| Key to ratings for aciphex: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken and Dosage | Date Added | |
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| 4 | acid reflux | mild sore throat almost daily, muscle soreness, joint pain, loose bowels, some insomnia, lower back pain, hip pain at night, strange dreams | How do I know if these are side effects or old age/menopause etc. It has definately helped with the acid reflux, I never have that unless I forget to take it. For those of you in it for the long haul, my doctor gave me a card to get my Aciphex for less than $3.00 a month...check it out. I would love to get off of it but would probably suffer again. I feel trapped by it. | F | 53 | 2 years 30 mg 1X D | 7/24/2010 | 4 | reflux | None. | Those asking about a generic for this... come to Canada we've had a generic rabeprazole available for several years now. I am surprised to hear that you folks cannot get a generic. | M | 25 | 40mg PRN 1X D | 7/20/2010 | 5 | GERD, Barrett's | None | After taking Aciphex since 2009 my Insurance Company recently asked me to change to a generic (omeprazole). It caused me to have diarrhea, so Dr. switched me back to Aciphex. Have not experienced reflux or noticed any side effects when taking Aciphex. It's like a miracle. | F | 79 | 9 years 20 mg 1X D | 7/17/2010 | 5 | Acid Reflux | fuzzy vision, off balance dizziness, fatigue | This drug is the only med that has worked for me. Not Only was it perscribed for gerd but also as a test to see if it would help my chronic sinus problem. Well it was a miracle for both issues. I don't like the side effects but you have to weigh the good with the bad. This is the longest I have not have to treat infection and i can eat anything with no gerd issues. I know it is no fun to have side effects but this is the only drug that works. Hopefully the side effects will subside with time. | M | 49 | 75 days 20 mg 1X D | 6/30/2010 | 1 | GERD | Palpitations, shakiness | My symptoms took about a week to go away, but I had only taken it for four weeks. If you have a pill splitter, maybe try lowering your dose - take 40 mg one day, 20 the next, then 40 and see how you feel, then go to 20 a day and 10 the next and keep tapering like that. BUT - add Pepcid or Zantac while you're doing it, with a goal of switching entirely to one of them. Also, be very good about eating right, not eating too close to bedtime, raising the head of your bed etc. All the things we know we are supposed to be doing. Good luck! | F | 53 | 4 weeks 1X D | 6/9/2010 | 1 | GERD | I experienced cotton mouth (even with drinking 64 ounces of water), dry nasal passages that bleed in the mornings, insomnia the first two days I was given it to try. | The reason I was given Aciphex to try 2-3 hours before bedtime in addition to the Omeprazole I was taking in the mornings was that my GERD was worsening, causing me to cough for long periods at night. Some mornings I woke up and the cough was so bad I coughed until I could force phlem up to relieve it. | F | 64 | 7 days 1X D | 6/2/2010 | 1 | acid reflux | Massive bloating, uncomfortable epigastric sensation of acid needing to dissipate,nasty diarrhea kicked in after taking for 3 or 4 days. | F | 46 | 6 days 30 mg 1X D | 5/26/2010 | 1 | GERD | Muscle pain, ear ringing, rapid and irregular heartbeat, heavy chest pain, anxiety, ankle pain, joint swelling, very dry skin spots, irritated throat, | Those who got off this stuff, please post that too!! This medicine really works on minimizing acid production! But now that I've read your postings, I sure wish I'd not done it. Too late to cry, just need to start reversal. Started as Crohn's that caused two intestinal resectionings and one bout of bleeding ulcers. Aciphex (originally 20 mg then had to go to 40 mg) was rx'd when I couldn't stop the acid production. When complaining of various symptoms, Drs didn't seem to know side effects. I have had 24 hr heart monitor due to that reported symptom; have had xrays of ankles and knuckles due to supposed arthritis which Dr. claimed caused by Crohns, but all probably due to the medicine. Again, IF YOU SUCCESSFULLY KICKED THIS DRUG, PLEASE POST HOW/HOW LONG IT TOOK. | M | 63 | 2 years 40 MG 1X D | 5/25/2010 | 1 | GERD / hiatal hernia | Tremors, muscle twitching, muscle weakness/shakiness, lump in throat, shortness of breath, chest pains, insomnia, anxiety | I just read this blog and burst into tears. I have been taking Aciphex for about 2 weeks. Since then I have been convinced that I have a neurological disease, never correlating to the usage of this drug. I almost