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Restless Legs Syndrome

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Omeprazole alternative

Rosiecatblue profile image
32 Replies

I have been suffering with moderate to severe Rls for approx 2yrs, I also have me/ cfs. I have noticed that Omeprazole that my gp prescribed to take along side naproxen really seems to aggravate the rls and make it much worse.I stopped taking naproxen a while ago as that seemed to make me feel unwell, but get a lot of heartburn so I was wondering if anyone knows an alternative to Omeprazole that won’t have this make the rls worse? Would be very grateful for some advice please 🙏.

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32 Replies
Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1

I get a form of naproxen called Vimovo. It has 500 mg of naproxen and 200 mg of some sort of prazole. It seems to not affect the legs and I get about 20 hours of relief from it.

I do take 100 to 200 mg of magnesium citrate to preclude constipation. And drink loads .

Hope that helps.

Rosiecatblue profile image
Rosiecatblue in reply toMadlegs1

Thank you I will ask gp if I can try it 🙏

marsha2306 profile image
marsha2306 in reply toMadlegs1

Vimovo is a wonder drug for pain. I took it years ago, before I went on Medicare (which does not cover it). I don't know how much it costs now but it was $1,000 per prescription when I was on it.

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply tomarsha2306

It is expensive, but nothing like that here in Ireland.

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson

Gaviscon Advance. It is OTC. You can get it on Amazon if your pharmacy doesn't have it. However don't just stop the Omeprazole. You need to wean off it.

Take it 30 minutes after eating and 4 hours before or 2 hours after taking iron. Don't take it within 2 hours of taking gabapentin or antihistamines.

Rosiecatblue profile image
Rosiecatblue in reply toSueJohnson

Thank you Sue , this is really helpful .

EndlessRLS99 profile image
EndlessRLS99 in reply toSueJohnson

That's a lot to keep track of when you're already on 8 different meds. Is there anything easier?

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson in reply toEndlessRLS99

Unfortunately no. That would apply to any antacid.

The Lansoprazole recommended by Redders01 is also likely to make RLS worse.

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson in reply toEndlessRLS99

You are likely on other medicines that can make RLS worse. I assume you are off prozac and Citalopram which can make RLS worse.

If you tell what medicines you are on I may be able to give you a safe alternative.

By the way I have pulsatile tinnitus too - no fun!

Rosiecatblue profile image
Rosiecatblue in reply toSueJohnson

Hi Sue

Thank you for your email, I also take Amitriptyline 10mg to help me sleep and also for recurrent migraines, Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, betahistine 8mg (3 x day)for tinnitus and vertigo , duloxetine 40 mg to help sleep and for pain , co codamol when needed and zopiclone for occasional use when all else fails for sleep!

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson in reply toRosiecatblue

Duloxetine is a bad one for RLS. My RLS is under control with gabapentin and I can take many of the medicines that make RLS worse and they never bother me but when I was prescribed duloxetine my RLS went through the roof. I'm not sure of a good substitute but I am sure there are some. Just beware of ant SSRIs, SNRIs or TCAs all of which make RLS worse.

Unfortunately Amitriptyline makes RLS worse for many. For migraines amerge (naratriptan) appears safe.

As always discuss these with your doctor.

Time your medicines so that you take your thyroid medicine at least 4 hours away from any medicines that contain aluminum, calcium, iron or magnesium even in a multivitamin.

Some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, foods high in glutamate, ice cream, eating late at night, oestrogen (estrogen) including HRT, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), collagen supplements, eating late at night, stress and vigorous exercise.

Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, fennell, low oxalate diet, a low-inflammatory 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 (epsom salts), vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, vibration devices like therapulse, using a standing desk, playing and listening to music, creative hobbies, meditation and yoga.

marsha2306 profile image
marsha2306 in reply toSueJohnson

Gaviscon is amazing!

Bloodhound669 profile image
Bloodhound669 in reply toSueJohnson

Will not antihistamines aggravate RLS? Also I am of the understanding that Gabapentin is a GABA antagonist that requires you to take Taurine to help with this.

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson in reply toBloodhound669

Only sedating antihistamines make RLS worse.

You don't need to take taurine with gabapentin. Gabapentin is not a GABA antagonist.

Bloodhound669 profile image
Bloodhound669 in reply toSueJohnson

sciencedirect.com/topics/ne....

Pharmacotherapy for amphetamine dependence: A systematic review

Nicole K. Lee, ... Jacqui Cameron, in

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

, 2018 3.2.11 Gabapentin

Gabapentin is a GABA agonist and anticonvulsant that increases GABA concentrations in the central nervous system, possibly via inhibition of GABA-transaminase (Cai et al., 2012).

