omeprazol and RLS: I have acid reflux... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

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omeprazol and RLS

Lyndabutt profile image
45 Replies

I have acid reflux and can’t take omeprazole or Lanzoprazol because they make my RLS worse.

Does anyone know of any other medication that doesn’t affect RLS. I am fine with Gaciscon.

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Lyndabutt profile image
Lyndabutt
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45 Replies
SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson

Yes there are others but why don't you just take Gaviscon?

Lyndabutt profile image
Lyndabutt in reply to SueJohnson

Thank you for replying Sue ,Gaviscon is great but it just takes the edge off.

Jumpey profile image
Jumpey in reply to SueJohnson

I have noticed you suggesting gaviscon many times for people with reflux.And I know your intentions are good.However, I don't think you understand how severe and indeed dangerous reflux can be. It has caused permanent lung damage and disease for me for example. Gaviscon doesn't touch it.

Cobobay profile image
Cobobay in reply to Jumpey

I have severe reflux to the point i wake-up not breathing due to choking and end up bringing up blood, I have changed my diet slightly and don't eat certain foods after 7pm especially, this is helping and also I have lost weight which is making a difference too.

Jumpey profile image
Jumpey in reply to Cobobay

I hope you continue to improve. If not surgery could be an option. Good luck.

Nanpat profile image
Nanpat in reply to Jumpey

I also had trouble with many small ulcers forming so must take Somac.

To be honest I haven’t noticed it makes my rls worse, though may for some.

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson in reply to Jumpey

Point taken. Thank you. I will certainly keep that in mind. And I am sorry you have it so severe.

ChrisColumbus profile image
ChrisColumbus

Are you aware that you shouldn't take Gaviscon - or indeed any antacid - within 2 hours of taking a beta blocker (if you're still taking) or an iron supplement (if taking)

Weezie99 profile image
Weezie99 in reply to ChrisColumbus

Why?

ChrisColumbus profile image
ChrisColumbus in reply to Weezie99

I don't know where you are as you haven't fully completed your profile, but this is NHS advice:

"7. Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines must not be taken at the same time as Gaviscon. This is because the medicines can affect how the other medicine works.

Do not take Gaviscon within 2 hours before or after taking:

antihistamines

some antibiotics (quinolones and tetracyclines)

iron tablets

medicines to treat fungal infections

beta blockers (for heart problems)

penicillamine (for rheumatoid arthritis)

steroids (for inflammatory and autoimmune disorders)

antipsychotic medicines (for mental health problems like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia)

chloroquine (for malaria)

estramustine (for prostate cancer)

bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid (to treat and prevent bone problems such as osteoporosis)

levothyroxine

Taking Gaviscon with painkillers

It's safe to take paracetamol at the same time as Gaviscon. But do not take other painkillers, like ibuprofen or aspirin, with Gaviscon without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. These can make your symptoms worse."

Lyndabutt profile image
Lyndabutt in reply to ChrisColumbus

Thank you for your advice

ChrisColumbus profile image
ChrisColumbus

Looking back, as Elffindoe advised it looks as though you augmented on both ropinirole and rotigotine. Did you manage to come off the dopamine agonists, and if so what are you taking for RLS now?

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to ChrisColumbus

Ghost of Manerva!😍

ChrisColumbus profile image
ChrisColumbus in reply to Madlegs1

Indeed, he researched and knew a lot in both guises. However he could also be too dogmatic and patronising at times, which is why I'm also among the Hidden

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to ChrisColumbus

Intriguing!🤔

Lyndabutt profile image
Lyndabutt in reply to ChrisColumbus

Thank you for your reply.I didn’t succeed in coming off Ropinirol but I am managing on 1.5 mg.

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson in reply to Lyndabutt

Do you want to come of ropinirole? If so I can give you some advice.

Lyndabutt profile image
Lyndabutt in reply to SueJohnson

yes Sue I do plan to try again to come off it.I have an appointment with my GP next week.

