GERD - Experience with BuSpar (buspirone)

I never thought I'd join one of these forums but I'm getting desperate. In November of last year, I started have trouble breathing and burning in my chest. To make a long story short, I was finally diagnosed with GERD in December and put on medication. Since that time, I have tried many different things including changing my diet (cut out caffeine, acid foods, gluten, dairy and other crazy items). I've tried multiple medications (omeprazole, rabeprazole and famotid). I've even switched to a new birth control method. Nothing seems to make a difference. I recently had an endoscopy and a biopsy which came back totally normal and no signs of inflammation or reflux. I know I should be happy with this but the reality is that it doesn't get me any closer to finding the cause.

The latest "theory" is that I have a hypersensitivity to something and so rather than taking medications that focus on acid production I should be taking medications for nerves and muscles to help my esophagus function better.

As a result, I was put on BuSpar (buspirone). I've been on it for 5 days and not seen any difference. The GI specialist said I should notice a difference within 2 weeks. Maybe it's too soon, but, again, I'm desperate and not very patient at this point. Has anyone any experience with BuSpar for reflux symptoms? If so, how long did it take for you to notice improvement? It seems to be a fairly new approach and I haven't seen many other posts with this tactic.

I'm also looking for any ideas that maybe we haven't tried. If this new theory doesn't work then my doctor will refer me to another GI specialist for a second option. I've seen several doctors already and tried lots of tactics. I would welcome any other ideas or suggestions. I have symptoms EVERY SINGLE DAY and I need to get back to normal. I have a 18 month old daughter and my husband and I want to have #2 but I need to be well first. I need to get well for family and for me. Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions!

Buspar is used to treat anxiety so maybe the doctor thinks all your symptoms are due to anxiety. I do have GERD and I get really weird pains but it is mostly due to my anxiety.

I have seen other people being treated with benzos because your stomach can be a mess when you also have anxiety.

No, it's not be used to treat anxiety, although that was the original purpose of the medication. He said it has been found to have other uses after it was designed to treat anxiety. One of these uses is helping relax muscles and nerves from hypersensitivity. I'm on the lowest dose possible to see if it helps. I'm now on day 7 and no change.

MTrancher: Are they tiny little bubbles that come up into your throat and mouth? If so, that sounds like silent reflux, also called Laryngopharyngeal reflux. Do they burn? I have that and it’s hellish.

MT,

I'm taking Buspar for anxiety, but have a horrid past history with GERD, etc., so the roles are sort of flipped. That'd be awesome if it really does help GERD!

I know this isn't helpful at all, but you helped me by asking. Now I know.

-smooth

Silent reflux can be secondary to esophageal hypomotility disorder, which often starts after a viral infection. It is a damage to contractility neurons, vagus/myenteric plexus. There is no cure currently available to restore the impaired smooth muscle contractions. I am sorry. I have this s..t. I gasp for air 24/7. Buspar seemed promising, but newest studies showed it is just placebo. With IEM, main problem is that healthy reflux everyone has, becomes very damaging due to a prolonged duration time.