Does any know if protonix can cause neck and shoulder blade pain?

[justme1119]

I have been posting in the addiction forum because I was taking pain med for knees and began taking too much, then decided to quit.  It's been a few months since I stopped the meds and I've experienced a lot of neck and shoulder pain.  I've been seeking treatment with massage and chiropractic care.  The pain is not subsiding at all.  The chiropractor said that I don't have an injury, but fascia...itis in neck and shoulder.  The only meds I'm on now are protonix for reflux, and clonodine for hot flashes, and wellbutrin.  If it was rebound pain from getting off pain meds, I would think it would subside a little every now and then.  Anyone know about this possibly being a side effect of taking protonix?

[Babs195755]

I have been on the generic for Protonix for about 2 weeks.  Decided to go off!  I have severe back pain, in the middle and my ribs hurt so bad it feels like I have been beat up!!!  Did not know about this side effect!  Of course, the doctors do not tell you anything about the side effects!  They just want you to take it.  I hope that these pains go away soon!  I took the last pill on Saturday and I will go back to Zantac 150 if need be! I am through with medication!!!  I take blood pressure and thyroid meds and I will live with the rest of all my stomach issues!!!
I also changed my diet and eating raw honey!  Hope this will help someone else
Babs

[Fentanes1]

This medication doesn't allow magnesium and calcium absorbtion! Calcium for twitching and irregular heart beats and magnesium for anxiousness.

[Tuckamore]

Jaybay, thanks for the added info, I found similar information.  What that article may not have said is PPI can also interfere with the absorption of B12. That's very important, especially for ppl that are already have absorption issues.

Justme... how wonderful that your pain is all but gone!!  I am so happy for you!! So happy!!

Additionally many PPI interfere with the absorption of B12. I am B12 deficient. I have Malabsorption Syndrome. We have been unable to keep my B12 levels even in mid-normal range hence the muscle twitching. The twitching was becoming so extreme that it was noticeable. Indeed an arm, leg or other part would kick uncontrollably. It was embarrassing and admittedly I was becoming frightened!

Again it's a bit too early to tell but (with PCP's direction) I repeated the B12 injections (3 nites) and my twitching is also decreasing. I take this monthly but levels have been dropping over the past year so periodically I was ordered to do 3 injections (in 3 days) to get my levels back up. It hasn't been working and the twitching (symptom of B12 deficiency) has been increasing. Now it's about 80% better.

The swelling and pain in my hands is gone!! ... Yes, gone!!  Swelling and pain of extremities is a side effect of PPI.

I think we are just beginning to see the long term effects of PPIs. I hope our Health Care Providers get up to speed soon.

Thanks Again.... we apparently solved some pain issues on our own. This is a perfect example of why we should stay abreast of our medications,their  side effects, interactions and so forth. This is also true for our diagnosis. We know our body better then anyone else and we're the first to know when something isn't right!  

Justme, my physicians never considered the PPI either!! I hate to think where we would be had we not figured this out!! We have some educating to do!

Thanks Again,
~Tuck

[Fentanes1]

This medication doesn't allow magnesium and calcium absorption. That's where your twitching is coming from!!! I take 1,200 calcium every other day and at least 1000 a day or more of magnesium! Look it up. I had twitching . Then it disappeared .

[justme1119]

My shoulder blade pain is completely gone.  My neck still hurts.  Things are popping, hips, shoulders, neck.   I was on the protonix since May, so I guess if it was the medication, it might take a while to get completely out of my system.  With you being on it for so long, maybe there is hope that you will still get even better.  

Jaybay, thanks for the information.  What you suggest is a good idea.  I am intimidated by doctors.  I would love to have one that I felt like I could have a discussion with.  My pediatrician for my children is that way, but he never would take me as a patient because he's always so full, plus I think we're too good of friends after 26 years.  

[Jaybay]

I read an article in the paper a few weeks ago that discussed a link between proton-pump inhibitor medications and bone pain.  It seems that long-term use of PPI's begins to interfere with calcium absorbtion which in turn inhibits bone regrowth and causes pain.  Some people who absolutely cannot stop taking PPI meds were helped by supplementing with calcium citrate plus vitamin D products.