fell down my stairs this morning my legs are so weak and shaky - plus I have stiffness and pain under my knee caps. I haven't slept properly and can't get my hands to stop shaking. I have incessant muscle twitches all over my body which started with my left thumb. This has been so scary and stressful. I feel relieved that I found all these comments and will stop taking Aciphex immediately. Nexium is the only drug that has ever worked for me w/o side effects, but my insurance stopped covering it. Looks like I should consider a more holistic approach. This drug is very dangerous! | F | 31 | 15 days 15 mg 1X D | 5/19/2010 | 3 | gerd and stomach+throat ulcers | gnawing chest pain that feels like something coming out of my chest | when i stopped the medicine for a week the pain went away but the acid reflux is uncontrollable without it, now the pain comes and goes | M | 18 | 1 years 30mg 2X D | 5/15/2010 | 4 | hiatal hernia/gerd | gas,bloating, chronic constipation, | as much as i hate taking it..nothing else has worked. but, i have been on too long, and would like to get off. but every time i try things get very ugly indeed, and i go back. i feel like a junkie. is there any sane and rational help out there?it all started with zantac back in 1992! | M | 60 | 6 years 20 1X D | 5/14/2010 | 3 | Severe Heartburn | I started getting Headaches on day 2 and been having them everyone, I even have one right now. I have started to noticed I have bloated really bad, and gas OMG. I do feel a little dizzy about 2 hrs of taking the medication. I am calling me doctor tomorrow. This can't be right. I've gone through a bottle of Tylenol already... | I have not had any night heartburn since taken this medication, but unfortunatly I will have to stop taken it.. | F | 40 | 14 days 20 1X D | 5/14/2010 | 5 | GERD, severe stomach problems | none whatsoever | I love this medicine. My last insurance company did not want to pay for it so I used samples until new ins. went through. I have had allergic reactions to the other gerd meds the ins wanted me to take. I have had nothing but relief with this med. As soon as I go off it my stomach pain returns. A MUST HAVE for me. | F | 53 | 120 days 20 2X D | 5/12/2010 | 3 | Acid Stomach due to other medicine | Delirium - Head feels heavy (presently on a computer chair leaning on a stable object), spacey, motor function difficult, felt tired so lied down to rest and had a nightmare involving taking a nap and someone waking me demanding sex whom I know would never do that. I had to fight him off. Also in the nightmare lying down to take a nap at my present age (56) and being woken by the "rapist" when I was younger with young children whom I didn't recognize, but had behaviors of my two oldest children. Residence changed within the dream and people I know had personalities of other people I know (I.E. nice friend Mary had the personality of gossipy neighbor Nancy - these women were in my life at totally different ages). Called Pharmacist - reported at or below 1% of patients who take the medication. I'm struggling to type and spell correctly (others come to me for correct spelling saying I'm like a walking dictionary) | I took this about two years ago (not expired yet)due to acid stomach triggered by a medicine (same this time). I don't remember these side affects. If I had these symptoms then, I'd likely not kept them. However, my acid problem is gone. | F | 56 | 1 days 20 MG 1X D | 5/4/2010 | 5 | GERD | No known side effects. | I've been taking this med for many years. It's worked great. I've had to stop taking it a couple of times becuase of insurance coverage issues, but whenever I could I would get back on it. It's been great! | M | 34 | 10 years 20MG 1X D | 4/14/2010 | 4 | Acid Reflux | First night I had what seemed to be like a hypolgycemic experience. The fifth night I had a headache and nausea. No other symptoms so far. Acid reflux and sour stomach are much better. | I don't eat meat, dairy, soda, caffeine, or processed foods. I would advise to eat a good diet or try a detox diet while on this drug. | F | 28 | 10 days 20mg 1X D | 4/9/2010 | 4 | Frequent bad heartburn | Extreme bloating and diarrhea, fatigue | It cured my heartburn after the first day but I've had several bouts of debilating diarrhea now. It seems to be liquifying everything I put in me. Stopping the med and heading back to the Dr. | M | 43 | 6 days 20 mg 1X D | 3/27/2010 | 1 | Acid Reflux | I experienced severe headaches for the first two days and have a mild sore throat daily, but worse; I experience severe lower back pain. It's so bad that it is