I was prescribed Zegerid/Sodium Bicorbonate 40/1100mg by my ENT three weeks ago (June 26, 09) for Acid Reflux, specifically cough at night and dry throat. I also have hypertension and take 20/25 mg of Lisinprol/HCTZ once daily. I was instructed to take this dosage twice daily(AM/PM) along with a single dosage of Zantac 300 before bedtime. Two weeks ago I started having slight dizzyness, especially in the morning, but was not conerned. BP was ok. I attributed the dizzyness to stress related to issues at work. Three days ago (Sunday July19) symptoms peaked. I have not changed the dosage at all since it was first prescribed.
Sunday: Three hours after a hearty lunch, it hit me bad. Dizzyness, slight headache, chest racing, legs weak and slight stomach pain... i thought i was going to pass out or having a heart attack. Took advil felt better after 2 hours. Slept ok. I thought it was just the overindulgence in food that caused this.
Monday: Did not take med's since i woke up bloated. Stool was loose but not diahrrea. had light lunch (soup). 1 hr after lunch, same symptoms only with an intense neck/back of head headache. Took advil again and this time headache did not go away entirely. My wife was reading side effects of Zegerid at the time. I called ENT said it could not be Zegerid, especially feeling side effects 2-3 weeks after starting the dosage, side effects ENT said would be felt immediately or 3 days after, not weeks after. Recommended go to ER or PCP and stop med imm. BP was 105/75.
Tues: Woke up bloated, soft-med stool, cramping. Slight dizzyness and headache started 2 hrs after i woke up. I thought of food poisoning. Went to PCP. Did EKG, BP at 110/80. Didn't think it was Zegerid much less stomach virus/ poisoning since no fever or vomiting. Said it may be dehydration (since my tongue was white). Told me stop all meds (except BP).
Wed: Woke up bloated, slight, slight cramping. Dizzynes and back of neck/head tender (from previous headaches). I had a soup and sandwich for lunch...and bloated going away. No urge to go restroom. Stomach feels a lot better, just ever so slight cramping esp after i eat. But stomach feels much better. Only problem is dizzyness/lightheaded still present, pain in back of head/neck feels like it wants to return from time to time today. I noticed some improvement once i stopped the Zegerid.
So can the Zegerid be causing all these side effects 3 weeks after initial dose? Is this way to much dosage for me (considering i have HBP)? What should I do if the dizzyness does not go away? I know the recommended dosage is once daily. BP today was 120/85. Sorry for the long scenario and thank you for your responses.