I have just started taking Gabapentin for my RLS and I’m suffering really bad acid reflux, to the point that it is difficult to eat or drink anything. Is this likely to be a side effect of Gabapentin (as it isn’t listed as a common side effect)?
Gabapentin & acid reflux: I have just... - Restless Legs Syn...
Gabapentin & acid reflux
Written by
Silveryogi
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
19 Replies
•
Just enter gabapentin and acid reflux into search engine and there are numerous people reporting it as a side effect. Also report it via Yellow Card report in UK or FDA adverse side effects in US because unless we report these side effects, they are not listed on the meds leaflet.Be wary about taking PPI gastric pills to counter the acid reflux as they worsen RLS for the majority.
Try taking a good probiotic like VSL or Symprove and try Gaviscon or magnesium based antacids, taking them 2 to 3 hours before the gabapentin as magnesium can affect gabapentin absorption.
thank you!
Antacids can interfere with the absorption of iron and magnesium needs to be taken 3 hours before gabapentin as it interferes with the absorption of the gabapentin. And magnesium needs to be taken 2 hours apart from iron.
Magnesium based antacids will reduce the absorption of gabapentin so better not to take them.
Hi Jools, I had to report back on something to you. I think probiotics do help with reflux/heartburn though as usual I doubted you. I’ve been taking Kimchi for months (4?) now and about a month ago noticed a dramatic drop in reflux/heartburn which I was completely certain was due to a moderate sized hiatal hernia, yet I now truly believe the gut microbiome is also somehow involved, but it may take 3 months to see any improvement. Zinc worked well, after the fact, but in no way ever prevented reflux.
The kimchi has done nothing for the RLS sadly, which is seemingly worse since I had Covid this past October - to the point I’ve been taking double and even triple the amount of iron. However, while I was taking berberine for about a month, the RLS seemed vastly improved, almost from day one, but the stuff really (really) slows down motility, so I stopped about three or four weeks ago and I never quite took it everyday anyways. Last night was the straw that broke…so I’m back on the berberine…at half the dose. And yes, I was even taking a stool softener and fiber to no avail. If I have to I will go in for the stronger stuff - Miralax. I want to get in a solid 3 months of berberine.
Sounds like you continue to do well which pleases me to no end. Xx
Same here but it seems to come and go.
I have also just started taking it and have noticed indigestion issues. I take lanzaprozole anyway so will need to look at suggested alternatives .
yes I already take Lanzaprozole too. I think I need to speak to my doctor if it persists; there’s no point in taking a drug if it solves one issue but causes another
If you take iron be aware that lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor and can interfere with the absorption of iron.
If you take iron be aware that lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor and can interfere with the absorption of iron.
I know but I'm goi.g to see how it's goes as if the gabapentin solving the RSL I will try a different solution for reflux I think
the problem is that mine is so severe, that I’m struggling to eat and drink at the moment. This is like nothing I have experienced before - actual pain in my throat, cough etc. I’ll give it a few more days to see if it settles down, then I’ll have to go back if necessary
silveryogi I had to eliminate most foods to get results i eventually went carnivore for a few months which healed my gut then discovered gaba glutamate. recommend trying no starchy foods, then dairy bless you i know how hard and isolating this can be good luck finding YOUR solution
thank you!
Apple cider vinegar (1tsp-1tbsp) in warm water before meals helps tremendously. I add 1 tsp lemon juice to make it more palatable, some don't.
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
Acid Reflux RLS
high makes no difference on my RLS. For example, Benadryl effects RLS but it has nothing to do...
Gabapentin - occasional use?
was previously taking Gabapentin (900mg), but decided to stop due to the side-effects.
Last night,...
Gabapentin
Does gabapentin cause augmention ?
I am about to start and I am worried about side effects and...
Acid reflux/GERD/hiatal hernia
all. I suffer from restless legs and arms when I don’t have the iron and magnesium but I also take...
Problematic side effects from Gabapentin?
(lowest dose). I’m dreading the day of augmentation but am wondering what are side effects that...
Related Posts
Returning to Gabapentin
Gabapentin for Sleep?
Can I switch from 200 mg Lyrica to 1200 mg gabapentin…
Gabapentin neurontin Moderation team
KaarinaAdministrator
It can be a side effect. Most antacids make RLS worse. A safe one to take is Gaviscon. Most side effects disappear after about a month.
thank you!
I too am having acid reflux after starting gabapentin for my RLS. The gabapentin (800mg tablet in the evening before bed) has really helped my RLS but the acid reflux started after about 6 weeks on the gabapentin. I will try Gaviscon and would like to know when you suggest taking it and at what dose. Also I like to stop eating after 3 pm (I’ve been restricting eating to an eight hour window 7am-3pm for a couple of years). Is it ok to take gabapentin on an empty stomach or could that be exacerbating the acid reflux? Thank you!
Ask your doctor on the dose and timing of gaviscon. You can take gabapentin on an empty stomach. Most people do. I doubt that taking it on an empty stomach would be exacerbating your acid reflux. If you are taking 800 mg all at one time though, you should divide the dose since it isn't well absorbed above 600 mg. Take 600 mg 1 to 2 hours before bedtime and 200 mg 2 hours before that. You may find you only need 700 mg as a result.