I am wondering how many here have been on Cimetidine long-term. I have been taking it for three years and thought I would pass on my concerns. I am going to discontinue it and hope that it is ok to stop abruptly.
You may have read in the news some of the issues that have been associated with proton pump inhibitors (Cimetidine is not a PPI, but rather an H2 blocker). PPI's are being linked to increased risk of dementia, broken bones and nutritional deficits. Out of curiosity, I googled "H2 blockers" and found reports of studies linking them as well to an increased risk of dementia if used long-term. I also found references to studies linking them to sexual arousal dysfunction as I guess they interfere with androgen, and one study even reports prescribing them to treat hypersexuality in demented patients.
I had always considered Cimetidine a benign medication and saw no harm in taking it as extra insurance in preventing recurrence. I am no longer convinced that that it's worth the risks.
Jane