Acid Reflux and RLS

[Busunsc713]

Can someone summarize the current thoughts regarding the use of proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc) versus H2 receptor antagonists (famotidine , ranitidine, etc ) for patients diagnosed with RLS and/ or PLMD?

[SueJohnson]

They both inhibit the absorption of iron. RLS-UK says most proton pump Inhibitors worsen RLS and several people on the forum have said it made their RLS worse. I would suggest gaviscon advance instead.

Take antacids 4 hours before or 2 hours after taking iron, Don't take antacids within 2 hours of taking gabapentin, antihistamines, some antibiotics, beta blockers or steroids

[ChrisColumbus]

While famotidine, cimetidine, nizatidine and ranitidine have all been reported to make RLS worse in many, as of course have PPIs such as omeprazole, esomeprazole and lansoprazole, this is not absolutely universal. Some report that they use one or another without affecting their RLS.

The US form of Gaviscon is a simple antacid which is often reported as an inadequate substitute for a PPI etc. As Sue advises the UK formulation of Gaviscon Advance, an alginate rather than just an antacid, available from e.g. Amazon US, is more effective.

However, if Gaviscon Advance doesn't do the trick one might need to experiment with one of the others.

But of course ideally none of these medications should be taken regularly long term: ongoing severe heartburn and acid reflux needs proper investigation.

[SueJohnson]

If you are in the US, you can get Gaviscon Advance on Amazon where it is imported from the UK.

This is why it is a good idea to put the country you live in on your profile as things can differ between country.

[Jumpey]

I have used them all with no adverse effects on my RLS. Long term inhiibition of iron absorption could be a problem.I use Gaviscon Advance now.Read Dr.Louise Kaufman's book Acid Reflux Diet. An alkaline diet may be the answer.It was for me.

[Typicallygaslit]

Gaviscon contains aspartame which can trigger more acid reflux, stomach pain and you guessed it, RLS. The list of inactive ingredients is usually well hidden and not very pleasant. I use Rennie.

[DicCarlson]

You would think there is an epidemic of acid reflux in the world by the wall of PPI and other stomach acid medications in most drug stores! Really, a better solution is to INCREASE (I know it sounds crazy) stomach acid with supplements or a dose of apple cider vinegar prior to eating. More here...

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

[bookish in reply to DicCarlson]

No it doesn't sound crazy and it constantly surprises me that so many people don't know this. I use lemon and lime juices with protein meals and apple cider vinegar salad dressing. Parietal cells work less efficiently with age, affecting stomach acid and intrinsic factor, leaving us unable to easily absorb iron and vit B12, never mind the other autoimmunes triggering anti-parietal cell antobodies. I couldn't absorb much of anything, lost over a third of my body weight, a lot of my hair and nails splitting and barely growing - supplements and extra acid plus a gluten free diet (for me) sorted that, along with my RLS, plus B12 injections. PPIs increase risk of B12 deficiency and testing is so poor and inaccurate that it is not always found (and just getting B12 into the blood does not mean it is able to do its job, so oral may not be enough and will skew test results.) Best wishes