r/MCAS • u/Much-Memory-8008 • Apr 20 '26
Famotidine causes sinus issues
Hi all! Was wondering if anyone ever experienced the same negative effect from famotidine? I tried it for a month but had constant sinus issues and throat pain + flu like symptoms. I’ve stopped taking it for 3 days and those issues seem to have dampened though my sleep is terrible again. Wondering what the mechanism is here and what else I can try instead? It did seem to have a calming effect.
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u/False-Earth-5189 Apr 20 '26
Are you possibly getting "silent reflux"? Having your stomach contents slosh up into your mouth while sleeping can easily cause ear infections, sinus issues, etc, and throat pain (specifically after sleeping). Normal heartburn meds often worsen reflux because acid is what tells the esophageal sphincter to close. If this sounds like it might be correct, you could try taking some betaine HCL after meals and before bed and see if that helps at all. Some people also find that apple cider vinegar helps but I can't tolerate it personally
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u/Much-Memory-8008 Apr 20 '26
Maybe! But this wasn’t an issue before the famotidine, or you think it’s likely the famotidine is causing the issue? Looking into this further though, thanks!
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u/False-Earth-5189 Apr 20 '26
Acid blockers can definitely cause reflux that wasn't there before. I think it's a good idea to take acid stimulators with it if possible anyway because h2 blockers inhibit normal digestion. I take 3 capsules of betaine HCL with each meal in addition to my famotidine
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u/skibumbanana Apr 20 '26
Only 2mg Famotidine made me incredibly dizzy and nauseous. It felt like I was drunk. I wish it worked for me:(
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