RLS and Gastric Issues: Hello to fellow... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

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RLS and Gastric Issues

Muftah36 profile image
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Hello to fellow RLS sufferers, I’ve struggled with RLS for years now and have sought the advice from this group from time to time and with appreciation. I now have a gastric issue , probably an ulcer but certainly gastritis at this point. I certainly don’t want to aggravate my RLS ... it’s always on the border, so I’m wondering what stomach medications work with RLS. From something as simple as the OTC , over the counter meds like Bismuth Salicylate to prescribed acid blockers .

I’m so afraid of upsetting these legs and I’m at a loss as to what medication will be safe for me. Thanks so much for any help members of this group can offer.

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Muftah36
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Hello, if you're experiencing gastric problems then I suggest you consult a doctor. Hopefully they will first carry out a test for H Pylori which is a common cause of gastritis or ulcers.

They will probably prescribe a proton pump inhibitor antacid or a H2 inhibitor antacid both of which can make RLS worse.

An over the counter antacid which only neutralises acid may help, but if you do have a H Pylori infection you will need antibiotics.

Muftah36 profile image
Muftah36 in reply to

Thanks Manerva. I am familiar with the H Pylori and the antibiotics required to treat it. I have not had the test done yet and being in the middle of a COVID lockdown , I fear I may have to wait a while. In the meantime I wondered if the over the counter remedies would adversely affect my RLS. I figure my doctor will prescribe a proton pump which I don’t know if I’ll use because there is not much I’d take if it is likely to jeopardize the RLS. I couldn’t find anything on the internet so I’ll discuss it my gastric options with him when I get the opportunity. Thankyou for your response .

DicCarlson profile image
DicCarlson

There is a connection to gastric issues with RLS. There is a connection with gut health and brain health. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) has been associated with incidence of RLS. Here's a start...

sciencedirect.com/science/a....

Here is a pod cast (I haven't listened to it, but I'm familiar with the authors)...

thesibodoctor.com/2017/08/3...

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