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Protonix, muscle pain, finger twitching etc...

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Posted 3/22/2015 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hello All,

Just wondering if anyone has muscle pain/soreness/tightness (numbness/tingling/twitching) in their arms, hands and/or legs since they've taken Protonix or other PPI's? I've been on Protonix for about 9 months and my diet has totally changed over the course of that time. I've seen two neurologists (had several tests to rule out neurological disorders) plus my PC, GI and ENT. It seems as if things are pointing to nutritional deficiencies and possibly dehydration. I eat mashed potatoes, scrambles eggs, boost, ensure, smoothies, ice cream etc because of the strong globus sensation and what still feels like mild dysphagia but is probably just mucus. (All of my other LPR symptoms have resolved) A barium swallow 8 months ago and a modified barium swallow about 4 months showed no issues whatsoever so I was just wondering if anyone was experiencing anything similar.

Thanks all,

Steve
Posted 3/22/2015 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
I get muscle spasms, ortho hypotension, heart palps, random pulsating headaches, and a dull earache
Posted 3/22/2015 8:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Steve,
Am I right in thinking Protonix is another name for Pantoprazole? I had to come off it because of terrible night cramps and leg pains. I would sit in the evening and feel my legs start to twitch and ache, would lie down to ease the ache, then end up waking in the middle of the night with cramp so bad in my calf muscles I could hardly move- and ended up in tears! Also totally killed my sense of taste too. I think you need to talk to a doctor about changing for something else.
Posted 3/22/2015 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Pantoprazole for about a year and also had a few episodes of night cramps. I woke suddenly in the middle of the night with the most intense cramping in my calf, I used my other leg to jump out of the bed and screamed! It honestly felt like my calf muscle was going to snap, never felt anything like it in my life. I also had horrendous restless leg for a long time but this was eventually attributed to the Metoclopramide (Reglan).

I came off Pantoprazole because of the nasty side effects, mostly being brainfog and feeling fatigued all the time, a common trend with all the PPI's I have ever taken but this one was particularly nasty.
Posted 3/25/2015 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ToPH31, Sweetie UK and JB_The_Great,

Thank you all for writing back. Sweetie yes you are right. Pantoprazole is another name for Protonix. I am definitely taking all of your advice. I just sent a message to my ENT through MYCHART (online health record) to see about weaning off of the Protonix and changing it to Zantac or some other possible less harmful pharmaceutical. My arms are literally on fire most of the time. My fingers twitch as I type. We all know that the internet can be a scary place. So scary in fact that my wife has banned me from WebMD and Mayo Clinic. :) Hopefully good days ahead.

Steve
Posted 3/25/2015 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
Steve,

PPIs are bad all around and cause many side effects. I have taken them for a long time before I had Nissen and the only one that did not cause any side effects was Aciphex. From looking at your diet, you may be low on magnesium so it would probably be good to supplement with that. Magnesium with calcium and d3 is really good and cheap - I use the Solgar brand. I had the same muscle twitches and pains, especially in my legs and arms - went to neurologist, had tons of tests done. Went to see physical therapist and chiropractor but got no help. Eventually I did my own research and found that low magnesium levels will cause those symptoms - I started taking it and after about a month, all those symptoms were gone. Also, ensure and boost as well as ice cream are probably three of the worst things you can eat for your condition - they are loaded with sugar and sugar causes gas and stomach irritation. If you like protein shakes, buy the ones high in protein and low in carbs and low or no sugar, there are plenty of choices - EAS are good ones, Optimum nutrition Whey Protein is also good, etc.

As far as getting off Protonix, look up Gastrex and Zypan - those two are excellent supplements for acid reflux issue and they are natural and without side effects. I hope this help.

Luke
Posted 3/26/2015 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
Luke,

This sounds really promising. I can see how my diet needs to be improved. I am so tired of boost, ice cream, etc and now realizing they are really bad for my condition, I plan to cut those out immediately. It's really the globus sensation that is driving me crazy and it feels like the food is sticking when I try to eat anything. I really have to advance my diet because I am sure that my symptoms are direct results of how I'm living now. I am definitely going to take your suggestions and try it. Luke did you have the globus sensation as well? Thanks again. How are you doing? Have your symptoms subsided? Wishing you continued health.

Steve
Posted 3/26/2015 1:19 PM (GMT 0)
Steve,

Yes, diet plays a huge role and it's easy to change it. It may not resolve your issues, but it's worth a try. Once your stomach heals, you should be able to get back slowly to eating some of your favorite food once in a while. Now, the famous globus sensation - yes, I had it and yes, it drove me crazy as well. I also had neck tightness along with choking feeling and it was definitely the worst, definitely the worst symptom to deal with for me. I am doing good now, since the surgery 13 years ago and long recovery, I can now eat anything I want but occasionally have the slow swallowing where I feel food get stuck a little and move down slowly - no big deal in comparison with all the symptoms I had. I am also able to play soccer again and really do everything I could do before my issues.

From reading your post, if your barium swallow showed no issues, your symptoms may be directly related to your diet and if you would like, I can help you with that. I have always been in shape and eat very healthy so can give you some advice and tips. I hope you get better soon Steve, definitely try Gastrex as it is natural supplement that is specifically designed to heal your stomach.

Luke
Posted 4/2/2015 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Luke,

I am at the point of trying anything. :) I'm going to try Gastrex and Zypan this weekend right before the Easter Holiday. My ENT appointment is next week but she has agreed (online) to start the weaning process. She is going to cut me down to 20mg of protonix for two weeks and then supplement with Zantac in the meantime. I welcome any advice and tips you can give. Some days are better than others.

Steve
Posted 4/2/2015 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
If Zantac works for you then that's fantastic, I've found it to be the least unpleasant acid med while still being effective. Do be aware though that the main problem with Zantac is it's short half life. You'll be lucky if you get 12 hours out of one dose, so you may more than likely have to take it twice a day if your symptoms are severe enough to need Pantoprazole in the first place.
Posted 4/3/2015 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
Anyone who's having muscle pain needs to talk to their gastroenterologist. It can be the same problem that people get when taking some cholesterol meds.
Posted 4/3/2015 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks JB for the heads up. I have 300mg tablets for Zantac so I'm hoping that daily then the reza band (if I get the prescription next week) at night will offer some type of relief. How are doing?

Thanks to you too Alcie. I should have a follow-up with my GI doc in May so I'll bring this up.
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