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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 4/15/2005 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
I'm a dieter, i've lost 48 pounds.  I went to get weighted in the week and I gain +6.6 pounds.  I started using Nexium approx. one week ago.  Did anyone else have weight gain from this pill?  Will this blotting go away?  Please help?
Posted 4/15/2005 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Did you gain more weight from taking the pill itself?
Posted 4/19/2005 5:30 AM (GMT 0)
Since I began taking Prevacid, I have lost 35 pounds. Perhaps, since you began the Nexium, the fact you have less heartburn makes it easier to eat. On the other hand, I have had very unusual reactions to prescription medications so would think anything is possible.
Posted 4/20/2005 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hello:

Usually I post in the Fibro forum. Just thought I would flip through here since this is one of my dx. I have been on Nexium for two years I have been on Weight Watchers for approx. 3 years and reached my goal weight last year have not gained it back and still take my Nexium have been out for a week but having bad GERD and getting it filled again tomorrow it is a life saver for me! I do not adjust to medicine real well but this is has really helped.

Hope you have a good week

Vicki from ALabama
Posted 4/22/2005 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi daughter has gerd and was losing weight as she was to sick to eat she has been on protonix 40mg 2x a day and in the past year has gained about 10 pounds. But that puts her at a whopping 110lbs so we arnt worried about the gain.lol
Posted 4/28/2005 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Yes!  It's happening to me, also.  I thought I was going nuts until I read this.  I've gained almost 10 pounds in 2 months, and have not been consuming any additional fats or calories.  In fact, I've been more careful to eat healthy, but the weight just keeps climbing.  I was consistently a little over 160, then WHAM!  Now I'm up to 170+.  It's gotta be from the Nexium because I'm not taking any other meds.  Lifestyle changes include a bit more walking and gardening, not as much tv watching.  I've got a Dr. appt. in three weeks, and am going to question this big time.
Posted 9/12/2005 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
UPDATE on nexium side effects: Have not had any nexium since June 1, 2005. Lost 10 lbs, and the red face irritation is gone too. Coincidence? Hardly. To help with the GERD/EE I have been taking PRILOSEC-OTC every other day. It works, I feel great, and am very thankful that I quit the nexium when I did. All I can say is, listen to your body. Doctors and drug companies can only make recommendations. Go with what works for you
Posted 10/10/2006 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
I too have experienced weight gain, about 15 lbs. For someone like me who has been underweight my whole life due to stomach ailments...this is quite shocking. It's not that I'm overweight, but I can't seem to lose my gut, which I never had before the Nexium. I'm so glad I can possibly attribute it to this medication, I was getting frustrated. Some of you have discussed red/blotchy skin, I have not had this, but my lips and face are extremely dry. My lips are cracking daily...has anyone experienced this on the medication? I've been on Nexium for 6 months but have only developed the weight gain and skin dryness over the past month.
Posted 10/20/2006 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
I have gained weight in the last few years, I am on previcid. But it doesn't seem to be helping my esophogitis. I had my gall bladder out three years ago and have put on 28 pounds and do not eat any different then I did before. I had been sick in the spring and wasn't eating much other then crackers and applesauce and that new activia and over the course of 6 weeks, only lost 4 pounds. But I am now very over weight in my eyes. I did try the Primal Defense, but had to take it very slow. But I guess I didn't give it much of a chance, I will be trying it again to see if I can get off the previcid. I also have fibro and possibly lupus or some other autoimmune thing.
Posted 10/21/2006 12:53 PM (GMT 0)
If you try an alkaline diet or pretty close to alkaline (no sugar, no wheat, no dairy, no meats, fish) you will lose weight if you are strict enough. I take DGL licorice 20 minutes before meals to help heal the esophagus. I eat basically 3 meals a day, but small ones. You can have melon or a banana (ripe) for breakfast with some millet (I get puffed millet in the supermarket). For lunch, tofu or a little white chicken meat or a small piece of sole or flounder (for protein) with a variety of different vegetables. I try to vary them each day since my diet is so limited - cooked - carrots, broccoli, string beans, red beets, sweet potatoes (not yams). I also cook QUINOA (very high in protein) grains to eat with my vegetables Basically, soft cooked foods are better since they are not caustic going down the esophagus. We are all trying to heal it after all and want to prevent any scratching. Be sure to chew your food really well before swallowing.
DRIED figs and dates are also very alkaline so I have that for dessert.
I do basically the same for a VERY EARLY dinner.
IT'S EXTREMELY RESTRICTIVE but I don't plan on being on this very restricted diet for a long time (it's been about 1 1/2 mos now and I'm controlling my symptoms).

I have lost some weight while eating this, and I'm happy about that I needed to lose 15 lbs. Well, gave up sugar and wheat so that did it. Unless you eat alot of sweet potatoes and bananas, weight loss will occurr since you are eating small meals and leaving out all the bad things.

