neurology

[mrsrobert]

can prolong use of aciphex cause tingling and numbness in hands and feet?

[Dr Sharma]

Dear Mrsrobert, welcome to the medhelp forum. Aciphex or rabeprazole is  proton pump inhibitor and tingling extremities can occur with prolonged use. You need to inform your doctor immediately if you have been taking this drug for a while and have suggestive signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency like sore tongue, excessive weakness, tingling and numbness in the extremities due to decreased gastrointestinal absorption. This would require an assessment of the vitamin serum levels and replenishing the same orally or parenterally. The drug may need to be stopped temporarily and an alternative given.
Hope this helps. You are welcome with any further clarifications. Take care.

[Londres70]

Long term use of PPIs CAN alter b12 levels, NOT WILL.  Your physician should be monitoring your b12 levels while you are takine AcipHex.  This medication COULD be altering a vitamin or nutrient level.  

Have you had any labs done recently?  

[Red_Star]

Yes. Long term use of PPIs like aciphex causes decreased absorption of vitamin B12 leading to a deficiency in this crucial vitamin.  Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Permanent nerve damage will occur if vitamin B12 deficiency has has gone without treatment for a sufficient time.

The baking soda test:

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, not baking powder) in an 8 ounce glass and drink it.

If sufficient quantities of acid are present in the stomach, bicarbonate of soda is converted into gas, producing significant bloating and belching within 5 or 10 minutes of drinking the mix.  Little or no belching is suspicious for low stomach acid.

Digestive enzyme supplements can be used for high or low acid production (low stomach acid is far more common) to help break down food and prevent acid reflux.  Betaine HCI with pepsin supplements help with stomach acid production. You can find both these supplements at health food stores.