THE STOMACH AND IBS: GOING TO THE DOCTOR WITH ‘ACID STOMACH’ PROBLEMS – SIDE-EFFECTS
You might be given a simple antacid or a drug in the cimetidine group such as Tagamet. It cannot be denied that these drugs are effective – but it is unwise to stay on them for long periods.Side-effectsI first came across large numbers of people who were given these drugs for gastro-intestinal disturbances when they were withdrawing from drugs in the benzodiazepine group such as diazepam or lorazepam. They were also given to people who were having withdrawal symptoms from antidepressant drugs such as amytiiptyline or the MAOI inhibitors. Many were left on cimetidine on repeat prescription for long periods without review. Long after the tranquillizer or antidepressantwithdrawal was over many people reported feeling ill when they tried to stop cimetidine. A rebound over-production of gastric acid could be expected, but they also reported: irritability, insomnia, panic attacks and feeling generally very low. On the positive side, many users said that the bowel symptoms such as constipation and colic (many had suffered this for years) disappeared within two weeks of the discontinuation of the cimetidine or allied drug.Fungal infections of the skin and gastro-intestinal tract have also been reported with these drugs.Cimetidine (Tagamet – a weaker version of the prescription drug) is now on free-sale in the UK. If it helps, use only in the short term (and not before you have had a firm diagnosis from your doctor). If it make you feel anxious or irritable you would be well advised to look for a natural approach to the problem of overacidity, such as changing your diet and lifestyle. If the symptoms persist, see your doctor with a view to some investigations. If your doctor is unwilling to see if you are producing too much or too little hydrochloric acid, this test can be arranged by a doctor who practises Clinical Nutrition.*30\326\8*