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson in reply to Lyndabutt

To come off ropinirole, reduce by .25 mg every 2 weeks or so. You will have increased symptoms. You may need to reduce more slowly or with a smaller amount. Wait until the increased symptoms from each reduction has settled before going to the next one. If that is still too much to reduce, you can get an inexpensive jewelry scale that measures down to .01 gram from Amazon ($11 in the US) and shave off a bit of the tablet and measure it. Then reduce by that amount every 2 weeks. You will suffer and may need a low dose opioid temporarily to help out with the symptoms especially as you near the end. But in the long run, you will be glad you came off it. Dopamine agonists like ropinirole are no longer the first line treatment for RLS. Gabapentin or pregabalin is. The beginning dose is usually 300 mg gabapentin (75 mg pregabalin). Start it 3 weeks before you are off ropinirole although it won't be fully effective until you are off it for several weeks. After that increase it by 100 mg (25 mg pregabalin) every couple of days until you find the dose that works for you. Take it 1-2 hours before bedtime. If you need more than 600 mg take the extra 4 hours before bedtime as it is not as well absorbed above 600 mg. If you need more than 1200 mg, take the extra 6 hours before bedtime. (You don't need to split the doses with pregabalin) Most of the side effects of gabapentin or pregabalin will disappear after a few weeks and the few that don't will usually lessen. Those that remain are usually worth it for the elimination of the RLS symptoms. If you take magnesium take it at least 3 hours before or after taking gabapentin (it is OK with pregabalin) as it will interfere with the absorption of gabapentin and if you take calcium don't take it within 2 hours for the same reason (not sure about pregabalin). According to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS: "Most RLS patients require 1200 to 1800 mg of gabapentin (200 to 300 mg pregabalin) daily." Check out the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS which will tell you everything you want to know including about its treatment and refer your doctor to it if needed as many doctors do not know much about RLS or are not uptodate on it as yours obviously isn't or s/he would never have prescribed a dopamine agonist at Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson in reply to Lyndabutt

Have you had your ferritin checked? Improving your ferritin to 100 or more helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their symptoms.If not ask your doctor for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements 48 hours before the test and fast after midnight. Have your test in the morning. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) numbers. If your ferritin is less than 100 or your transferrin saturation is less than 20 ask for an iron infusion to quickly bring it up as this will help your withdrawal from ropinirole.

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson in reply to Lyndabutt

Meanwhile some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, estrogen, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, stress and vigorous exercise. Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga.

Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any and you list them here, I can tell you if any make RLS symptoms worse and if so may be able to give you a safe substitute.

Lyndabutt profile image
Lyndabutt in reply to SueJohnson

really appreciate your advice and will certainly take it on board.

Thank you for your time relying to me.

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson

So are you taking it within 2 hours of a beta blocker?

Lyndabutt profile image
Lyndabutt in reply to SueJohnson

I take a beta blocker in the morning but I usually take Gaviscon after lunch.so that should be fine.

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson in reply to Lyndabutt

There are different forms of Gaviscon. Are you taking the extra strength ones. Other possibilities include Rennie recommended by one person and the old standbys Tums, Alka-Seltzer and Rolaids. There is also Maalox and Mylanta.

Lyndabutt profile image
Lyndabutt in reply to SueJohnson

hi I didn’t know there different strengths of Gaviscon.I will get some of the high strength ones.Thank you for your advice

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson in reply to Lyndabutt

Beta blockers can make RLS worse. For high blood pressure propranolol (Inderal, Hemangeol,InnoPran) seems safe and there is Isosorbide Mononitrate (Monoket, Imdur) which is not a beta blocker nor calcium channel blocker. And then there are the ace inhibitors such as Zestril (Lisinopril, Qbrelis, Prinivil) and Perindopril (Coversyl). Other possibilities are: Clonidine (Catapres) an Alpha-2-Agonist used to treat high blood pressure which may help RLS, which also treats insomnia and ADHD (not a stimulant) and may help RLS, tenex (Guanfacine, Intuniv) treats ADHD and high blood pressure, prazosin (Minipress) - alpha-adrenergic blocker that treats high blood pressure; useful in managing sleep-related problems caused by PTSD and Tadalafil a vasodilator that treats high blood pressure and in one study completely eliminated RLS. Discuss these with your doctor.

Jumpey profile image
Jumpey

You could try an H2blocker such as cimetidine or ranitidine. Or you could request surgery. I have been offered surgery for severe acid reflux. There are two procedures, Linx and nissen fundlopication. Huge good luck.

Lyndabutt profile image
Lyndabutt in reply to Jumpey

thank you for your reply.

Cobobay profile image
Cobobay

Hello I was the same and now take gaviscon which is fine, doesn't work as well, but I have learned to stop eating certain fatty food, so that is also helping with my reflux. I actually wake-up choking unable to breath during the night so my reflux is really bad if I don't do anything.

