Pharmacist Q&A with Chelsey McIntyre

Medical TreatmentFAQ and Ask Crystal
Written By Crystal Saltrelli

While I would consider myself an "expert" in gastroparesis management, there are plenty of areas that are beyond my scope of practice. This includes specific questions about medication. Fortunately, my friend Chelsey McIntyre is a clinical pharmacist and the author of Gastroparesis: A Roadmap for Your Journey. Chelsey has gastroparesis herself and is passionate about improving quality of life and self-advocacy for those with chronic health conditions.  Over several sessions, Chelsey and I discussed many of the questions I’ve received about the medical management of gastroparesis.  

Part 1 Includes:

  • Does everyone who has gastroparesis have to be on a medication?

  • What kinds of drugs are typically used to treat gastroparesis?

  • Does domperidone work GP? Is it safe? And, why is it so hard to obtain in the U.S.?

  • Are drugs used to treat GP safe during pregnancy?

  • Are there medications that GP patients should not take because they can worsen symptoms?

  • Do all GPers need to take acid blocking medication?

  • Can acid blocking medications cause heartburn?

  • What anti-nausea meds are best for those with GP?

  • Are there any nausea medications that do not cause constipation?

  • Are the anti-nausea medications commonly prescribed for GP safe during pregnancy?

  • Are there reactions between various anti-nausea meds? Can I take more than one at a time?

  • Is it safe to take over-the-counter nausea meds with prescription medication?

Part 2 Includes:

  • What is the safest, gentlest way to treat constipation?

  • Is it safe to use stimulant laxatives regularly?

  • Can I take Milk of Magnesia everyday?

  • Are Fleet enemas a safe way to alleviate constipation?

  • Can I use over-the-counter laxatives during pregnancy?

  • Can I take an antidepressant for gastroparesis symptoms and an antidepressant for unhappiness?

  • Which anxiety medications are safe to take with gastroparesis?

  • Can Reglan cause or worsen anxiety?

  • Are there any pain drugs that don't slow down motility?

  • Is there anything over-the-counter that helps gastroparesis-related pain?

  • Are there OTC cold medications that won’t exacerbate gastroparesis symptoms?

  • Is it okay to crush pills or open capsules to enhance digestion/absorption?

  • Can you crush tablets/open capsules and put them through a J-tube?

In part 3, we tackled a wide variety of questions about reflux medication, antidepressants, herbal supplements, and more.

Crystal Saltrelli
Previous

Why did my gastroparesis improve?
Next

SIBO, FODMAPS, & GP