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Does Constant Use Of Aciphex Cause Weakness?
Question: I've been on an an antacid or proton pump inhibitor for last 30 years, Zantac, tagament, and the last 10 years on Aciphex (20mg daily). 3 years ago I was diagnosed with a slight hiatal hernia, to small to repair. I'm 47 years old, and have in full time Army for the past 25 years. The past 5 years I fell tired all the time, lack motivation to do anything, procratinate quite a bit etc. I've done physical fitness training / exercise for the the past 25 years and have always excelled there. The past year my motivation to exercise has come to a halt, and I feel weak all the time. I don't feel like exercising and have had plantar fascitus since 2008 and it won't seem to heal. I've been tested for Low testoserone, and my T level is on the bottom band of the normal range. Could my constant use of Aciphex be causing this? If the answer is yes, how do I get off of it? I've tried a few times weaning, going evry other day, and the acid rebound is horrible. Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms might be due to Aciphex.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir!
I read carefully your problem and understand your concern.
First of all it is known that Aciphex (Rabeprazole) and other PPI drugs can cause general tiredness and weakness as side effects.
So it is possible that your symptoms are due to Aciphex taking but there are other common conditions that cause tiredness,weakness.
If I were your treating doctor i would first rule out these conditions before attributing these symptoms to Aciphex and I would advise to run some tests:
-Complete blood work to exclude anemia as a possible cause (low red blood cells and low hemoglobin).This is more likely considering the fact that long-term use of commonly prescribed heartburn medications is linked to a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.This can cause anemia and neurological symptoms.
-Thyroid function tests that include FT3,FT4,TSH.
Hypothyroidism can cause excessive tiredness and weakness.
If these tests result normal than we can think that the most probably cause of your symptoms is Aciphex use.
In this case you should consult your treating doctor to discuss another options to treat acid reflux.The problem is that most PPI drugs have general tiredness,weakness as possible side effects.
Since you have been on treatment for so long I would suggest to discuss with your doctor the possibility of surgical treatment for acid reflux because patients who do not respond well to lifestyle changes or medications or those who continually require medications to control their symptoms, will have to live with their condition or may undergo a surgical procedure. Surgery is very effective in treating GERD.
It is called Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (commonly referred to as Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication) involves reinforcing the “valve” between the esophagus and the stomach .
I suggest to consult a gastroenterologist doctor,get the tests done and discuss with him this option.I am sure he will advise the best option for you.
Hope my answer has helped.
Let me know if you have any further question.
Regards.
Dr.Rovena Murati
Your symptoms might be due to Aciphex.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir!
I read carefully your problem and understand your concern.
First of all it is known that Aciphex (Rabeprazole) and other PPI drugs can cause general tiredness and weakness as side effects.
So it is possible that your symptoms are due to Aciphex taking but there are other common conditions that cause tiredness,weakness.
If I were your treating doctor i would first rule out these conditions before attributing these symptoms to Aciphex and I would advise to run some tests:
-Complete blood work to exclude anemia as a possible cause (low red blood cells and low hemoglobin).This is more likely considering the fact that long-term use of commonly prescribed heartburn medications is linked to a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.This can cause anemia and neurological symptoms.
-Thyroid function tests that include FT3,FT4,TSH.
Hypothyroidism can cause excessive tiredness and weakness.
If these tests result normal than we can think that the most probably cause of your symptoms is Aciphex use.
In this case you should consult your treating doctor to discuss another options to treat acid reflux.The problem is that most PPI drugs have general tiredness,weakness as possible side effects.
Since you have been on treatment for so long I would suggest to discuss with your doctor the possibility of surgical treatment for acid reflux because patients who do not respond well to lifestyle changes or medications or those who continually require medications to control their symptoms, will have to live with their condition or may undergo a surgical procedure. Surgery is very effective in treating GERD.
It is called Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (commonly referred to as Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication) involves reinforcing the “valve” between the esophagus and the stomach .
I suggest to consult a gastroenterologist doctor,get the tests done and discuss with him this option.I am sure he will advise the best option for you.
Hope my answer has helped.
Let me know if you have any further question.
Regards.
Dr.Rovena Murati
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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