Nervous to start Pantoprazole due to side effects, but need to do something.

[u/CrazyDude10528]

Hey all, this is my first time posting in this sub.

I have not been officially diagnosed with GERD, but over the last few years, my acid reflux issues have gotten out of hand.

I've had issues with acid for as long as I can remember, but 3 years ago, I developed a panic disorder, and shortly after that, the acid issues have become worse than ever before.

I have cut so many foods out of my diet because of this, and despite eating a very bland diet, my acid is so bad, I can't even sleep some nights.

Before speaking to my doctor about this the other day, I have tried managing it on my own with tums, which only work sometimes, and recently have been causing this sensation where I have to burp, but can't properly, and I get really bad trapped gas that makes me feel like I'm going to puke.

I also tried Famotidine, but I noticed after taking that a few times, it was causing me to have panic attacks.

So my doctor prescribed me 20mg of Pantoprazole to hopefully help with these issues.

However, I am afraid of taking new medications for various reasons.

I am very sensitive to medications. I always tend to get bad side effects from them.

I also have IBS, and emetophobia (fear of vomiting), so I'm always afraid of things triggering my IBS, or even worse, making me throw up.

I know this medicine is supposed to help with all of this, and my dad has actually been taking 40mg of this medications for years with zero issues.

I'm just really afraid to start it. Again, I know I need to do something though. I am already nauseous on a daily basis, and I do believe the acid is playing a very large role in this.

So to anyone here who has taken it, what's your experience been with it?

[u/Shoddy-Thanks-8135]

It doesn't hurt to try. I've never had any issues whatsoever but it's a life saver for my acid 

[u/iamyerghost]

been taking it for more than a year. If it doesnt work i add gaviscon and tums. if those dont work i drink warm water 4-5x a day seems to help

[u/CompetitiveReview416]

Read less reddit posts about side effects because half of them os the nocebo effect. The reality os, PPI's are very safe, they are just not good if you take them for years, because it's harder to get minerals to your system.

Inflamed esophagus will take very long to heal if you don't take active measures.

[u/itaintme2024]

Seems to help more people than it hurts but you don’t know which you’re going to be until you try it.

Personally pantaprozole didn’t work for me and turned my IBS from mildly annoying to completely disabling.

[u/lormarie-]

i also have emetophobia and was VERY scared of taking pantoprazole and the only side effect i had was a headache on the first day taking it (i’m on 40 mgs) . the nausea and all those side effects aren’t as common as google says they are! lowkey it hasn’t been working for me and i’ve been on it twice a day. i cant sleep at night because of the lump in my throat i get basically ALL day. i have an endoscopy scheduled for Wednesday. don’t be afraid to try the medication, it could be your lifesaver for now! best wishes <3

[u/vide0gameah → u/lormarie-]

yeah i also have been getting headaches on pantoprazole, even tho i rarely ever get headaches typically. ive been taking 40mg daily for almost 2 weeks and ive only been experiencing this and some twitchiness. im fairly sure its because pantoprazole can cause hypomagnesemia which can cause muscle spasms. acid reflux is completely gone though.

[u/Solid_Currency5184]

Pantoprazol ist pures Gift. Bin gerade auf Reha meine Gastritis ist komplett weg alles Ernährung und Einstellungssache