Pill got stuck?

I had a scary episode last night and almost ended up in the ER. about 10 minutes after I took my nighttime pills (around 9:30) I developed an excruciating (pain scale 8-9) burning pain at the top of my throat, almost at the back of my mouth. Tums didn't help at all, and a swallow of water only made it feel better for about two seconds. Then it started spreading lower. about 30 minutes after that, with the pain still just as strong, I developed severe heartburn. I was never nauseous, but I did feel the need to burp a lot, like there was an air bubble at the back of my throat. I did call the advisory nurse but she didn't call back until almost two hours later when everything was finally getting better. She said to call my doctor in the morning but to go to the ER if it continued to be painful enough to keep me awake. I finally got to sleep about 1 a.m. It still hurts to some degree today, my voice is kind of hoarse and it's painful to swallow anything solid. I left a message for my doctor at 8 a.m. but no callback yet, despite the voicemail greeting saying that they check messages at 11:30.

Anyone have any ideas as to what was going on? I believe that a pill got stuck, even though I took them with about 12 ounces of water. I do have heartburn a lot (I think I've been diagnosed with GERD) and take ranitidine every day to prevent it. This felt completely different, though. I know my doctor should be told about this, but should I push it further than that? I'm highly upset that I haven't at least gotten a call back, and I don't know what to do with still having pain. I'm afraid to take pills because it hurt so much to take my morning ones.

Some of those medicines need to be taken with food also. If you suffer from gerd and take medicine with only water you're bound to get some reflux.
You sound like the pills irritated your throat.

I've had this happen and even accompanied by a weird foamy white vomit. Make sure you tell your dr. Mine happened cause I have a rare condition that causes my throat to randomly swell shut. I doubt you have the same but you should always tell your dr so they can make sure acid reflux isn't damaging your esophagus.

I have recently starting taking one medicine in the morning rather than at night due to the same symptoms and it has helped me a lot. I too suffer from heartburn terribly and it took me a while when I took this medication it suddenly had gotten worse. You might want to consult your doctor and see what he/she says.

There was a celebrity (Bethenny Frankel, maybe?) on the Today show a few months ago who took an antibiotic pill before bed and it sat in her esophagus and caused some type of ulcer. I had never given it much thought before, but I guess a pill that doesn't go all the way down can cause some issues, so now I am super careful when I take pills before bed time.

It's always something, isn't it, lol? I'm glad you are feeling better and don't seem to have any lasting effects.

From time to time I have had burning throat experiences like the poster above; similar symptoms after taking a Cymbalta capsule. I usually take mine now with lots of water followed by some kind of food, even if only a half piece of bread or some grapes or similar.

i would suggest from my own experience that you not take your pills if you will be lying down anytime soon. i figure it is best to wait at least an hour if possible. Or take it in the morning and you won't be at risk nearly as often..

I figure the problem is akin to a chemical burn in the esophagus. Maybe it happens because the medicine comes in a capsule -- maybe the Cymbalta becomes sticky against a minimally moist or wet surface like the lining of the throat. Then as the capsule dissolves, the medicine burns the esophogal surface.

I know I have fewer problems if I stay upright, drink lots of water and take my pill with food when possible.

I've had this a few times too. One thing that helped stop the burning was to suck on a lozenge for sore throats like Halls. I always have those on hand for the mouth dryness that water doesn't take care of anyway.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Love, Azgram