I have learned alot about alkaline foods, how they help us fight diseases! I will never go back to eating alot of the foods I ate before.

Hope this helps. Just do some research on alkaline diets and check on my sept. postings on it. Remember, alkaline doesn't always mean good for GERD. Just eat the NON-ACIDIC foods in an alkaline diet.
Posted 3/5/2007 4:56 AM (GMT 0)
I was taking Nexium for around a year and a half and in that time my weight ballooned from 190lbs to 255 lbs! I stepped on the scale last week and was very shocked that for the first time in my life I'm obese. I've sinced stop taking Nexium and on a strict diet and exercise.
Posted 4/18/2007 9:17 AM (GMT 0)
I started taking 20mg nexium a day in February, mid March the dose was upped to 40mg per day as it was no longer working.. Since that time i've put on over 10lbs in weight, i haven't changed my diet and prior to that i'd been maintaining a healthy weight.  Was not on any other medications until a few days ago.  I've now come off the nexium and am awaiting tests for hy-pylori and gall bladder problems.

Posted 4/26/2007 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
I am so thankful that I have found this posting.  I was put on Prevacid, I ended up taking it for a total of 6 months.  My weight was at 190 and I too went up to 215 within a couple of months.  My abdomen is so swollen and just sticking out.  Even when I was pregnant I didn't look this bad.  Can anyone tell me if it is harder to loose the weight due to medication induced? I think I will try Atkins and see if that will help me to get the weight off.  I feel so bloated and uncomfortable.  Thanks so much for all of the great posts!!!
Posted 4/30/2007 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Neither Nexium or other PPIs caused me to gain any weight. I am quite slim and the drugs have caused me to lose a couple pounds because I feel full and have less appetite.

Here's another question: could swallowing female hormore tablets cause or contribute to acie reflux? I'm noticing that my throat and esophagus seem to burn for a while after taking the pill. The acid reflux started about the same time as I began the hormones. I may research this for a connection............APG
Posted 5/31/2007 8:24 PM (GMT 0)

Hi

I have taken Nexium in the past, also have been on Prilosec and Omeprazole, none of them have been able to keep reflux under control. PC doctor put me back on Nexium for 6 weeks..80 mg daily which is twice what I took of Prilosec.

I know that a fat stomach makes GERD worse so managed to take off 10# in the past year and keep it off..lost about 5# in my face, 3 # on arms and legs which are skinny anyhow and 2# of rear end fat..stomach stayed the same. 

 I am NOT going to gain any weight on Nexium,..I need to lose another 10# and it might take me 2 years but I am going to do it. More walking, less Chex turtle mix, more apples and a little bit of weight lifting. I am a pre-diabetic and have to look out for that problem too.

I am due for a barium check next week..I have so much acid up in my throat, am hoarse, cough and feel full all the while, even when I am too nauseous to eat. Had an endoscopy 2 1/2 years ago and all was OK..will see if this giant Nexium dose works. I do not eat within 3 hours before bed, have the head of my bed raised, etc..no acid forming foods and still am feeling like a half full garbage pail most of the time. Could be worse those.. I am still alive and coping [20 years worth!]

Posted 6/1/2007 4:15 AM (GMT 0)

Hi All!

It took 8 weeks for the Nexium to start working, but when it did I started having a real dry mouth and throat. Haven't noticed weight gain yet, but I seem to be eating a lot. Have any of you had side affects after going off Nexium? Wishing you all good health.

Dee

Posted 6/1/2007 11:04 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Dee

The only side effect I had when I discontined Nexium in 2004 was the return of acid reflux. I didn't seem to gain much weight while on it but I had to make an effort..food tastes good when your stomach isn't all torn up. I just started on Nexium again last night so it really hasn't taken effect yet.

Posted 6/2/2007 4:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Niteowl

Thanks for replying. Think I'll try and stick with the Nexium for now. Hate the acid reflux. Good luck with the Nexium, I know it takes time to kick in. Dee
Posted 2/13/2008 8:27 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, while taking GERD med's, they deplete, if not all the acid in our stomach. The acids normally present in our stomach is naturally used to 'break down' our foods for digestion. This is why we gain weight and this is why it's such a dilemma when doctor's tell us to lost weight to aide in reducing or stopping acid relux disease. It's a double-edged sword.
Posted 3/14/2008 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
HI I HAVE BEEN ON PREVICID AND I AM REGULARLY GAINING WEIGHT AND I EAT RIGHT AND EXERCISE DAILY DRIVING ME CRAZY..I MA GOING TO TAKE MYSELF OFF OF IT I CANNOT TAKE ANY MORE WEIGHT GAIN..TOTAL WEIGHT AIN 35LBS SO FAR ..

