PPI side effects

[aweiker]

I take Aciphex, one 20 mg pill once a day.  It mostly works for my GERD - without it it is unbearable.  The problem I have is the terrible side effects.  They are all gastrointestinal.  I am miserable all the time.  I feel like my food takes FOREVER to digest and move through my system!  I feel like when I eat the food just "sits" there for such a long time.  I feel constipated, but can "go" most days, though not completely.  I have gained about 8 pounds, and most days I look like I'm pregnant!  I was just wondering if anyone knows of anything I can do/take to help aid digestion, to help my food digest and move as it should through my system!  I feel backed up most days, like there is a big glob of food just sitting there.  This then causes the acid I do have in my stomach to come up.  I also had this with Nexium!  Thanks.

[selmaS]

See if u can get an RX for a different type of meds....besides PPI's there r H2 inhibators.

There r OTC meds as well like pepcid...but a GI dr will see u get the right dosage and brand.

Finding another GI dr would be ur best bet, but in the meantime ur PCP should be able to help u with this.

"selma"

[aweiker]

It's definitely a side effect.  As soon as I quit taking the PPI, I feel normal.  Before I figured out what was causing this, I went to my dr and they tested my gall bladder.  The test came back that my gall bladder wasn't working properly, so they took it out, which I'm sure was not neccessary, as I've read that Nexium can cause that.  So, here I am, feeling the same, and nothing helps.  I've tried Miralax - at least for a couple of days, and it may help a little, but this is a daily problem!!  My GI specialist retired.  I tried someone else, he was terrible.  I was just hoping someone had an idea of something I could try!  Thanks for your help :)

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the GERD forum.

I wonder if u r having IBS issues leaning toward the C side......U should see ur GI dr and explain the issues ur having....he may suggest something like Miralax.....but do see the dr to see exactly what is going on and if it is infact a side effect of the meds.

"selma"