Painkillers & Acid Reflux Symptoms: Unhealthy Relations

Reader Feedback

Posted by Vanessa (Atlanta, GA) on 08/28/2006
0 out of 5 stars

I just read your website on the information on GERD and the reader who makes claims about Ibuprofen. I would like to support her claim about Ibuprofen being the culprit to this problem with GERD or Acid Reflux. I started using ibuprofen about three years ago for uterine fibroids to reduce the pain of this condition. The three different hospitals I visited during emergency room visits for pain due this condition, prescribed each time an ibuprofen or recommended Motrin or advil. I used them to alleviate the pain but then started having problems with GERD. I have the medical bills to prove my claim along with the medical records to show these findings. Please be advised about this drug and warn others about these effects.

Reader Feedback

Posted by Maia (Seattle) on 08/19/2006
0 out of 5 stars

Taking Prednisone for about a week (10 mg/day) for back pain (dr says inflammation), when I woke up with acid reflux at 2 am. I'm quitting the medication. Thanks.

Reader Feedback

Posted by Annie (Beaumont, TX) on 08/17/2006
0 out of 5 stars

I am only 23 years old, but have had acid reflux since high school. I've been through a breast reduction once, and before and after the surgery my back has killed me. My doctor told me I should take ibuprofen to relieve it. So for years up until now that's what I've done. I never put two and two together realizing it was sooo bad because of the pain meds. Now that I look at it, it makes perfect sense. I started on the ACV and in two weeks noticed the pain was gone from acid reflux. Not only that but my family who has a history of diabetes was been using it and also noticed a difference. My weight is down, and I can actually go places without getting an attack. It's really amazing. The pickle Juice also works for me. Whenever i'm at work or something and I just forget the ACV, I'll keep the juice in a cup in my fridge. Thanks so much

Reader Feedback

Posted by Drew (Irving, TX) on 08/14/2006
★☆☆☆☆

Using Nexium is the only thing that has worked so far, although the low carb diet helped some. While I was in Italy for a semester I noticed some decrease of acid reflux thanks to a better diet, even if I still had to avoid the pasta. I ate a lot of oranges while there, and that seemed to help some. Mostly though, I am replying to the idea of the painkiller ibuprofen being a leading cause. To this, at least in my experience, I firmly say nay! I'm 20 years old, and even during sports I rarely use any sort of painkiller, opting rather to deal with it or alleviate the hurt with hot or cold, etc. I will go months at a time without touching any painkiller and yet I have severe GERD with related asthma symptoms. Maybe for some of you this has caused it, but the few times I have taken painkillers, I really didn't notice much of a difference.

Reader Feedback

Posted by Linda (Pennsylvania) on 08/14/2006
0 out of 5 stars

over a period of years Excedrin has always helped with my headaches. I developed acid reflux in '96 and since been taking aciphex. 1 a day unless severe pain, then two pills. i want to heal and get off the pills totally. I want to try the apple cider regimen but don't know how much to take or how to take it. Can you advise? Thank you.

Reader Feedback

Posted by D (LA) on 08/13/2006
0 out of 5 stars

Started taking Aleve (3 pills on the weekends) to help easy by lower back pain... one year after I started having acid reflux.

Reader Feedback

Posted by Debbie (Clemmons, NC) on 08/10/2006
0 out of 5 stars

I do not remember having acid reflux until I started taking Advil. I only take 1-2 a day in the early evening.

Reader Feedback

Posted by Tara (Catonsville, MD) on 08/07/2006
0 out of 5 stars

I just wanted to let you know that I too was taking Ibuprofen for several years for migraines. I tried all the over the counter meds for migraines and some prescriptions. Nothing worked better than the ibuprofen. I had to function, had to work, so I took the chance with the stomach issues. Now I am very sorry for it. Ever since 2003 I have had to deal with the problems of GERD and acid reflux. I blamed it on my 1st pregnancy, but I'm sure it was caused by using 1000 to 1200 mg dose of Ibuprofen almost 3 and 4 times a week, sometimes more. I am now pregnant again and really don't want to take Zantac twice a day and eat tums for the next 7 months. I'm gonna try the ACV remedy and see how well it works. I post back in a week or two.

Reader Feedback

Posted by Tracia (Kentucky) on 08/03/2006
0 out of 5 stars

Before I started getting really bad acid reflux I was taking a lot of aspirin. I used to take at least one every day because I have severe headaches / migraines and I would almost always have one. Then later on I started to notice that the more aspirin I took, the worse it made my stomach hurt. First it was stomach cramps, then the reflux began. No change in diet or anything... just horrible acid reflux to the point that I was throwing up stomach acid on a daily basis. I don't even know what to do now.

Reader Feedback

Posted by Barbara (Los Angeles, CA) on 08/01/2006
0 out of 5 stars

I took Advil- 4 a day for nearly three years for severe arthritis in knees. It is a great pain killer but caused severe stomach pains and now acid reflux and difficulty swallowing. Maybe an ulcer and a hernia. Being tested now.' As much as I can't stand the pain in my knees, I will never take Advil again. Also, Prevacid, and Nexum should be taken off the market.

Reader Feedback

Posted by Catalina (Mexico) on 07/31/2006
0 out of 5 stars

I have suffered from insomnia my entire adult life. With menopause, this problem became worse. I found that taking ibuprofen at bedtime helped me get to sleep, most likely because of its muscle-relaxing properties. I would take one or two tablets, without food. Now I find myself with acid reflux. I didn't realize the connection between ibuprofen and acid reflux until I read your web site. I know now not to take ibuprofen, but I now have esophagitis, which keeps me awake. I am on a strict diet in hopes of healing my esophagus. Apple cider vinegar gives me some relief, but not complete relief. I am taking Losec. I am intrigued by the low carbohydrate diet idea, but as a vegetarian, it is difficult to cut out carbs, especially after cutting out so many other foods that aggravate GERD.

Reader Feedback

Posted by Bennie (Austin, TX) on 07/30/2006
★☆☆☆☆

I don't agree that the painkillers are what cause GERD. I was diagnosed with it about four years ago and was prescribed Nexium. I did not take the medication and by chance cut back my intake of breads and baked goods. GERD's symptoms went away almost instantly! Now I'm on ibuprofen daily for arthritic hip-GERD has NOT returned. Actually, I laid off the refined carbs, like sandwich bread, rice, cornbread, yeast rolls, commercial bake and serve breads...' I stopped getting the burn in my chest and throat from regurgitating my food intake.

Reader Feedback

Posted by Joe (Castro Valley, CA) on 07/17/2006
0 out of 5 stars

I read your site with interest - especially the article on acid reflux and ibuprofen. I recently had a bad bout of it never really had it before. The doc gave me an over the counter which ran out last Friday. Everything was good Saturday but Sunday morning I took ibuprofen for my back and guess what. The acid reflux came back. I then realized that when I complained to my doc I have been taking Ibuprofen regularly because of mouth surgery. So I think there is a connection between acid reflux and ibuprofen - does not bode well.

Reader Feedback

Posted by Michelle (Houma, LA) on 06/30/2006
0 out of 5 stars

I've been using tylenol for leg cramps almost daily, and ever since then i've had horrible acid reflux.

Reader Feedback

Posted by Susan (Boston) on 06/28/2006
0 out of 5 stars

baby aspirin for plantar faciitis of foot exacerbated my potential gerd situation and the 2 tsp 2 or 3 times a day apple cider vinegar settled the gut; I also have taken more real diversionary rest and relaxation as I was in a stressful situation and was also drinking coffee and tea during the day; got away and took a break, taking my stress too seriously.