Carafate and Bentyl? (Full Version)

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dollparts85 -> Carafate and Bentyl? (11/29/2008 4:14:12 PM)

Has anyone taken these medications? Is there anything I should know about them? I've googled a bit but haven't found much. I believe it was the Carafate that said it can interfer with my thyroid medication's absorbtion...so I'm going to ask my doctor about that Wednesday. I'm not sure which one is doing it or if it's a combo of the two...but an hour and a half after I take them (I take them twice a day.) I get a bad headache, dizziness and hot flashes and it lasts 2 hours or so. They also make me very sleepy. Has anyone experienced these side effects with either of these medications? Did they go away after taking them for a while? I'm not asking for professional info...I am seeing my GI doctor on Wednesday and I'm going to talk to him. And I have talked to the pharmacist about it a bit. I'm just looking for personal experiences of those who have taken these medications.

I also haven't found them very helpful yet...not sure how long it takes for them to work but I'm still having pretty bad indigestion and running to the bathroom a lot...though it seems it takes a few minutes longer for the food to make it through my body than it was. I guess thats an improvement? LOL

Thanks in advance if anyone has any info for me.



porcelain26 -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/29/2008 4:25:42 PM)

Well, the carafate would cause the indigestion and diarrhea, and it will interupt absorption of Synthroid...and bentyl has an antihistamine in it, so that's probably what's making you so sleepy. Definately talk with your doc when you go in. Also, make sure he knows any other meds (including herbals) you're taking because those can cause interactions as well.



Sanguinarian -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/29/2008 4:27:41 PM)

Dont take the Carafate at the same time as your thyroid medicine, which I am sure your doc will tell you. Remember, they give you things like this, because the benefits outweigh the risks. It may take some time to get your dosage right so they will work without counteracting eachother.

As for the Bentyl, my brother-in-law takes that for IBS, and it takes a few weeks for the body to build up enough of the compound in the system to take effect.

Hope this helps!



dollparts85 -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/29/2008 4:29:49 PM)

I thought they were supposed to help my stomach, not make it worse? haha I may stop taking them after I talk to the doctor. Lets hope. Too many frickin pills.



dollparts85 -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/29/2008 4:31:50 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sanguinarian

Dont take the Carafate at the same time as your thyroid medicine, which I am sure your doc will tell you. Remember, they give you things like this, because the benefits outweigh the risks. It may take some time to get your dosage right so they will work without counteracting eachother.

As for the Bentyl, my brother-in-law takes that for IBS, and it takes a few weeks for the body to build up enough of the compound in the system to take effect.

Hope this helps!


Thank you. This is getting complicated. LOL I have to take my thyroid pill first thing in the morning on an empty stomach...and I'm supposed to take the Carafate on an empty stomach as well...twice a day...LOL I'm gonna ahve to figure out some way to do this...hmm...



SageFemmexx -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/29/2008 4:57:28 PM)

I only take my Bentyl occasionally. It usually does help my IBS and I only need to take a few doses of it before I am back to normal. It does however make me sleepy and dingy so beware.

Sage.



dollparts85 -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/29/2008 5:03:45 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SageFemmexx

I only take my Bentyl occasionally. It usually does help my IBS and I only need to take a few doses of it before I am back to normal. It does however make me sleepy and dingy so beware.

Sage.

Thank you. I don't even know for sure if I have IBS. haha I'm guessing thats what they think it is since that was prescribed...I didn't even talk to the doctor about it. The nurse just brought me in the scripts right before I was released and said to take them. >.< I don't even know what the Carafate is for...if they found an ulcer or not on the endoscopy? I guess I'll find out Wednesday. :)



dollparts85 -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/29/2008 7:09:19 PM)

Okay...I think I got my medication/eating schedual figured out. How does this sound?

8 am- Levothyroxine, Lisinopril, Buspar, Bentyl, Neurontin
10 am- Carafate
11 am- eat
4 pm- Neurontin and eat
8 pm- Eat and take: Bentyl, Cymbalta, Neurontin, Buspar (2), Ortho Tri Cylcen, Vesicare, Prevacid
10 pm- Carafate



Firebirdseeking -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/30/2008 10:37:11 AM)

May I ask, what are you taking Bentyl for?  I was rx'd it a long time ago for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and it made my heart rate go up and it felt like it didnt come down, which was quite unusual for me; this is because it is anti-cholinergic (slows down the peristalsis in the intestines).   The other med I am not familiar with.

