Hello


I was wondering if you guys could please help me with this issue that I'm having (sorry it is kind of long). In January, after a break up with my girlfriend after 6 years, I had hard time sleeping so the doctor prescribed doxepin (tricyclic antidepressant). I took the antidepressant for about 2 months and then I developed reflux. My symptoms are more like LPR than GERD, and I stopped taking the antidepressants in the middle of March when I got the reflux. I have reflux with everything I eat and sometimes drink. I have changed my diet, taking PPI's twice a day plus domperidone (motility agent so the food moves down the stomach faster so less of it comes up). I had a barium swallow which showed reflux and I am seeing the specialist on May 9th. I found out that the antidepressants are anticholinergic which can reduce the LES pressure. I am just wondering, if I got the reflux because of the pills, why is it that it is not going away since I stoppped taking them? How long does it take for the LES pressure to go back to normal? Your response is highly appreciated. Thank you.

Anyone? please.

Hi Mike. GERD starts for a variety of reasons ... it is hard to know why for some people it becomes a lifelong struggle while for many there seems to be long periods when things return to normal. I don't know that any layperson would have a definitive answer on this because each individual situation is so different. The best thing you can do is speak with your doctor. He will know much better the interactions of drugs and muscle relaxation and the ability of the LES to self- repair. It is very hard but try to stay positive ... unfortunately anxiety often makes the symptoms worse. :)