I can't tell you how many times I've gone to an appointment with a printed study in hand to discuss with my doctor.  Most of the time the information is well received and we have an intelligent, productive conversation about it.  So many studies are published every day that I do understand there is no way our doctors can stay on top of them all, but it is frustrating to be a patient and have to do the research ourselves!

[Fentanes1]

Also doesn't allow magnesium abosrbtion!!! It's brutal

[Tuckamore]

How wonderful for you too!! What I can report after almost a week is that the swelling and pain I had in both my hands is 90% better. Yes  90% better!!! I thought my CTS had returned although no surgeon or physician could explain the swelling.

It doesn't seem to be responsible for any of the other pains I have but to be rid of one nagging condition is wonderful! It also doesn't seem to make much difference in my muscle twitching.... but it some issues may be a bit  and it just may be too early to be certain.

What I can't believe is that after being on Prilosec for 15-16 years it was not considered... even by me!!! I am usually on top of these things and often find answers before my own physicians do  I missed this completely! However after reading your post I did research on Protien Pump Inhibitors and thought, "Why not?"

I have changed to Ranitidine, probably better known as Zantac which is NOT a Protein Pump Inhibitor. It's not as effective but I'll take it over the side effects.

Together we sloved something that our medical providers were unable to solve. I can't thank you enough for making me think outside the box!!!  Again this is what makes MedHelp such a wonderful place to be.

I'll look forward to your updates! Truly!!
~Tuck

[justme1119]

Wow...that is great...for both of us.  I haven't even looked back at this post because I thought I wouldn't be receiving anymore posts.  My shoulder pain is now about 75% better.  I talked to the pharmacist today and she said that I may be on the right track.  I started to go the chiropractor at about the same time I got off of the protonix, so I was thinking I would never be sure unless I got back on the protonix.  I did not want to do that, because I suffered terribly for two months.  I'm also wondering if I should change to maybe nexium.  The pharmacist said that omaprazole is also a proton pump inhibitor, but it's not the same medicine, just in the same family.  When I finally get back to my doctor I will ask him.  I so hope that you continue to improve as well.  

[Fentanes1]

They all are the same. They all dont allow calcium and magnesium absorption. It's brutal. I take calcium 1,200 every 2 days or every other day. And at least 1000 mg or more of magnesium for anxiousness.

[Tuckamore]

Thanks for the update. I am delighted to hear that your pain has decreased.  Wonderful!!  I hope you'll continue to improve.

I want to share what your post did for me. When I was researching Protonix and was reminded of it's side effects (I'd forgotten) it hit home. For some months I have been having those symptoms and several others that are progressing. All lab work that may explain the symptoms have returned normal.  However I've taken Prilosec (Omeprazole) for many years.

Because of your post, last night I changed to short acting product for GERD. It's too early to be certain but it appears that my symptoms have greatly reduced. I hope I can say that they are 100% gone in a few days.

Thanks to your post I looked somewhere that physicians and I did not consider. So I want to thank you for helping...without even trying. :o) That's one of the things that makes MedHelp so wonderful. We learn from others.... even when we least expect it!  

I hope you'll let us know how you are doing.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[justme1119]

Hey, thanks, I switched myself from the protonix to an over the counter omnaprozale or something like that.  My shoulder and neck pain is 50% better, maybe more.  And my bowels are moving.  I'm pretty sure that was not the right med for me.  The pain meds probably masked the symptoms until I was off of them.  Just wanted to let you know.  I will talk to doctor when they get back.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Justme,

I have not heard of Protonix specifically causing neck pain. However anything is possible. Listed side effects include, muscle cramps, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

I agree that if you were experiencing rebound pain it should be long gone by now. You might want to talk to your PCP and discuss changing the medication to something similar.

Good Luck. I hope you find some answers.

~Tuck

[Fentanes1]

Are you taking calcium? Calcium deficiency can cause many things.  This medication doesn't allow absorption. Also take at least 1000 mg of magnesium a day if you feel anxious. This medication interferes with both these vitamins big time.