now affecting my work - Bye Bye Aciphex. | M | 48 | 4 days 20mg 1X D | 3/27/2010 | 2 | IBS | Headaches for two days straight, joint pain in elbow and wrist, and irritability for three days. | I only used this medicine for about two weeks and was going through way too much to continue to use it. It did help somewhat but I have since found that there are other alternatives for relief. Improving diet and exercise is a start. Peppermint is also good for digestion problems. | F | 28 | 30 days 20mg 1X D | 3/26/2010 | 5 | GERD | None | I can eat anything now including uber spicy stuff. No problem as long as I dont forget. Symptoms start showing up within 48 hours if I miss. | M | 30 | 5 years 30MG 1X D | 3/23/2010 | 1 | GERD, heartburn | dizziness, sick motion headache which made moving my head uncomfortable, nausea, worse reflux, irritability, irregular heartbeats, felt terrible | I had been on Nexium for years. It worked, and I did fine other than I was uncomfortable taking this very strong med for years, so I switched. (FYI, I do NOT take something for cholesterol as well, since someone mentioned the side effects could be from cholesterol meds, not aciphex). Aciphex was poison for me. It did not work, made me feel constantly headachy, migrainy and sick. Phew. I suspect Nexium has its own problems, but at least, it works. This med did not work for me at all. I was worse in every way possible. | F | 58 | 10 days 30 mg 1X D | 3/15/2010 | 1 | Reflux/esophageal strictures | I was on Aciphex once before and discontinued b/c of the side effects especially since I believe it was what caused my irregular heartbeat in January 2009. Doctor put me on this past Friday. After my second dose on Saturday, got the same irregular heartbeat and chest pains again. I will never take this medication again. Going back to OTC zantac. | F | 42 | 2 days 20mg 1X D | 3/14/2010 | 2 | Acid Reflux-GERD | Initially the drug subsided my acid reflux but by day 2, 3, & 4 I began having severe stomach cramps, gas, dry mouth, lower back pain. After 1 day of not taking the drug the side effects subsided. I will not take again! | M | 38 | 6 days 1X D | 3/1/2010 | 2 | GERD | anxiety, headaches, gas, rapid heartbeat, bouts of insomnia. | Worked great at first. In last six months have made two trips to the ER, rapid heartbeat, BP up, tingling, chest pressure. All tests came back negative so given Xanax for anxiety and told to do Yoga, stop coffee altogether, drink chamomile teas at night and see a counselor. It's happening again now! I finally decided that since this is the only prescription I take it must have something to do with symptoms. (duh) This site confirms it. Bye Bye Aciphex as of today. | F | 51 | 20 mg 1X D | 2/27/2010 History | 5 | reflux | mild increase in night dreams. Not violent or sexual as with nexium or prilosec. | I have been taking it for 5 years. I also take AXID, 300 mg daily. | M | 73 | 20 mg 1X D | 2/24/2010 | 1 | mild acid reflux | Thought I was having a heart attack until I read this thread. I have taken only 1 pill and I am experiencing severe acid reflux, lump in throat and hard to swallow, Central chest pain/tightness and abdominal pain. Uncontrollable bowel and bladder movements. eyes sensitive to light. Scary stuff to say the least and fortunately I found this thread before taking another pill. I think that I will go back to drinking a glass of milk to relieve my acid reflux as it's heathier and doesn't have any side effects!!!! | So much for this wonder drug. | M | 39 | 1 days 20 1X D | 2/22/2010 | 5 | Acid Reflux | No side effects | I wish they would come out with the generic for this so my health insurance would cover it. It is the ONLY medication that has worked for my acid reflux without giving me diarrhea! Kaiser recently refused to give it to me, and the cost is about 10 dollars per pill. | F | 43 | 3 years 20mg 1X D | 2/20/2010 | 1 | Acid Reflux | This medicine has caused me to have an irritated throat (pretty used to that from the acid reflux). The kicker though, is 15 minutes or so after taking this medicing, I projectile vomit. Usuually comprised of whatever liquid I have in my stomach reduced to white foam. Awful. Happens everytime. I have no control over it - small cough, tickle in throat and BAM! Can't leave the house until I 'purge' - good grief!!Happens on a full or empty stomach. I am switching to another med. | F | 40 | 30 days 20 MG 1X D | 2/18/2010 | 3 | GERD | Terrible back pain. | It definitely helped my GERD. And I had to take it because of the severity of my problem. However, lifestyle changes can significantly help, and