anxiety and lansaprozole

hi everyone I,ve been reading an article that says there’s a possible link between taking lansaprozole and suffering with anxiety I,ve been taking it now for 4 years . I know I can’t stop taking it after my oesphagectomy but just would like to know if anyone knows if there is a connection. I find when I have doctors or hospital appointments my anxiety goes through the roof even just having to make an appointment takes ages because my stomach churns so much.

[toneman]

I am that way 5 years after my surgery. I take alprazolam to help me sleep, so i understand. I have not heard of any side effects of proton pump inhibitors other than bone loss, and b_12 deficiency . Perhaps an anxiety med would help, but i think its more from the whole abrupt change of our lives, and the feeling of that loss of control over it, than it is the ppi's, good luck!

[Hidden in reply to toneman]

Thanks for your reply I do wonder if what we,ve been through is why we have anxiety issues even now nearly 4years later when I think back to diagnosis treatment etc and the op and the hospital it makes me feel an horrible sadness is this ever going to go ?

[Cavalier3]

Hi Molly, I’m the same. I feel like I can’t take a breath sometimes and I know it’s not physical because if I’m busy I don’t get it. If I’ve got nothing to occupy my mind it starts. I cant take a deep breath, my insides churn and I feel so agitated. Im convinced the cancer has come back and the enormity of what I’ve been through hits me like a steam train. Im just coming up to 18months post IL. Physically im doing great. I get awful bloating and huge scars across my front and back are still very visible. I hope that time makes things easier I just remind myself every day I’ve been so lucky I was 50 when it was found by chance. My story could have been a very different one. You’re not alone Molly xxxxx

[focused1]

I feel with me the anxiety was my medical condition. I was advised to only use lansoprozole as temp medication as it could lead to secondary complications as can a lot of meds . At an outpatient appointment I met a man who had developed stomach ulcers and discussions / research had convinced him it was due to this drug so could chat to your prescriber about alternatives even if it meant coming back to this ? Anxiety was awful for me before I had my hiatus hernia op which dragged on and on - medics were reluctant to perform surgery-my limited , planned regime around eating ruled my life. My unpredictable digestive system so I was cautious about going out to unknown places and sleep was hectic . No wonder anxiety creeps in , then as this medical condition didn’t improve I started over thinking every outing , stayed in except for work which I started to hate so my whole life was miserable-this explains my anxiety. It is substantiated. Chat to your GP and tell them honestly how you feel . I refused anything to “improve “ my mental health as there were valid reasons I felt like this . I wanted action via surgery or some procedure which would help me live a more normal life . Jan 2018 I got my surgery and I am a different person . No medication , lost 18 kg and changed jobs . At 62 I am better all round than at 52 but what a fight I had to be understood . You are important and not a number .

[jay2908]

Hi Molly,

Anxiety around medical appointments is very common and quite natural. I’m 14 years post op and no longer having annual check ups. My anxiety has now gone, but I bet it would return should I need to see a doctor about my operation or related symptoms.

Best Wishes,

Jay

[KfromUK]

Hi MollyI can relate to what you say. I think my anxiety comes from what we’ve been through?

I also get nervous at hospital appointment time but I think that’s because I worry they may say it’s come back and that’s a niggle we all have to cope with.

I’m not sure if the Lansoprasole is connected but I have no reflux issues through taking it so I’m content to keep using.

Best wishes

K

[Hidden in reply to KfromUK]

Hi yes I agree the anxiety is probably caused by what we.ve been through. I try to keep busy and not dwell on things but sometimes it's just overwhelming. I.ve made an appointment with the doctor for this week (it's took me a week to be able to even pick up the phone to make the appointment) regarding the lansaprozole I was told after my op I must continue to take it . I thought everyone who's had the op had to take it please let me know if that's not the case .

[Cavalier3 in reply to Hidden]

Yes I was told I would be on Omeprazole forever too.. The earlier poster that stopped taking it hasn’t has the same surgery as us.

[Hidden in reply to Cavalier3]

Yes I realized that. Thanks

[KfromUK]

Hi.. yes I was advised that too. It’s 4 years for me in October ☺️Stay strong Molly, don’t be hard on yourself and enjoy life!!

Take care x

[Mark4]

Molly being anxious is to be expected in the circumstances you will I am sure feel more relaxed over time .After oesophagectomy I was on ranitidine for a short time and then I stopped and now just very occasionally take omeprazole. I treat the acid issue by propping up at night and taking gaviscon when needed . I was told to take it every night as it lines the throat and protects it from any reflux but I probably use it 3/4 x a week…

So you could try gently moving treatment ( and maybe changing the drug to omeprazole) to see how it goes just a thought and good luck .

[Forensic6]

Forgive me if what I write is well known to you. The PPI,,Drug you take stops the stomach making acid. This stops the body from absorbing vitamin b12 from food (the acid frees the b12 from the food). You then become deficient in this vitamin. There are serious concequences including nerve damage and psychological damage e.g. mood changes.) We now know that blood tests cannot cofirm this deficiency which can occur with the blood tests for B12 apppearing normal - see advice from NICE. The only test is to see if you improve when you get this vitamin suppplemnt over months. ( The vitamin is taken either by injection or as a pill. It will be absorbed as it is not attached to any food and so Acid is not needed.)

I guess that your anxiety is related to your worry as already suggested but the b12 problem should be considered as well, it is so easily put right.

[Hidden in reply to Forensic6]

Thanks I will mention this when I see the doctor

[walking-in-wales]

Three years post oesophogastrectomy & have been on lansoprazole off & on. I weaned myself off for a few months owing to fatigue to see if it made a difference, but not sure it did. Now manage on 7.5mg s day (half a 15mg tablet). Numerous side-effects listed on data sheet, with fatigue & depression amongst the commonest; as well as B12 & magnesium issues with longer term use. I think anxiety is quite understandable when approaching follow-up appointments after all the treatment. In addition, the surgery means that the branch of the vagal nerve that services the gut has been cut & there is increasing evidence that feedback from this nerve to the brain can reduce stress & anxiety. If you've also had Covid additional anxiety is not uncommon.

I don't think there is a simple answer, but try to keep positive & perhaps try some activity that you find relaxing before your appointments. Good luck.

[Deeedals]

Oesophagectomy June 2021. My surgeon put me on Lansoprazole and also 10 mg Amitriptyline which I think was probably to alleviate anxiety symptoms . I’m still taking both and other than the perpetual fear at the back of my mind that the cancer will return , I feel absolutely fine.

[Hidden in reply to Deeedals]

Hi I,ve been to the doctors and they’re now doing some blood tests. So now more anxiety waiting for the results 😂