Gastritis Support Group

Gastritis is a medical term for inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It means that white blood cells move into the wall of the stomach as a response to some type of injury. Gastritis has many underlying causes, from infection with the bacterium H. pylori, bile reflux, or excessive consumption of alcohol or certain foods or drugs like aspirin.

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Antidepressants

VMOTTA
VMOTTA
Hello all. I am currently having a real hard time and I am writing this post in hope that I can get advice and thoughts. Though I dont often post or respond to posts, I am an avid reader of this site. It really helps me get through rough days.

I have been battling heartburn and stomach issues since March of this year. Initially it was mild heart burn with a tight chest. It was stuff that I never had experienced before, I am 34. Not knowing what was wrong I went to my Dr. after two weeks of symptoms. She did some standard tests, checked for H Pylori and prescribed me Prilosec. Well unfortunately for me I turned out being allergic to Prilosec. It gave me bad physical and physiological side effects. Went off it after about 30 days and took me about four months to finally start feeling normal. My doctor wanted me to take an antidepressant refusing to believe that Prilosec caused all of my issues. I refused.

Heartburn developed into stomach pain and burning in stomach. I have had all of the tests and for the most part they say my stomach is fine with no visible gastritis, though after changing doctors I was initially diagnosed with gastritis.

I tried Pepcid for 5 weeks, Sucrulfate for 9weeks, and Zantac for 4 weeks. The frustrating part is that none of it relieved pain completely. Some helped more than others; I think Zantac helped the most.

New doctor suggested I give Prevacid a try. I had been too scared of trying another PPI since my last experience but living in such hell for so long I figured what the heck. After about 3 days my stomach felt better than it had in months. But I began to have similar side effects that I had experienced with Prilosec. Itching, aches, burning sensations on muscles, tingling, bad stuff. So I emailed my doctor and she said to take half dose every other day. I did and took two more half doses for a total of 5 pills. Last dose was yesterday and I am suffering bad side effects. Itching and burning being the most pronounced. I have decided that I will take no more.

I have an appointment next Thursday to see my Doctor and discuss options.

I apologize for this long post but I feel so down. I feel frustrated, scared and sad. I just am starting to lose hope and not sure if I have the will anymore. It seems like nothing I do to improve my health works out.

Prior to this I had a blessed life. Healthy, hardworking and fun. Now I just dont know.

So my question now is should I take and antidepressant..? My old doctor kept telling me to take one. She said it would help with my stomach issues. I am tempted if I knew it would help. But I am also so scared that I will suffer bad side effects on top of changing who I am. I hope I am making sense. I am not proof reading this, I will just post so I apologize if it has many grammar and spelling errors.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am taking Buspirone for my stomach issues Gastritis and Gerd it helps !! My doctor told me it might be that i have hypersesitive gi nerves and the anti depressant will help ...i didnt really want to take anything like that.... but he promissed me if it wouldnt help he will take me off right away justgive it a tr for about 2-4 weeks the first 3 days they made me a bit drowsy but that went away . I ve been taking them now for 6 weeks twice a day 5mg, my ppi in the morning and zantac in the evening and i m feeling much much better .....it is worth a try i dont have any bad side effects from them at all :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
I take them. There is this medical connection that they have found between the nerves in our GI tracks and our mind. Pretty much it breaks down to GI issues may cause emotional distress- especially in cases of chronic illness. Talk to the doctor and hear them out. If you do decide to go the medicinal route, talk with a psych who you feel comfortable with and who can help you. Counseling or therapy also can be helpful. No matter how you want to view the psychological side of gastritis, the reality is that it is difficult to be ill for an extended amount of time and frankly, sometimes you may need a little extra help to get through it. Just don't wait too long to have that discussion. I did and it almost pushed me over the edge. Take good care of yourself my friend and best wishes always!
Silkakc
Silkakc
If the PPI's and acid-reducers don't work, ask for a med that coats your stomach, like Carfate. I've been on PPIs for 2 years and the coating meds/herbs work better to relieve the pain.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've never tried any PPIs, so can't exactly relate. However, I seem to be having some success (I hope!) with Carafate, DGL licorice, slippery elm, ginger, and chamomile teas, and a pretty strict diet. I know I can't speak for everyone, as we're all different, and thankfully, I don't have issues with GERD, etc., so just throwing this out as to what seems to be helping me.

I should add that I had a flare last week, but, as ravenfish says, stress and emotional issues can cause things to sometimes get worse. Also, I feel quite certain the cold air isn't helping, and seems almost to cause flares. So many factors to consider! Our bodies can get quite touchy!

I wish you well, and hope this helps you and/or someone else just a bit.
deleted_user
deleted_user
P.S. I took Elavil, an antidepressant for chronic diarrhea, and while it gradually helped the diarrhea, it make me extremely sleepy. Taking 50 mg at night, I slept like a rock, but was drowsy the entire next day, even having to take a nap and go to bed early that next evening! I don't know if it affects everyone like that, but I was very thankful to finally get off of it. However, if one needs an antidepressant, they simply do.

Maybe you could discuss with your doctor something more natural such as St. Johns wort or valerian. Puritan's Pride sells something called 'Calm tabs' which are herbal--maybe it's something to consider, but of course, get your doc's okay first.

Best of luck and feel better!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Some medications, such as anxiety ones, do have that effect. It varies from brand to brand and also if it is a slow release or a fast one. That is why it is so important to be monitored if you are on them. The side-effects can vary greatly from person to person. I found that out when I went to a slow release from a rapid. Instead it was better to up my dosage on a rapid release, as the slow almost put me in a four-day fog.
VMOTTA
VMOTTA
Thank you all for your advice.

Ravenfish, I am thinking on starting up on Suculfrate again. How did you take it around SSRI?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I didn't take it at the same time, as the gastritis was an issue before I realized that the other medication was needed. I do however know it is possible. A doctor with the correct knowledge should be able to asses your personal needs both mentally and physically and assist you. Good luck and if you have any more questions, please feel free to email me. Take good care of yourself, always.