If you have IBS, I can make several medication recommendations for you to take to your MD.  This ailment is extremely common in women, and as a health care professional (allied health) I have found it to be notoriously underdiagnosed, although it is a no brainer.   



dollparts85 -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/30/2008 10:47:00 AM)

I'm not sure but I'm guessing they think I have IBS...the doctor who did my colonoscopy and upper GI endoscopy prescribed it after my testing but didn't even talk to me...the nurse just gave it to me right before they released me. >.< I'll ask my GI doctor on Wednesday...the biopsies will be back then too. I'd love other suggestions though...



amativedame -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/30/2008 11:20:55 AM)

IBS tends to be diagnosed because there is no reasons to explain symptoms.  It would explain why you were given them at discharge... because it would mean they found no abnormalities during your tests leaving "IBS" to be the only other cause.  Its believed that IBS is caused by the serotonin made in the intesine.  Its why many people who suffer from ibs get relief from low levels of anti-depressants and also why flare ups seem to be correlated to anxiety and stress.

On the plus side, you know it can't be celiac now.

In theory, the issues with the Carafate should be fairly short lived.. since its only meant to help the healing of ulcers and is not a long term treatment drug.
http://www.drugs.com/pdr/carafate.html

Since I accidentally posted this before finishing...

The lightheaded feeling, sleepiness and sweating are all side effects of the Bentyl.
http://www.drugs.com/cdi/bentyl.html

Bentyl's whole purpose in its use is to ease IBS symptoms (especially cramping) so if you find that the side effects are not worth the help is causes then I would recommend you speak to your doctor about discontinuing its use.   There are several non-medication alternatives you can try, if you are hoping to avoid more medication.

Because you mentioned costs, and medicare before I am assuming your dotor may have prescribed these particular drugs for the cost.  A lot of the possibly "more effective" medications tend to be newer and more expensive and may or may not be covered by medicare.



Firebirdseeking -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/30/2008 11:28:29 AM)

No, no.  Many people with IBS cannot tolerate SSRI's because they deliver more seratonin to the intestines and cause irritation.  an SSNRI ( Mirtazipine, Effexor, Cymbalta) for an anti depressant may be better if you suffer from depression.

I have been very frustrated at how even GI docs dont deal with IBS.  and yes, it is diagnosed by process of elimination.  an older med called Librax is very helpful (it is an antianxiety and an antispasmodic); I have also found a quarter to a half of hycrocodone to be very helpful and shuts down my symptoms in record time.

Dollparts, please feel free to email me.  I have told probably hundreds of women that I think they have IBS, and what to do about it.  I will help in any way I can.



Lockit -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/30/2008 11:38:15 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: dollparts85

Thank you. This is getting complicated. LOL I have to take my thyroid pill first thing in the morning on an empty stomach...and I'm supposed to take the Carafate on an empty stomach as well...twice a day...LOL I'm gonna ahve to figure out some way to do this...hmm...
 
I have nothing to say about the medications you are asking about, but when you mention the empty stomach and meds bit... now there I have experience.  I used to have tons of meds I had to take and each of course had their instructions.  Empty tummy with this and that, once or a few times a day and on a full stomach with something else.  It can be maddening trying to figure out when you can do what and when you miss eating or eat something unplanned... whoa!

I found it easiest at times to set the alarm and wake up throughout the night to take meds that needed the empty stomach.  At least then I set a pattern so I didn't forget and I didn't have to be so regimented that I couldn't friggin be human and nibble or forget.

My heart goes out to you... I live this too... but you hang in there and good luck with all this and hope you feel better too!



Kalista07 -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/30/2008 11:41:56 AM)

i'm not trying to be a bitch here, however, i do think it's important for everyone responding to this thread to perhaps search this OP's previous threads.....An active eating disorder is likely to cause many tummy problems....
Kali



dollparts85 -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/30/2008 11:55:47 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: amativedame

IBS tends to be diagnosed because there is no reasons to explain symptoms.  It would explain why you were given them at discharge... because it would mean they found no abnormalities during your tests leaving "IBS" to be the only other cause.  Its believed that IBS is caused by the serotonin made in the intesine.  Its why many people who suffer from ibs get relief from low levels of anti-depressants and also why flare ups seem to be correlated to anxiety and stress.

On the plus side, you know it can't be celiac now.

In theory, the issues with the Carafate should be fairly short lived.. since its only meant to help the healing of ulcers and is not a long term treatment drug.
http://www.drugs.com/pdr/carafate.html

Since I accidentally posted this before finishing...

The lightheaded feeling, sleepiness and sweating are all side effects of the Bentyl.
http://www.drugs.com/cdi/bentyl.html

Bentyl's whole purpose in its use is to ease IBS symptoms (especially cramping) so if you find that the side effects are not worth the help is causes then I would recommend you speak to your doctor about discontinuing its use.   There are several non-medication alternatives you can try, if you are hoping to avoid more medication.