Posted 3/14/2008 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I was dx with scleroderma and other autoimmune illnesses 8 yrs ago. I take 12 different meds per day. I was on steroids for 5 yrs until I weaned my self off and used an herbal remedy in its place. I am also taking Nexium and have been on it for many years. During all of my adult life I had weighed 100-102 lbs. which is a healthy weight for me. I am 4 ft 11 inches and a very small frame. However, since the illness and meds..I have gained 38 lbs! I walk daily, do Curves, eat healthy and I cannot lose a lb!! So after reading this and hearing what so many of you had to say about Nexium, it really has made me wonder if this is my problem too. I thought when I got off the steroids that I would lose the weight. But to my surprise, I didnt lose anything. I also have gone to WW and followed their point system exactly but I never lost a lb. So I going to check with my doctor to see if there is another option for me. Or maybe anything I take for my reflux will interfere with my weight loss. I do need something for my reflux because I have it very badly. I have had my esophagus stretched a few times which really isnt a big deal. But I do get aspiration pneumonia and that is a big deal since my immune system has a hard time fighting off illnesses. Anyway, I will check and see what my doctor says. I love this forum. I joined this past week and I have to say there is so much great info here and many wonderful people. So thank you to everyone! HisWill
Posted 3/16/2008 2:25 AM (GMT 0)
i've had the opposite problem w/ my GERD - substantial weight loss - a pound a day for a few weeks.  But, I think these medications can help w/ the symptoms of GERD, thus making eating a little more pleasant. 
Posted 3/17/2008 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
Thought you'd find this excerpt from a reputable web site interesting. I found several reputable sites that had similar information and that confirmed Copperskins response was right on the mark. The concept that medication relieved the symptoms of acid reflux thus allowing the patient to eat more was also mentioned on the websites. But it is still true that the medication may cause weight gain even in patients who eat properly and exercise. Some web sites also stated that the medication also causes weight loss in some patients - just another one of those situations where each person's body reacts to a medication differently.

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Common Offenders That Can Cause Weight Gain

While no one knows exactly how many prescription drugs can cause weight gain, experts estimate the list includes more than 50 common medications.

Steroids such as prednisone, older antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil, and second-generation antipsychotics like Zyprexa are the biggest -- and most recognized -- promoters of weight gain, Fernstrom says.

Some other common offenders, says Fernstrom, include the antidepressants Paxil and Zoloft, the antiseizure medication Depakote, diabetes drugs like Diabeta and Diabinese, and the high blood pressure drugs Cardura and Inderal. Heartburn drugs like Nexium and Prevacid may also cause drug-induced weight gain.

Fernstrom tells WebMD that the medication-associated weight gain can be modest -- or as much as 30 pounds over several months.
Posted 1/9/2009 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone!  I am so glad that I found this site.  I was prescribed Nexium 40mg twice a day for my reflux.  I had the "silent reflux" so I never had heartburn.  I was having difficulty breathing as well as losing my voice while I was teaching.  After many tests, pH probe.....I was told I had severe damage to my vocal cords from acid coming up throughout the day.  I was 28 at the time and 110 pounds.  While the Nexium healed my throat and vocal cords, I gained 20 pounds in 18 months.  I have always watched my diet and done yoga/pilates/spinning every week.  Untill reading these posts, I thought that I was losing my mind.  Nothing I have done seems to get rid of this weight and it is very depressing.  I was supposed to get married two months ago and I couldn't even fit into my dress...i looked pregnant and refused to wear it.  I am not taking any other meds and now i am convinced that it's the Nexium.  Also....when i try to skip a couple days of Nexium, i have severe heartburn and I never had heartburn before i was put on this drug.  I feel like i can't even trust doctors anymore.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to get off this drug and not go back to the horrible symptoms of reflux??  Does anyone know about this kind of reflux called LPR ( laryngial pharyngal reflux)?  Thx! : )

Posted 2/21/2009 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
How uplifting to find this forum! I just recently suspected Nexium may be responsible for my 40 lbs. weight gain, which is why I searched the internet on the subject today. It's just difficult to accept that it took me this long to connect the gain to Nexium. Also, I've been experiencing the facial redness and dry skin, which I thought was unrelated until now. Memory seems a bit fuzzy occasionally, too. My abdomen has enlarged so much I look like I did in the eighth month of pregnancy. This is the first time in my life to have weight issues, until today I thought it was all my fault, even though there have been no changes in diet or exercise.  Why aren't we being informed of the side effects by our doctors and pharmicists? Now, what can we do about this drug induced weight gain?  To everyone who has posted here, you have my utmost appreciation and gratitude. Thank you for being willing to share your information, now I know I haven't gone completely crazy....yet.
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