Cymbalta and PPI Interaction Concerns
Greetings everyone, I am a 29-year-old male, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds. Recently, after experiencing what seems to be Gastritis, I found myself in the emergency room and was prescribed Pantoprazole and hyoscyamine. I'm currently awaiting an appointment with a gastroenterologist to get a definitive diagnosis. For the past four years, I have been taking 30 mg of Cymbalta consistently without experiencing any side effects. However, just this morning, after taking my Cymbalta along with the PPI and hyoscyamine, I encountered nearly every adverse reaction associated with the medication, including dizziness, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, overstimulation, and drowsiness. It’s worth noting that hyoscyamine may also contribute to some of these symptoms, as I've felt unusually anxious and mentally disoriented on a few occasions after taking it. I’ve read that proton pump inhibitors can impact how well other medications are absorbed. Would adjusting the timing of my Cymbalta intake potentially alleviate these side effects? I truly wish to avoid this experience again, so I would appreciate any recommendations for alternative treatments for gastritis that I could bring up with my physician. Here’s a complete list of my medications: - Duloxetine 30mg, once daily - Pantoprazole 20mg, once daily - Hyoscyamine 0.125mg, as needed
Answers (1)
2/14/2026, 5:40:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with multiple medication interactions and some uncomfortable side effects. Your main concerns revolve around the interaction between Cymbalta (duloxetine), Pantoprazole (PPI), and hyoscyamine, particularly in relation to their absorption and your symptoms of anxiety and dizziness.
Explanation
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Pantoprazole can affect the absorption of certain medications, and in some cases, may alter the overall effectiveness of drugs like Cymbalta. Hyoscyamine can also produce side effects that overlap with those of Cymbalta, potentially leading to an exacerbation of your symptoms, such as anxiety and dizziness.
It's important to consider the timing of your medications. Taking them at different times may help improve absorption and reduce interactions. Additionally, managing gastritis usually involves dietary choices and alternative treatments that may be discussed with your doctor.
Next Steps
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Adjust Medication Timing: Talk to your healthcare provider about spacing out the timing of your Cymbalta and Pantoprazole. For example, consider taking Cymbalta at a different time than your PPI to minimize interactions. Do not make changes without consulting your provider first.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of your symptoms, medication timings, and any changes you notice after adjusting. This can help identify patterns and inform discussions with your gastroenterologist.
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Discuss Lifestyle Changes: When you meet with your gastroenterologist, consider discussing dietary changes that can help with gastritis. Common recommendations include avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine, and eating smaller, more frequent meals.
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Explore Alternative Treatments: Ask your gastroenterologist about other treatments for gastritis, such as antacids, dietary supplements (like probiotics), or lifestyle approaches, which may complement your current medications.
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Monitor for Severe Symptoms: If you experience severe side effects or if your symptoms worsen, keep your doctor informed so they can adjust your treatment plan as needed.
By following these steps and discussing your concerns with your healthcare team, you can actively participate in finding a solution that works best for you. Remember, you're not alone in this—many people experience medication side effects, and adjustments can often be made.
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