Could Severe Heartburn, Bloating And Indigestion When On Levothyroxine And Excedrin Be Peptic Ulcer Symptoms?

Posted on Sat, 4 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 4 Jan 2014 Answered on

Tue, 21 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 51-year-old female with Hx of Graves Disease and migraines, currently taking Levothyroxine and Excedrin intermittently... During the past 5 days, I have been experiencing severe heartburn, bloating, indigestion after eating meals and pain in the solar plex region.... Could this be a peptic ulcer from 15 years of NSAID use (3 times a week) or hiatal hernia or maybe just some sort of gastroenteritis? What is the best course of action based on symptoms? Thank you for your time... YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Probably Aspirin induced gastritis! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for trusting us with your health query. I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms. Fro the information you have provided, this is suggestive of an acute gastritis episode. Given the fact that you have been taking Excedrin which contains aspirin that is well known for inducing gastritis, this could be the cause. The best cause of action now would be to suspend the Excedrin. I will also recommend that you start taking omeprazole/lansoprazole 20mg daily to control these symptoms. This would at least offer some relief and gain you time to meet and talk with you physician. If these measures should not prove helpful, please consider going to the hospital for a proper physical exam and some investigation studies to understand the exact problem. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and please feel free to ask for clarifications if need be. Dr. Ditah, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (8 minutes later)

Thank for responding so quickly, Dr Ditah; I will take action as advised above! One last question: What would you suggest that I take in place of Excedrin to resolve my migraines, which occur at least twice a week and are relieved instantly with this medication? Your input would be greatly appreciated!

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer: I will suggest you try tylenol ultra relief Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for following up with me. I will suggest that you take Tylenol ultra relief. It is similar to Excedrin but without the aspirin which I suspect could be a likely cause of your symptoms. I will suggest you take at most 6tablets in a day(average 1 every 4hours if needed). I hope this helps. I wish you well. Dr. Ditah, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 minutes later)

Thank you for time, Dr Ditah, and for all that you do for us in our times of need! May 2014 be an exceedingly blessed and rewarding one for you!

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Thank you, too! Detailed Answer: Thank you so much for your kind words. I am greatly humbled by this opportunity to respond to your health query today. I also wish you a successful 2014. Feel free to direct future queries directly to me if need be. Dr. Ditah, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar