me that i could take acetaminiphen with the ibuprophen, within two days or so i was in so much stomach pain that i couldnt lay in my bed that i was sleeping in an upright position on my couch, i woke my husband, crying in severe pain begging him to take me to the emergency room, because i thought i had stomach cancer or something. i found out that it was acid reflux and i never had it before using the ibuprofen i was shocked that my doctor would tell me to take something that would harm my body,as of now i have very little respect for doctors.' even after this i still suffer from the acid reflux and have been on medication for years."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 09/28/2007: Adriana from Todos Santos, Mexico writes: "'originally from Holland and Canada writes: "Thank you for this brilliant site. I was just enjoying the comments and all of a sudden had a revelation. I have never suffered from Acid Reflux until a few years ago when I started taking Ibuprofen instead of Acetopminophen with Codeine. I hardly take anything anymore however, I will definitely say that there is a correlation between the onset of my GERD and Acid Reflux and my increased intake of Ibuprofen so...now, I drink lots of distilled water at the first sign and keep my meals small. I water fast one day per week (ref: Paul Bragg) and have cut out most dairy and meats. I am cleansing and detoxing in many ways and, I hope to never engage in any form of pain drug again. The entire world of Big Pharma is connected to Eugenics anyway. Do your homework and you'll begin to love your cold showers and ACV! Here's to health without conventional medicine."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 09/25/2007: AJ from Orlando, FL writes: "Had pinched nerve.' Took Aleve every 12 hours for 3 weeks. Got acid reflux and heartburn. Still trying to find a remedy."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 09/20/2007: lawana from grayson, ga writes: "I was reading the comment from Rosemary regarding the use of ibuprofen and its side effect of acid reflux. I am a 27 year old woman and I have been taking ibuprofen since I was about 15 for period cramps. I believe that you are right in that ibuprofen has something to do with my acid reflux. When I first started taking it I was younger and my body was a lot more youthful. But as I have gotten older the attack that ibuprofen has had on my body over the years has started to weaken its defenses. I am going to stop taking it but does anyone have any suggestions as what I can take for painful period cramps that won't irritate my acid reflux or cause another sympton to come up?"
Replies[SIDE EFFECTS] 08/06/2008: New sufferer from Somewhere, USA replies: "I've been doing the same as you and even taking Advil for headaches etc (to the point it was pretty much everyday). Then all this stuff started and no more. Anyhow, for cramps I got on birth control last year (nuvaring to be exact) and I LOVE IT! No cramps!"
08/14/2008: Angela from Tonasket, WA. replies: "Hey, if you want my opinion, and want to see what others have said too, look up the wonders of molasses on this site. It seems to be helping lots of people including myself with very painful menstral cramps. (1-2 T. full a day is what I've read.) Much as I'm sure the birth control pills would probably work, they too are a drug! They mess with the delacate hormone balance and tend to cause estrogen dominance, leading to mood and other physical problems. Not to mention, if you're like me and want more "blessings from above", that is a really bad suggestion. No offense to the person who said it, but it just may not be for everyone. . ."
EC: Click here for the molasses page.
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 09/19/2007: Christine from Riverview, Florida writes: "I had mono about 11 years ago, and to reduce the pain/swelling in my throat, my doctor said it would be okay to take up to 4 ibuprofen (800mg) every 4-6 hours. This went on for a good month or two. Ever since I have been ailed with acid reflux and gastritis. This has baffled my gastro doctor since my endoscopy results came back normal with just a little redness. To help with the symptoms, my doctor has had me taking Nexium for about 5 years now (after trying everything else)and I have basically become dependent on it. Currently, I have no insurance, so I cannot afford Nexium. I have been taking Zantac 150 which is over-the-counter atleast 2-3 times per day, with no relief from the pain of this disease. I have recently heard about the vinegar "diet" and wanted to research it on my own. I am willing to try anything at this point to "cure" myself for good."
Replies[SIDE EFFECTS] 09/18/2009: Andrew from Okc, Ok replies: "When I was 12-15 years old, I was prescribed ibuprofen for what was diagnosed as "rheumatoid arthritis" from overuse of my shoulders. I was actually told by my doctor that it would "fix" it. Being a kid, I didn't know any better and just swallowed pill after pill per the instructions of the doctor. I was given prescriptions for 800 mg Ibuprofen to be taken twice daily. I was provided no advice on therapy and no other instructions other than to take it with food if it was bothering my stomach.
At age 18, I began continuous reflux. Despite following the general template for advice that GI doctors provide, I showed NO improvement.I also have tried apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, and digestive enzymes with no success.
I began weaning myself off proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for the past year but I still have to take a 20 mg dose every 3rd day.