then these drugs aren't as necessary. | F | 41 | 14 days 20 mg 1X D | 2/4/2010 | 5 | Nausea, diahhrea, abdominal pain | None. | I was really concerned about taking this drug because of the side effects that other users on this site had reported. I have a history of getting rare side effects. My quality of life was pretty marginal from my symptoms and did not want to get worse. My doctor prescribed this after an upper and lower GI revealed only mild inflammation. This stuff started working right away. Within a week, I felt better than I had in months. For me, this drug was close to a medical miracle. | F | 59 | 2 weeks | 1/30/2010 | 1 | GERD | Lump in throat, worse chest pains, heart palpatations and frewuent bowle movements | M | 58 | 7 days | 1/24/2010 | 1 | Gerd | I am 31 years old and should not feel this bad! After the first pill 20mg I started being iritable. Today my hip is aching so bad. I feel like I got a hip injection. My hip feels broken. I am having flu symptoms also. I took another pill this evening I can't walk now. I will not be taking this anymore. I will just suffer from GERD. | BEWARE | F | 31 | 2 days | 1/20/2010 | 1 | acid reflux | Severe muscle soreness, gas, chest pain, yeast infection after a few days of taking it. | F | 52 | 7 days | 12/19/2009 | 3 | ulcers/gatritis | muscle weakness, joint pain, fatigue | I thought I was crazy! I am relieved to see that I was not imagining the side effects! The medicine did relieve my stomach problems but it is not worth the joint pain. | F | 42 | 10 days | 12/18/2009 | 5 | Very bad indigestion and nausea | Absolutely NO side effects EXCEPT ONE VERY POSITIVE ONE. I AM COMPLETELY ASTOUNDED---MY HOTFLASHES HAVE STOPPED in addition to the original problems. 49 year old female who had hot flashes every 15 minutes, every hour, 24/7 which had started 3 years ago and became steadily worse. Still had a distance to go before reaching menopause and was dreading it if early signs were any indication what was to come. | Very active individual and this drug has completely eliminated all issues. | F | 49 | 3 weeks | 12/16/2009 | 4 | Barret's, GERD, gastroparisis, refl | AT FIRST - I believed achiphex caused my dizziness, and just about every other side effect listed here. After almost 3 years of pure hell, I found out the problem was the cholesterol med. I was prescribed! It was this drug (zocor) that literally tore up my GI track. | IF YOU TAKE A STATIN (Zocor. Lipitor, Crestor, ect.) FOR CHOLESTEROL, THIS COULD BE YOUR PROBLEM, AND NOT THE ACHIPHEX (or any other PPI)!!! I can't say that strongly enough!!! The side effects are VERY similar to what I see here, and it fooled my doctors and myself for three years! You can safely stop taking a statin for a week. If your symptoms improve (as mine did), you'll know it was the statin and not the PPI. From what I can tell, the statin caused virtually everyone of my GI issues (including bile reflux). I wish I had found out sooner. I even had a Nissan Fundelplication (sp?) and even that didn't stop the reflux. It was only AFTER I stopped the statin (zocor) that my GI issues cleared up. I later tried Crestor when cardiologist suggested it, and within 3 DAYS my stomach started acting up again. 5 days off, and I'm ok again. I'm still not 'perfect', but I am at least functioning once again. I implore you to use this site to see the side effects of your cholesterol drug to see if the symptoms match up. If they do, I highly suggest stopping your cholesterol med. for a week or so and see if your symptoms clear up!! | M | 46 | 3 years | 12/14/2009 | 2 | Acid refulx symptoms | Since taking Aciphex my heartburn and indigestion have been getting worse and worse, I'm tired, achy, severe stomach pains, intense headaches, hypothyroid, nausea, can't eat anything without feeling very sick afterward and thus weight loss | I was given this drug originally due to signs of acid reflux by inflammed epiglottis and sinuses, but didn't have any other hearburn or stomach pain symptoms. After a couple years taking this I've become very sensitive to food, have horrible indigestion and heartburn even if it's just a piece of toast. I have body aches, especially back, hips and knees, and headaches. I've been tested as hypothyroid and had to start taking thyroid medicine. | F | 32 | 3 years | 12/9/2009 | 5 | GERD | None that I am aware of. | Has been a lifesaver for me but now my insurance no longer covers it. I take a 20 mg. only every second or third day now and feel great. I started with two a day for a week then one a day for a while but I just started taking them less