Because you mentioned costs, and medicare before I am assuming your dotor may have prescribed these particular drugs for the cost.  A lot of the possibly "more effective" medications tend to be newer and more expensive and may or may not be covered by medicare.


They took biopsies to check for celiac and something else.
They gave me 180 pills with 2 refills of the Carafate. >.<



dollparts85 -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/30/2008 11:57:30 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kalista07

i'm not trying to be a bitch here, however, i do think it's important for everyone responding to this thread to perhaps search this OP's previous threads.....An active eating disorder is likely to cause many tummy problems....
Kali


It's not "active" anymore...I'm doing really well...even with the holidays and all. The thoughts are still there but I'm doing my best to do well and be healthy.



dollparts85 -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/30/2008 12:00:07 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Firebirdseeking

No, no.  Many people with IBS cannot tolerate SSRI's because they deliver more seratonin to the intestines and cause irritation.  an SSNRI ( Mirtazipine, Effexor, Cymbalta) for an anti depressant may be better if you suffer from depression.

I have been very frustrated at how even GI docs dont deal with IBS.  and yes, it is diagnosed by process of elimination.  an older med called Librax is very helpful (it is an antianxiety and an antispasmodic); I have also found a quarter to a half of hycrocodone to be very helpful and shuts down my symptoms in record time.

Dollparts, please feel free to email me.  I have told probably hundreds of women that I think they have IBS, and what to do about it.  I will help in any way I can.

Thanks! I take Cymbalta. It's a good medication. [:)] I took Effexor before this but I had a lot of bad side effects from it. I will ask my doctor about the Librax. Is it addictive or anything? Like a benzo? B/c I don't want to become addicted to anything.



dollparts85 -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/30/2008 12:02:58 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lockit

quote:

ORIGINAL: dollparts85

Thank you. This is getting complicated. LOL I have to take my thyroid pill first thing in the morning on an empty stomach...and I'm supposed to take the Carafate on an empty stomach as well...twice a day...LOL I'm gonna ahve to figure out some way to do this...hmm...
 
I have nothing to say about the medications you are asking about, but when you mention the empty stomach and meds bit... now there I have experience.  I used to have tons of meds I had to take and each of course had their instructions.  Empty tummy with this and that, once or a few times a day and on a full stomach with something else.  It can be maddening trying to figure out when you can do what and when you miss eating or eat something unplanned... whoa!

I found it easiest at times to set the alarm and wake up throughout the night to take meds that needed the empty stomach.  At least then I set a pattern so I didn't forget and I didn't have to be so regimented that I couldn't friggin be human and nibble or forget.

My heart goes out to you... I live this too... but you hang in there and good luck with all this and hope you feel better too!

Thanks. It is very annoying...I'm doing the alarm thing for in the morning, right now I've been sleeping in late b/c I'm really tired from this new medication but I should get used to it soon, I hope. But I wake up with the alarm, take my medicine and go back to sleep. haha I feel lazy sleeping in though...I hate it.



amativedame -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (11/30/2008 9:50:40 PM)

quote]ORIGINAL: Firebirdseeking

No, no.  Many people with IBS cannot tolerate SSRI's because they deliver more seratonin to the intestines and cause irritation.  an SSNRI ( Mirtazipine, Effexor, Cymbalta) for an anti depressant may be better if you suffer from depression.

I have been very frustrated at how even GI docs dont deal with IBS.  and yes, it is diagnosed by process of elimination.  an older med called Librax is very helpful (it is an antianxiety and an antispasmodic); I have also found a quarter to a half of hycrocodone to be very helpful and shuts down my symptoms in record time.

Dollparts, please feel free to email me.  I have told probably hundreds of women that I think they have IBS, and what to do about it.  I will help in any way I can.
[/quote]

Really?

Last time I checked there were hundreds of real solid studies out there that showed otherwise...simple search in my library's online database (without even touching the medical journals) just pulled up 15 alone on the first page that show exactly that.

Does that mean it works for everyone? No.  Does it mean that it may work for some? Yes.  Does that mean its worth discussing with her doctor and not armchair diagnosing? Yes. 

There is a hell of a lot going on in her world on the other side of that computer screen we sure as hell don't know about.  The mind-body link in IBS is huge.  Beyond suggesting things that can be backed up by facts for her to bring up... none of us are in any position to tell her to do anything.  That's her doctors position, and her need to be pro-active in the conversation.




dollparts85 -> RE: Carafate and Bentyl? (12/1/2008 5:36:07 AM)

Personally, I haven't found SSRIs at all helpful...and I've tried most of them over the years. I think the only one I haven't tried is Celexa.



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