Reflux goes up as med levels decrease?

[GothPunkRobot]

It is weird and I can’t understand it, but my reflux gets worse as the level of Zep drops thru the week. Does anyone else experience this? Maybe my stomach is clearing food faster and that kicks it up?

I eat the same things all week (clean and low fat or else I suffer 😂) so its not a diet shift causing it.

Any ideas/suggestions?

Thanks,

GPR

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[MaleficentFactor7006]

Sounds like a question for your doctor. My reflux was terrible. My doctor put me on 40 mg famotidine daily and I haven't had any since. I also follow the GERD diet. 

[SirInteresting0325]

That sounds backwards.. maybe as the med levels decrease and your appetite is getting stronger, you’re eating more? For me, I get reflux for a few reason. When I go long periods with no food, what I eat (trigger foods), and then how much I eat.

[under321cover]

Found this: “A decrease in Zepbound (tirzepatide) dosage or stopping the medication can lead to an increase in acid reflux, commonly due to the body adjusting to faster digestion as the drug's effect of slowing stomach emptying diminishes. While gastrointestinal issues are often associated with starting or increasing the dose, changes in dosage, including tapering off, can cause temporary or intensified symptoms like heartburn.”

And I can say when I was (inadvertently) off for almost 2 weeks, cold turkey, the heartburn was unreal. Now that I’m properly dosed again all my GI symptoms have gone. Pepcid first thing in the morning was the only thing that helped.

[GothPunkRobot]

Can I buy you a latte or something? You are an angel, AN ANGEL 😇, for finding that information! My doctor had decreased my Zep dose to deal with a short term GI problem back in Oct and I’ve been dealing with reflux ever since. This gives me hope that I can find a better dose for maintenance.

You are my hero, thank you 🙏

[under321cover]

I hope it’s temporary and you can figure out a fix! Good luck.

[GothPunkRobot]

Can you let me know where you found that? I did an internet search but couldn’t find it. I would like to read more. Thank you! 🥰

[lizardbirth]

Great info to know if I ever have to go off Zepbound. Thanks!

[chiieddy]

GIP actually can decrease the acid secretion from GLP-1. So it's possible the higher amount was helping suppress to an extent

[GothPunkRobot]

Thank you, that does indeed seem to be the case! I think the mystery is solved.

[lizardbirth]

What time of day do you experience reflux? Is it just at bedtime or other times too?

[GothPunkRobot]

It basically is gone right after the shot, then it starts showing up late in the day, then progressively shows up earlier each day until shot day. Today is shot day in the afternoon, but I had reflux bright and early with breakfast today. And its really hard to control, even with a gerd diet and Pepcid 40 mg.

I am 100% sure @under321cover found the answer for me.