Cimetidine is a medication used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (condition where your stomach acids travel back up your food tube) and esophagitis (inflammation of your food tube). According to Drugs.com, cimetidine blocks a chemical in your stomach called histamine and this prevents your stomach from secreting acid. Tell your doctor about your medical history and current prescription medications to prevent any serious side effects with the medication.
Psychiatric Side Effects
According to RxList.com, cimetidine can cause confusion, agitation and anxiousness. It may also cause feelings of sadness and isolation as well as disorientation. In some cases, cimetidine can lead to hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't present). Call your doctor if you develop these side effects, as she may adjust the dosage or stop this medication altogether.
Effects on Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor whether you are breastfeeding, because cimetidine can pass into breast milk and harm your baby, states Drugs.com. It is unclear whether cimetidine can harm your unborn baby but you and your doctor should discuss whether discontinuing the drug is a better option during pregnancy.
Physical Side Effects
According to RxList.com, cimetidine can lead to dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if cimetidine decreases your alertness and reaction time. Cimetidine can also cause gynecomastia (male breast development) and decrease your white blood count (cells responsible for fighting infection). It may also lead to kidney disease, muscle pains and arthritis. Cimetidine can affect your heart rate and cause bradycardia (slow heartbeat), tachycardia (fast heartbeat) or A-V block (blockage in your heart's electrical conductivity system). In some cases, cimetidine may cause serious skin reactions such as Steven-Johnson's syndrome or erythema multiforme.
Overdose
In the event of an overdose, go to your local emergency room. Drugs.com states that overdose symptoms include vomiting, restlessness and tremors. You may also experience difficulty breathing and tachycardia.
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