Painkillers & Acid Reflux Symptoms: Unhealthy Relations

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Posted by Francesca (Pittston, PA) on 03/13/2007
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I have been taking ibuprofen (generic Motrin, Advil, Motrin over the counter) for years for menstrual cramps. Last year Dr. prescribed Prilosec OTC for acid reflux. My doctor said I cannot stop taking the Prilosec because of the IBU. I do not want to take either, but I need something for pain.

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Posted by Sonja (Columbus, GA) on 03/12/2007
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I used Aleve only when i have menstrual cramps and for nothing else since i know it's bad for your stomach. But it may be this that causes the reflux. I eat a healthy diet

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Posted by Matt (Springfield, VA) on 03/11/2007
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For me I know that Advil has caused my Acid Reflux. I was taking it for about 2 weeks and one day woke up with severe pain in my chest and I was throwing up. My doctor told me it sounds like I got a chemical burn in my esophagus from taking the Advil then lying down. Since that day everything I eat comes right back up, it's very frustrating.

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Posted by Christine (Greenville, North Carolina) on 03/07/2007
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I have been suffering from acid reflux for about 4 years now. I was originally given previcid and then I began having digestive/intestinal problems after about a year I was sent to a specialist who after several tests couldn't find anything wrong and put me on aciphex. I gave up caffeine about 2 years ago because of heart problems (racing heart)I try to eat a healthy diet and do not drink sodas and also gave up artificial sweeteners I am/was a heavy motrin and now Alleve user. I am in the process of changing that but what alternative is their for headaches, cramps etc?? Also I just believe that the aciphex is not good for me and am giving that up too. I plan on trying the cider vinegar first will let you know how it works.

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Posted by Dee (Merrimack, NH) on 03/05/2007
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I was diagnosed with GERD approx. 5 years ago after 3 months of intense pain that felt more like a heart attack than anything else. I had crushing pain in my chest and numbness in my right arm and difficulty breathing. After undergoing numerous tests for both my heart and my digestive system, I finally had a camera put down my throat and was officially diagnosed with GERD. First I can tell you without out a doubt that diet soda is not the cause. I have never had diet soda! I am a HUGE water drinker. Although I did have a taste for fatty foods, I was not considered even overweight by most standards. I'm 5'7 and 140 pounds. Milk is a definite irritant for me so there is some food for thought. Here's the interesting part - a few weeks before the Gerd began I had a bout of Vertigo. I was on Sudafed and Ibuprofen to help combat the swelling in my eustation tubes and to drain them. Could this cause it perhaps, however, I'd be interested to know how many people had some sort of bacterial or viral infection prior to intense symptoms setting in. I tried every acid reflux medicine on the market and only became symptom free after taking Aciphex. Today is the day I'm going to attempt an alternate solution. I am almost out of medicine and it is expensive! The yogurt/acidophilus sounds reasonable, so that is where I will start. I'll keep you posted!

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Posted by Karen ( Warren, Pa) on 03/05/2007
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I have been suffering with acid reflux for several years. I always thought that it was related to stress and the extra weight that I have been carrying. I realize now that it is probably due to ibuprofen use. I suffer from headaches 2-3 times a week and the ibuprofen was the most effective pain relief that worked for me. Occasionally I would take 3 pills at a time in order to get relief. For the past month I have been taking 2 tsp. of organic vinegar with 2 tsp. of honey mixed with a cup of hot water 3 times a day. I am also watching my caloric intake and have noticed a dramatic difference in the way I feel overall. I have not had a headache since and my acid reflux is no longer a problem. I am convinced that the vinegar/honey "tea" is responsible for the significant improvement in the way in feel.

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Posted by Balinda (Clayton, Ohio) on 03/04/2007
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Hi I am responding to your inquiry about Ibuprofen and acid reflux. I think in my case I can directly link my acid reflux to taking a prescription of a Large dose of ibuprofen for "carpel tunnel" that I had at the time. I don't know what brand or the actual size except that it was huge!!! I started having problems after the 2nd or 3rd day and talked to my Dr. He said to stop taking them. Then about 3 weeks later I had an episode of waking up at night..etc.. and then I kept having extreme "weakness" times and feeling faint. I went to the Dr. and he suggested taking a glucose test..to see if I was diabetic. (I had my doubts about this and truly thought it was about the ibuprofen but I did what I was told). Well after drinking this huge glass of sugary thick syrup at the Dr's office to test my sugar's. I thought I was going to die!!! I started crying and asked for water "NOW" and the nurse called the Dr in and he said...OH you must have acid reflux. Well, I've been on Nexium and now Prilosec ever since. That was 8 years ago. Frankly I'm tired of taking it and I am looking into trying natural cures, which is why I came to your website. I wasn't surprised at your theory about the link of ibuprofen use and acid reflux. I have tried apple cider vinegar once, but it was not a raw organic kind and I was seeing some good results but then had a hugely bad day and went back to my Prilosec. I think if I stick with it this time and take "digestive enzymes" and the raw apple cider vinegar and yogurt I might just head in the right direction. I'm scared to even discuss this with my Dr because he acts so weird when I mention "alternative" stuff.