While more commonly trialed in combination with flumazenil, as described above, one double-blind RCT (Heinzerling et al., 2006) examined gabapentin as an individual medication in a study using three-treatment groups. The trial found no effect for gabapentin in reducing methamphetamine use, craving or retention when compared to both baclofen and placebo, and reported lower rates of treatment retention (35% gabapentin group completion, 40% placebo and 60% completion for baclofen group).

Also: What is the difference between a sedating anti-histamine and other anti-histamines?

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson in reply toBloodhound669

GABA agonist is not GABA antagonist. You are confusing the two. sciencedirect.com/topics/ne...

Older antihistamines were sedating and they make RLS worse. The newer ones aren't or at least nowhere near as sedating as the older ones. Newer ones include claritin, allegra and zyrtec and the prescription one clarinex.

Bloodhound669 profile image
Bloodhound669 in reply toSueJohnson

Thank you for the always up-to-date information. I can't tell you how appreciative I am . My main problem is that I have too much time on my hands and am a sucker for everything on the internet. Way too many contradiction's and misinformation. That's sad when it comes to ones health. Even the info about GABA being an antagonist is confusing and contradictory. I'll stick with what you say anytime .

Redders01 profile image
Redders01

Lansoprazole

Jumpey profile image
Jumpey

I take gaviscon advance. Eating an alkaline diet also helps.I found Dr.Jamie Kaufman's book Acid Reflux Diet helpful.

Rosiecatblue profile image
Rosiecatblue in reply toJumpey

Thank you for your reply I will take a look at the book.

Bowie4eva profile image
Bowie4eva

Hi Rosie, I am just today beginning something called Famotidine instead of the Omeprazole I’ve been taking for years to see if that makes any difference. Not sure if it’ll help or hinder, but worth a try! I’ll let you know how I get on.

Rosiecatblue profile image
Rosiecatblue in reply toBowie4eva

Yes please do, fingers crossed it helps!

PoorRichard profile image
PoorRichard in reply toBowie4eva

I had RLS trouble with famotidine. I switched to Gaviscon Advanced. Note there are several Gaviscon versions. Use only the Advance - it's an entirely different formula.

Bowie4eva profile image
Bowie4eva in reply toPoorRichard

Thank you Poor Richard, Sue, etc, all helpful as ever, I will ask my Gp about Gaviscon Advance. Rosie, I Famotidine yesterday and RLS not quite as horrendous as usual, but I don’t want it to interfere with iron absorption.

I learn more from this site than anything/anyone else!

Rosiecatblue profile image
Rosiecatblue in reply toBowie4eva

Yes I agree the information that has been shared on this site is invaluable! Thank you to all of you.

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson in reply toBowie4eva

It will interfere with the absorption of iron.

DicCarlson profile image
DicCarlson

The biggest disconnect to controlling GERD and heart burn is natural choices vs. conventional medicine and PPI medications. I had GERD so bad my teeth hurt from the stomach acid! Mostly it is a LACK of stomach acid causing the problem. GERD and related conditions can also be a symptom of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Sure, you can go get tested etc. But, I just assumed I had it and used an herbal protocol to control it (siboinfo below) and now every time I eat I take HCL w/Pepsin and digestive enzymes. Alternative is a small amount of Apple Cider Vinegar in water (1 tsp in 8oz.) just prior to meals. BTW - SIBO has been implicated in poor absorption of minerals including iron with a direct connection to RLS.

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

siboinfo.com/herbal-antibio...

Rosiecatblue profile image
Rosiecatblue in reply toDicCarlson

Thank you , very interesting.

amrob123 profile image
amrob123

I got my GERD under control with diet. PPIs ease the symptoms but can make the condition worse. My GP suggested PPIs (or Famotidine) for short term use (eg a week) if having a flare but not as an ongoing tool.

Gaviscon Advance is helpful, especially at night. Ideally take it two hours away from medications so it doesn't effect their absorption.

There are also loads of supplements for GERD such as slippery elm, aloe vera juice, DGL etc. Many people find these helpful.

Rosiecatblue profile image
Rosiecatblue in reply toamrob123

Thank you 🤩

Alc71 profile image
Alc71

My rheumatologist changed me from Naproxen to Etoricoxib, it seems to work much better on my restless legs and no need for anything to protect your stomach. I felt better within 24hrs, restless legs not totally gone but actually getting some sleep these days.

violetta254 profile image
violetta254

I use DGL and rarely have any digestive flare ups and it doesn’t seem to affect my legs.

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