frequently. | M | 54 | 3 days | 11/28/2009 | 1 | Gerd and ulcerated osephegus (sp?) | Headaches and bad stomach pains after nearly every meal. Because I had my gall bladder out a few months before being prescribed Aciphex I have put all my symptoms down to this. However it is now 3.5 years later and I have to accept that all the symptoms I still have must be due to side effects from the medication. | The thing about this drug is that it does help with my GERD - it completely eliminates it. However, the stomach pains I have are getting worse and worse and it does not seem natural to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach for year after year. I have decided to reduce it to every other evening for a month (I'm on 10mg an evening) and then stop it completely | F | 56 | 3.5 years | 11/15/2009 | 3 | Acid Reflux | Extreme Bloating feeling after a normal size meal. Lethargic, lack of concentration, often feel like a cloud in my head. | Taking 20mg since June 09', works well for me and stops the burning, however I have gained 12 pounds and eat pretty healthy. Get very bloated and feel full after a regular size meal. Also am very tired. | M | 42 | 6 months | 11/10/2009 | 1 | Barrett's | I have degenerated into borderline osteo (-1.9 when threshold is -2.5). Calcium uptake interference is a known side effect. Why did sawbones not give stern warnings? Fortunately, I weaned myself off (with difficulty, after 18 months) but only after decalcification cost me 4 teeth. Bone grafts have cost me $3,000 and will cost at least $12,000 more that we know of. | Doctor prescribed lifetime 40mg when insert specifies 20mg with 1-year limit. Women break hips on Aciphex twice as often, according to 2007 study that was published before my prescription. | M | 63 | 18 months | 11/4/2009 | 2 | Barret's Esophagus | Awakened by intense headache, and was overwhelmed with dizziness that is long-lasting and debilitating. | Took one 20mg AcipHex in the morning for 4 mornings, then during night before 5th morning, awakened with unbelievable headache, got up,dizziness was overwhelming, and long lasting - will contact doctor tomorrow. Have tried Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix all with debilitating symptoms, severe pains in hips, back, legs, spine, but none with the consuming dizziness I experienced with AcipHex. | F | 75 | 4 days | 11/1/2009 | 1 | Nausea caused by Anxiety | nausea, loss of appetite, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, anxiety, chest pains, tingling arms, weakness, dizziness, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn | I went to the dr due to nausea, she did all sorts of tests and anxiety is the root cause. She prescribed 20mg aciphex to ease the nausea(she assumed my stomach was too acidic), symptoms got worse, so she prescribed 60mg Kapidex. Now symptoms are way worse and I am not taking either anymore. If you are on these proton pump inhibitors for anxiety, I do not recommend it at all. It will just progress your symptoms. Now that I stopped taking it, I have heartburn which I never had before I took the medication. It can cause this effect for a while until your sytem gets back to normal. | F | 23 | 4 weeks | 10/23/2009 | 1 | Severe Acid Reflux | Monthly yeast infections | Once a month like clockwork while taking aciphex, I got a yeast infection. Since quitting aciphex over a year ago, I've had 1. Aciphex isn't worth the trouble it causes. I now take over the counter pills called Titralac. | F | 26 | 1 years | 10/21/2009 | 3 | GERD and Esophagitis | Acne, slight nausea | It doesn't completely eliminate my acid reflux. And after eating I feel nauseated sometimes. The acne is the worst side effect. I used to have a pimple every now and then. Now it's all the time. | F | 40 | 2 months | 10/15/2009 | 3 | gastritis | belching, ringing in ears, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, stomach pain, all over bloating | drug helped a lot with gerd but side effects are too scary to deal with | F | 35 | 2 months | 10/14/2009 | 5 | none | F | 55 | 6 months | 10/11/2009 | 3 | Gastritis | Muscle pain,ringing in the ears,hard heartbeat,and anxiety. | The medicine did help with the gastritis but with all of the symptoms I was experiencing I would rather have the gastritis. | F | 28 | 3 weeks | 9/28/2009 | 5 | GERD | None | Works well for me. Had two endoscopic exams over the 7+ years both normal esophagus/stomach. | F | 49 | 7 years | 9/7/2009 | 1 | reflux | Got Worse | F | 55 | 2 days | 9/3/2009 | 1 | reflux going into throat | was on a double dose ( bid dose) of aciphex for 5 months. during