Now there is actual clinical data that supports D.O. theories of PPI side effects. PPI causes dependency so I'm now weaning off with Ranitidine 75-150 mg a day to extend the period of PPI intake intervals."
[SIDE EFFECTS] 04/14/2010: Bob from Naples, Idaho replies: "Since last November, five months, I have had a non-productive cough that would not go away, mucus in the throat and generally felt 'half a bubble off' all the time. I thought it must be a cold or the flu, maybe strep throat. A friend thought it could be a heart problem.
I avoid doctors, but did go for the first time in four years about three weeks ago. The Doc checked me over and informed me I had acid flux. Not sure if he could tell...I thought he was crazy. Even so, I took the samples of Kapidex. He said to come back in two weeks and if that works we'll get you on something cheaper. Well, I had no intention of getting on anything. I did take the Kapidex for about ten days. Still not believing his diagnosis completely I did a lot of reading on the internet and started several home remedies. Apples and apple cider vinegar seemed to help the most.
About six, seven days ago I chanced upon a connection between Ibuprofen and acid reflux. A follow up search showed a ton of people were developing acid reflux after taking Ibuprofen. One site had nine pages of posts from all kinds of people with the same story.
I had been taking Ibuprofen for a couple years for SI joint pain, 600mg every other night. The anti-inflammatory effect would allow that joint to shift back and it worked as a sleep aide. I knew it could cause stomach problems and was alert for that. Never had even a hint of stomach problem.
With this new info I stopped taking Ibuprofen about a week ago. In the morning I felt lousy and the SI joint was out big time. The following day was worse. Last Monday I got up feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. About three that afternoon I began to feel better and I was able to get the SI back in place. Tuesday I felt like a new person. My guess is I have just gone through withdrawal. The acid reflux is nearly gone. I just hope there is no permanent damage.
Here's the point of this story: Maybe I didn't read the label well enough. I had no idea Ibuprofen use could result in acid reflux. I never had 'stomach upset' problems and I don't recall seeing 'heartburn' listed though now I see it is listed last as a side effect. Should have been listed first! Even if I had known that, I didn't know that a dry cough and mucus with no fever are symptoms of acid reflux. The truth is in many cases, maybe most, the first side effect that manifests is heartburn. Apparently there are a large number of people in the same boat. I thought Ibuprofen was a God send...actually it's dangerous stuff to be taking. I did it on my own, but in many cases a doctor prescribes that much or more.
I wish someone had told me to watch out for a cough and mucus because that is acid reflux and acid reflux is often the first nasty side effect you will notice from over use of Ibuprofen. And you will be going through withdrawal after long time use when you quit. Or maybe 'do not take for more than a week or two, even if a doctor tells you it's ok'. It's not ok."
[YEA] 01/18/2011: Bassbuster from Joliet, Il replies: "I have acid reflux for over 20 years. Recently after minor sedated oral surgery it flared terribly. One day for reasons I cannot explain I took a tablespoon of honey.... I don't usually use honey for anything except BBQ. The acid reflux symptoms quit in under 5 minutes. I have been taking 1 tablespoon before and one after main meals for about a week now and no more acid reflux.... As well as I seem to be having much less joint pain. Concidering that I have multiple broken bones and diagnosed with referred sympathetic pain this is huge! Again HUGE! Hope this helps someone."
04/16/2011: Emerica6708 from Austin, Tx Usa replies: "Link between painkillers and acid reflux. Eight years ago I never had a problem with acid reflux, then I shattered my knee (top of the tibia to be exact.). The doctor prescribed me Norco 10/325mg for about four months (same as Lortab with less Tylenol) after that I had a horrible addiction to pain pills, six years later and I'm snorting six or seven 80mg OxyContin pills a day. Through that whole time I had acid reflux problems, every hour of everyday my throat burned, I drank alkaseltzer constantly and it would help for about an hour then it would come back. Anyway I've been clean for almost a year now and I still have acid reflux problems, I never knew that other people had the same problem after painkillers, but now I'm hoping that one day it will subside. Until then I'm gunna try raw ACV. Thanks for the tip."
08/26/2011: Wayne from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma replies: "I have been on 20 mg prilosec OTC for 18 months. PRescribed by an ER doctor after a trip to the ER thinking I had a heart attack and it was heartburn. I thought the Prilosec was like an antibiotic and would cure and then one could stop. I had no acid reflex but after 2 months I experienced it I refused to increase my dosage and in light of new report of PPI I am weaning myself off of it. I am now on 10 mg of Omesparsole every other day after 3 weeks of tapering down. Any suggestions. I have the DGL lozenges and will try the vinegar drink plus the honey. PPI have reduced my B 12 and must take supplements so have to get off the PPI. Any suggestions would help. Think twice before starting on PPI when a lesser treatment might work. H2 inhibitors have side effects as well but are more tolerable. Wayne"
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