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Posted by Torri (San Diego, CA) on 03/03/2007
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I have been searching for an answer to my on and off acid reflux. I also have a pain condition that I take an anti inflammatory Celebrex. I tend to take it for a week or so when the reflux kicks in. Never putting the two together until I read Rosemary's report. I will start tonight with yogurt and discontinue with Celebrex. I will report back. It makes complete sense for my symptoms. Thank you

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Posted by C (PD) on 02/25/2007
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I have to honestly say I never had GERD until i started taking Ibuprofen and I usually took liquid, and it would burn all the way down to my stomach. I have often thought if it does this to me, how about our children?

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Posted by Theresa (Kailua, HI) on 02/20/2007
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I was thrilled to read the comments on acid reflux! I have been taking 800 Motrin for to long on a steady occasional use. Needless to say I have started approx. 6 months ago dealing with acid reflux. I stared taking papaya enzymes for other reasons but thought "maybe it will help the acid reflux" it did! Not over night but everyday it got better. And having used acidophilus I know now that that would be a great product also. Sorry I have not tried the vinegar.

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Posted by Linda (Phoenix) on 02/19/2007
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I have acid reflux really bad a lot of the time. Doesn't seem to matter what I eat. And guess what? I have been taking ibuprofen for a long time for back pain. I will definitely be giving ACV a try!

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Posted by E (Molalla, OR) on 02/17/2007
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Having fallen on a hiking trip in Southern Italy in May 2006, I tore the rotator cuff in the right shoulder. Orthopedic surgeons & specialist were fast to offer me Motrin (4 200 mg tab 3 times a day ). After 8 months I discontinued.. not a month later I was having "panic attacks" when I felt like an apple stuck in my throat... I could not swallow..seemed like I could not breath almost. The ENT specialist was quick to diagnose as acid reflux and quickly prescribed Prevacid 30 mg once a day... Realizing what an anti acid would do to my stomach and absorption of minerals and vitamins, when the pH is raised in stomach by taking such medicines, I immediately began looking for other alternative cures or helpful hints. I found this site looking. Thank you.

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Posted by Linda (Thunder Bay, Canada) on 02/16/2007
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I was reading your site and this is the first confirmation I've had that Ibuprofen caused my acid reflux.' I was taking OTC Dristan Sinus and Advil Migraine meds several times a day to combat undiagnosed migraines. This is when my acid reflux started. I have yet to find a natural solution and now take prescription drugs. It has been 7 years. I must say that apples seem to soothe my stomach but I cannot tolerate anything acidic, even apple cider vinegar. I am intrigued by the yogurt & acidophilus mentioned as I take them when using antibiotics. I will try that remedy as anything is better than prescription drugs at this point. Thank you for a wonderful website.

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Posted by Jacki (Mentor, OH) on 02/14/2007
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I was just reading on your web site about acid reflex. I also have acid reflex and I am trying to find natural remedies. I was taking a drug called Zegerid which is omeprazole/sodium bicarb combined. Did make my acid reflex better, but made me feel sick all the time. Well anyway back to what I was reading. I do have never had any stomach problems what so ever. I to had started taking ibuprofen(Motrin)over the counter. I was taking it for various aches and pains and taking it on a pretty regular basis. I will stop my use of ibuprofen that is for sure. I don't have a remedy yet but hopefully in my search I will find one. I will try the yogurt. Thank you.

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Posted by Colleen ( Litchfield, NH) on 02/13/2007
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I have always thought there was a connection between my sudden heartburn and a hip injury I had.' For about a year and half I took large doses of ibuprofen, aleve and Celebrex to relieve the pain in my hip burser. The hip slowly recovered but I was left with chronic heartburn something I had never had - ever. I was put on several prescriptions for it and eventually ended up taking aciphex twice a day to stop the heartburn. I am going to give the ACV a try because I hate taking medication forever (3 years now). Thanks for all the information. I will post my results - good or bad in a few weeks.