Lexapro induced stomach pain and PAD

[mflu]

I suffer from Panic Anxiety Disorder and last week I started Lexapro. After 3 days had to stop taking it due to stomach pain, nausea, and headaches. Over the following two days I took several Ibuprofen for the headaches. (I off and on take Ibuprofen and never have a problem with it at all).



Anyway, I started getting sharp pains in the upper part of my stomach (just to my left of the center breastbone). On the advice of my pharmacist I started taking Pepcid AC to control the stomach acid as I have had a sore throat and coarse voice the past two days. Well, after starting that yesterday I now still have some of the pain sensations (although much better) and I burp a lot and have a lot of gurgling in my gut. Stool is normal color and I still have an appetite & exercise.



Should I continue the Pepcid AC and Tums for a few more days or return to my doctor on an emergency basis?



Since I suffer from PAD I am of course scared that something is really wrong with me. In the past month I have had an echo stress test, 3 ECGs, and full chest X-ray plus full blood workup to rule out other causes for a couple of panic attacks I had in June.



Any insight you could provide would be great!! Thank you so much!!!!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Lexapro is normally well tolerated, but some GI side-effects can be caused by this medication.  If you are having epigastric pain, I would advise not taking Ibuprofen, since this medication can make it worse.



Possible causes would be GERD, inflammation of the upper GI tract, or an ulcer.  



Pepcid AC and Tums are fine.  If they aren't controlling the symptoms, you may want to consider a PPI (i.e. Prilosec, Protonix etc.).  I would also consider an upper GI series at this time to make sure an ulcer isn't present.  



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Kevin, M.D.

Medical Weblog:

kevinmd_b

[JBay]

I had the same problem starting out with lexapro and almost quit taking it.  Instead, I took only a half a pill for a few days and then upped it to the prescribed dosage.  No further GI problems.