Jelbea profile image
Jelbea

Hi Linda - You have had very many replies to your post. I have a different suggestion. I have been having difficulty swallowing and have had all the tests which have ruled out anything nasty. I have been told I have reflux. I have a relative (in Scotland) who suffered this quite badly and was on PPIs. He did not like all the side effects and his GP suggested using a device called IQORO which is Swedish made. You should read up about this. It is supplied by the NHS in Scotland but unfortunately not in Northern Ireland where I live. However, I purchased one and think it is beginning to help my problem. My relation in Scotland is now off PPIs and sleeps in a more upright position and is delighted with his improvement.

I am all for non-medicinal treatments if at all possible. When I was at hospital last to be tested for swallowing I spoke to the staff and they knew about the IQORO but said it was not granted here. They were very interested that I was using it and told me to continue. The device helps strengthen the muscles down the throat and oesophagus in order to combat reflux.

All good wishes

Lyndabutt profile image
Lyndabutt in reply to Jelbea

Thank you for your reply.I will check it out.I am pleased that you have found something that’s helps you.

DicCarlson profile image
DicCarlson

Reflux, GERD, acid indigestion all produce vastly different treatment modalities - regular medicine vs natural treatments. Looking in any drug store you would swear there is a HUGE acid problem evidenced by a wall of different PPI and acid blocker medicines. Read some natural "cures" - really just diet changes for COMPLETE relief!

draxe.com/health/gerd-sympt...

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

Lyndabutt profile image
Lyndabutt in reply to DicCarlson

Thank you for replying

Dizzydisturbed profile image
Dizzydisturbed in reply to DicCarlson

Unless you have a hernia...

Dizzydisturbed profile image
Dizzydisturbed

Wow sorry to hear this. I'm on Omeprazole, hiatus hernia, so absolutely have to take it... I never thought of it exacerbating RLS, interesting. Sorry not much help... Can't think of anything else. Talk to your doctor about this, for sure

Amrob profile image
Amrob in reply to Dizzydisturbed

I am taking omeprazole currently and have not found it increases RLS.

Dizzydisturbed profile image
Dizzydisturbed in reply to Amrob

No me neither - there're other meds I'm taking that affect RLS but not Omeprazole...

Rph5 profile image
Rph5

have you tried protonix ? ((pantoprazole)

Lyndabutt profile image
Lyndabutt in reply to Rph5

thank you for replying.I will check on that.

Typicallygaslit profile image
Typicallygaslit

I’m really only here to say that Gaviscon is not an innocent product, it contains aspartame which is made from phenylalanine, and this in turn is the precursor for dopamine. This could cause problems for some people with RLS and other metabolic issues. There is currently no version of Gaviscon without sweetener. While you’re saying it isn’t a problem for you now, you should keep an eye on whether the sweeteners are possibly making the indigestion worse. If I took Gaviscon, I’d get more of the problems I was trying to treat with Gaviscon. For me, life style and some Rennie are the only ways of managing these types of issues. I’ve tried Famotidine but it made the pain worse, and probably also the RLS to some extent.

Lyndabutt profile image
Lyndabutt in reply to Typicallygaslit

thank you for the advice

coldfeet7 profile image
coldfeet7

You can look into a wedge to sleep at an incline (Medcline) or elevate the head of your bed with blocks. Also, as mentioned, don't eat within 4 hours of bed time (be religious about following this). Avoid spicy foods and high fats for the last meal of the day. (I had to stop tomato sauce, spicy foods, etc. to calm it down.)

Also, drink a tall glass (at least 12+ ounces) of high pH water first thing in the morning. If it is 8.8 or higher pH, that will quickly neutralize any pepsin that might have been deposited in the throat if there was some GERD. Pepsin is the major 'culprit' for damage to throat tissue, but it needs acid to activate it. So avoid coffee, etc. until you neutralize the pepsin.

Chiby-azul profile image
Chiby-azul

I also can’t take any of those medication bad side effects and beside changing my diet no eating anything that could give that starting with tomatoes and there is a list of food you should avoid and also try to elevated your head up when you are in the bed is a little inclination but that help to acidity no go up and it will help you sleep better I learned this like 30 years ago and a dr told about a natural supplement that help with the reflux it calls DLG and together with probiotics and food enzymes my life change for the better I still have the gastritis mostly because of constant stress that doesn’t help either so I also started learning just like a year ago about breathing and mindfulness meditation I do it few minutes and is helping me sometimes taking things more calm and easy is better medication and most of those depends on you to do it not a pill specially when they’re not working or you body doesn’t tolerate it. Is another point of view because I went already yours and it didn’t work

Lyndabutt profile image
Lyndabutt in reply to Chiby-azul

Thank you for your advice.

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