Q: I'm in Cymbalta withdrawal with severe Gerd. I'm on 4 Prilosec, TUMS and a supplement of Slippery Elm Bark and still sick. I tried Zantac 150 last 2 nights instead of 2 Prilosec after reading of
The side effects that are concerning about long term use of Prilosec also apply to any of the Proton Pump Inhibitors.
You do have a lot going on with the withdraw from the Cymbalta and trying to wean off a PPI. I did do a wean off of a PPI and honestly I don't get as good as control of my reflux with an H2 blocker. Right now I am taking Pepcid which is an H2 blocker like Zantac. It seems to work a little better for me than the Zantac did. I was taking a very high dosage of Zantac (300 mg, 2xday) but that too has side effects to be considered such as damage to the liver in the long run.
Basically what it comes down to is that unfortunately you will need to go back to your doctor and discuss these concerns with her. Maybe for now a PPI is the better choice in your case while you are still going through the Cymbalta withdraw. Or maybe you and your doctor can come up with another plan that both of you are comfortable with. I assume you have read the risk for the Reglan which while it is sometimes needed in some people is certainly concerning.
Lastly, make sure your doctor knows about the Slippery Elm Bark as well. I can't find any studies on it but I did find one caution that it coats the stomach. You may want to make sure you aren't taking it the same time as your stomach medication as it may interfere with absorption of those.
Best of Luck - Stephanie
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Thank you so much for your quick response, Stephanie! I was so excited about the possiblity of Elm to help my reflux, and read a lot of good things about it helping gastreo problems. It never occurred to me that since it coats the stomach that it would affect absorbtion of other meds. I appreciate you mentioning that since I had been taking it with other pills including Prilosec. After reading your response I did a search online and found many articles suggesting to take the pills first and wait an hour or two before taking the Elm. I've started to take Previcid today to try something different and plan to continue the Elm and with spacing things apart I'm hoping to feel better. My naturapath, who was recommended by a well known doctor here in Seattle, said that her goal was to have me off of the PPI's and only on the Elm supplement. (It also has plantain and licorice). I'm surprised that she didn't mention the absorbtion issue so am grateful that you did!
Thanks again and best of luck to you, too. This is a tough journey.