Side Effects from GERD MEDS

[grumpygirl]

Has anyone else experienced side effects from GERD meds? No matter which ones I use I get fatique and headache. Even the OTC Pepcid leaves me feeling more fatiqued. I was beginning to blame my Cpap therapy for the tiredness but started thinking about when it began and realized that maybe it was related to the Prilosec and/or the Pepcid OTC. I am wondering what I can do to minimize these effects since it is beginning to make me feel like I did before cpap. Some days I am so tired and have some mild dizziness that I just feel like giving up. My doc is no help he just says I have to have some GERD meds. I know that but I was hoping he or someone might have some suggestions as to how to minimize the effects. I also take Xanax before bed and wondered if these drugs together are making me more fatiqed during the day. Any suggestions?? I use the Xanax to help me fall asleep and have used them for over 5 yrs. I had to stop taking the PPI's because they gave me horrible headaches everyday. Thanks- GG

[ozij]

Maybe you can develop a tolerance for them if you start out with the minimal dose, and raise it gradually?

Also - are you aware that PPI's (Proton Pump Inhibitors) may effect your ability to metabolize vitamin B12 -and lack of B12 can cause fatigue? Have your B12 level tested - that's done in a blood test.
Have your doctor and you considered Zantac for the GERD? It works differently, (not one of the PPI family) and may be more tolerable for you. Its not the treatment choice for GERD, but that too may be better than nothing.

As for Xanax, its a Benzodiazepine. You can learn a lot about Benzo's at http://www.benzo.org.uk.


O.

[dsm]

For me a very interesting thread. Am on GERD meds & some months back doubled the dose (after a discussion with my doc ). Am experiencing fatigue & this theory re B12 sure makes sense.

I'll now drop the double dose& see if I notice a distinct difference. It would explain a lot to me if it turns out to be the contributor.

Thanks

DSM

[Julie]

May seem silly, but have you ever tried just taking a Tums (of whatever size) before sleeping?

[sorenose]

I was on prilosec for years bec I couldn't sleep without it. Finally weaned myself off it and take Nature's Bounty Aloe Vera. My husband's dr. said that's what he takes. It's not perfect but it helps a lot. I try to eat more alkaline foods like tea without sugar and fruits and vegs. If it gets real bad, I take a pepcid or a transene (sp?) to help me sleep. It helps also if I sleep on my stomach. Of course, I then wake up with a mashed nose.

[gailandartie]

I used to take Prilosec and Nexium and got terrible headaches from them. Now, I take Prevacid Solutabs and I am not getting headaches from it. It also works great for GERD.

Gail

[grumpygirl]

Sorenose- How much of the Aloe Vera Juice do you take? Before meals , after meals ?? I might give that a try since the GERD meds do not agree with me. Thanks- "Grumpy"

[socknitster]

May seem silly, but have you ever tried just taking a Tums (of whatever size) before sleeping?

Julie, Tums only neutralize acid for about 20 minutes. If you have serious GERD, you need more help than that.

jen