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Prokinetic agents - drugs that tighten the lower esophageal sphincter

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Posted 6/16/2008 11:58 AM (GMT 0)
These drugs work by tightening the lower esophageal sphincter, which helps prevent acid from washing back up into the esophagus. They also slightly increase the contractions of the esophagus and the stomach to help empty the stomach faster. Prokinetic agents include metoclopramide (also known as Reglan), bethanechol (Duvoid) and tegaserod (Zelnorm). These medications can be useful as additional therapy in some people with GERD but shouldn't be used alone.

Has anyone tried these, I am pretty desperate, I have servere pain in my chest and stomach, I have been prescribed Omeprazole and just Friday I was prescribed a drug to help my stomach empty, since I have been taking that the pain from trapped wind has been so much worse.

I had an endoscopy with a GI and he said that it was all clear, however that was in March and now 2 months on I am waking up at night gasping for breath and chocking, reflux?

Why has no-one mentioned these Prokinetic agents to be before???

I'm 28 and the thought of living like this for the rest of my life is not a happy prospect!

The docs say because of my age I shouldn't take too many drugs but what is better, take drugs or allow the reflux to permanently damage my esophagus???

Thanks for any thoughts and help.  I've very frustrated and have no faith in the medical industry anymore...

Katie

Posted 6/16/2008 8:53 PM (GMT 0)

Katie,

I took Zelnorm for almost a year and it worked great...my gerd was less severe but it was taken off the market in March of '07 because it was linked to possible stroke causes.  My doctor said most of the people who had strokes while taking Zelnorm were in their 80's but it was ripped off the market when this info came out.  I was very disappointed and the FDA received hundreds of letters from satisfied users who had no such symptoms from the drug.  But, alas, it didn't help.

If you read about Reglan, the most common side effect is depression and it's not meant to be taken more than 3 months so I never even wanted to try it.  The other med, bethanecoel is primarely for bladder emptying but can be used to empty the stomach faster but you are going to be urinating alot more. 

When I had my first endoscopy, it was clear also but the doc said I probably had Gerd and put me on Prevacid. He was very indifferent and didn't think it was very serious.   That was almost 2 years ago and I've been on 4 different PPI's and my gerd is getting worse.  I'm on my 3rd GI doc and after having the PH test, he thinks I should consider surgery.  I don't want to stay on these drugs forever because they don't work that well and this disease is progressive...just a little acid leaking everyday will eventually progress to possible Barretts and much worse problems.  Have you considered a different GI doc...they all have a different perspective on Gerd and treatments.  Blessings...

Sillylilly


Post Edited (sillylilly) : 6/16/2008 4:01:36 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/17/2008 9:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi sillylilly

Thank you very much for your info.  I have to say the side effects you list do not sound good. 

That seriously puts my of trying it. 

I might ask to see another GI.  Why is it that, as you mention, some docs are "very indifferent and didn't think it was very serious" as that's the impression I got from my GI.  Well it may not be serious now, but it's progressive and hence very frightening.  It's not a matter of IF, it's WHEN!!!

It's great to know there are others out there to talk to and understand what a GERD sufferer goes thru on a daily basis..  Thanks for your support, it's appreciated.

Katie

 

Posted 4/1/2010 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
I have been to 3 different GI docs,and they are all very different.......
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