Treating reflux with RLS

[ChickenTwisty]

Following more than 10 years of RLS augmentation I'm now on 10mcg buprenorphine patches with 800mg gabbies. Following worsening symptoms and the incompetent suggestion by my GP to try sifrol again I researched and it seems there is emerging evidence that proton pump inhibitors (I've recently started on pantoprazole) for treating reflux can cause (and I presume worsen) RLS. This is thought to be due to reducing iorn absorption (which is a known RLS risk factor). Apparently antacids may do same but there is less evidence. Aside from lifestyle changes is anyone who has experienced RLS augmentation aware of other options or had experience with H2 Receptor Antagonists (for treating severe reflux)?

[SueJohnson]

I would suggest gaviscon advance. It is safe for RLS. Take antacids Take it 30 minutes after eating, 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.

[ChickenTwisty in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks for reading, I was looking for something other than antacids as chat gpt tells me there is some evidence that they aren't good for RLS.

[SueJohnson in reply to ChickenTwisty]

Most aren't. But gaviscon advance is OK.

[ChrisColumbus]

Both PPIs and Histamine H2-receptor antagonists are known to exacerbate RLS in some/many. You may be OK, or it may depend on how often you have to use it:       amrob123 writes from Australia that they have "used esomeprazole, a PPI, on several occasions (i don't take it ongoing, just for a week or two at a time) and haven't noticed that it worsens RLS". Esomeprazole is available on prescription in Australia including under various brand names; it is also available from pharmacies in Australia as Gaviscon Guardium.

Simple antacids are rarely found to be adequate to control severe reflux., and can also interfere with other medications.

Alginates however are more effective than antacids and are generally OK for RLS: Gaviscon Dual Action is available in Australia in liquid, sachet and tablet forms. Gaviscon Advance, another alginate product, is often considered to be more effective than Dual Action but it is not listed by Gaviscon Australia: you may be able to obtain from an alternative source e.g. Amazon or eBay .au or another trusted source.

Alternatively, probiotics can be effective with reflux: Symprove for example is available in Oz.

[ChickenTwisty]

Thanks ChrisColubus who pointed out Gaviscon is a Alginates and not a antacid. so on further research it seems my best bet is either that or better CPAP compliance.

[DicCarlson]

Try some "counter intuitive" solutions like INCREASING stomach acid. I use HCL w/Pepsin 250mg with every meal. You can also just use apple cider vinegar (1 tsp in a glass of water). For relief of a bad Reflux episode just use baking soda in water. Gut issues, specifically Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) has been linked to RLS, and SIBO is a leading cause of GERD and other issues.

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

verywellhealth.com/gerd-and...

siboinfo.com/

draxe.com/health/gerd-diet/

[Tildabri in reply to DicCarlson]

I concur re the apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. It sounds counterintuitive, but it can work (does work for me).

[glorious-granny]

For some folks, taking sips of kombucha,( which is loaded with probiotics) in the mornings also helps. I am trying that and it really helps some days, and other days does not and actually aggravates my GERD. I had been on PPIs with good relief...but for about 10 years and my iron is really low and the PPIs aggravated my RLS. I am so glad to have stopped them. Great to learn about gaviscon advanced and I just ordered that. I cannot take Tums because calcium supplements, besides not being very effective or long acting, cause a build up of calcium which is not good for the cardiac system. I already, at the age of 74, have some mild arteriosclerosis, or calcium build up in the arteries, so I avoid all supplements with calcium. I switched to H2 receptor antagonists, but as mentioned, they can be just as bad as PPIs and I have found them to not be effective at the suggested dosage and I had been taking too many of them. So appreciative of all the help I receive from this group!

[ChickenTwisty in reply to glorious-granny]

Cheers, thay makes 3 recommendations for apple cider. After one night off the PPI was pleasantly surprised how quickly they seem to be out of my system, a much better sleep and hopefully better again tonight.

[lanie136]

I've had RLS for 75+ years going from occasional to all night long and last 5 years been on PPI because of reflux. Couldn't take a generic PPI because I had swallowing problems so take a very expensive brand. Decided the cost is too high and while I've tried stopping before and couldn't, this time I'm on day 5 with no PPI. The difference is my diet. Stopped all salt and since most all foods have sugar, I make sure it's 2 grams or less so basically stopped sugar too. Lowered fats dramatically. Still have to take an occasional antacid. I started eating this way for last month before I tried to come off PPI. I'd rather change eating than take another med