that time I started to develop chest and stomach pains, and diarrhea My diarrhea had improved but I still get bad stomach and chest pains all most all the time. I told my doctor that i was getting these pains and he told me to keep taking the aciphex. I should have never listened to him | this was a very bad drug for me. watch out for side effects. | M | 51 | 5 months | 8/20/2009 | 1 | Gerd | headaches, dizziness, cold sweats,unbelievable anxiety, diarrhea, heart palpitations, severe stomach cramps, rash, felt like I had bugs. | I had to see a heart doctor thinking my heart was bad, I have been so out of it, I couldn't run my own business. The pharmacy didn't have any of these side effects noted! | M | 41 | 1 months | 8/18/2009 | 5 | Acid Reflux | None. This drug has so far only made me feel better. | Used this drug - stomach felt better than in years. Then insurer decided to switched me to the cheaper Nexium - this ended up in a disaster (I went to the emergency room with a suspected aneurysm). Once I figured out it was the switch, I had the doctor put me back on AciPhex. All symptoms gone - I am happy as a clam. | M | 43 | 3 months | 8/17/2009 | 2 | acid reflus | I have had 2 of the worse case scenarios of extrememe headache and cold chills. I live in Phx., AZ, I had taken my pill after church and took the pill knowing that my sister was cooking later that afternoon and I wanted to eat, then went to movies. I got the chills so bad in the movies, with naseau and headache that I went out into 105 degree temp. to sit in the car for 1 hour waiting for my niece to get out of the movie. The car closed up I was probably sitting in 108 degrees and it felt good finally. Then immediately after went home to sleep. The same exact thing happened the 2nd day of taking it. So this was my 4th time. | I did not realize that it was the aciphex until it happened 2x after taking it. | F | 61 | 4 days | 8/17/2009 | 5 | GERD | Is totally controlling acid reflux. But, experiencing muscle pain, muscle weakness and joint pain mostly in both forearms from elbows to wrists. Experienced bad fall as a result. | I would recommend but be alert to side effects. | F | 50 | 4 weeks | 8/15/2009 | 5 | gastritis | none | M | 1 weeks | 8/4/2009 | 4 | GERD that is caused by the CPAP | Very dry mouth and dry throat and full bladder | It is the only medication that seems to work. I believe my GERD and hiatial hernia are the cause of my gerd. | M | 61 | 5 days | 8/2/2009 | 4 | GERD, heartburn, reflux | headaches, dizziness, cold sweats, anxiety, diarrhea, constipation, palpitations, severe stomach cramps, rash | I started this drug about 4 1/2 to 5 years ago. For the most part, I've been pretty satisfied with it's effectiveness. Though I do not like the side effects that I have been experiencing. I also do not like the fact that if I miss a does, my heartburn comes back. Prior to this, I was on Pepcid before it was OTC. And after that, I was on Prevacid for a brief period of about 4 months before my insurance changed and it wouldn't cover it. I don't like that this could be habit forming and if you miss, you'll surely remember w/the heartburn you'll be getting. | M | 31 | 5 years | 7/29/2009 | 3 | reflux, heart palps,lump in throat | I have only taken it for one day. I had a medium to severe headache, a dry throat, some itchiness and a weird feeling on my outer right thigh of burning/ice. I wonder if these syptoms would go away if I continue treatment? I'm kinda scared after reading others' stories. I go to gastro doc today and I may ask for some natural remedies. Has anyone else had heart palpitations when they have reflux sypmtoms? I know this somehow ties in together. | I didn't take it long enough to tell if it was going to help my heartburn/reflux. | F | 39 | 1 days | 7/9/2009 | 2 | diagnosed acid reflux | all was well for about 4 weeks, but began to have twitching of my left hand, dizziness, heart palpitations and weird flutters. This drug scares the hell out of me. I just quit it and will be trying some Chinese herbal remedies instead. I will also really watch my diet. I think that I can deal with a life style change as opposed to suffering worse fro side efects. | M | 54 | 30 days | 6/29/2009 | 2 | GERD/Hiatal Hernia | forgetful along with tingling, twitching and tremors in both legs and feet | AciPhex definitely eased the pain of my GERD. I have been taking it for about 3 months and started feeling strange. I assumed the forgetfulness was from getting older but even my husband noticed changes in my personality (probably grumpy from all the symptoms). I decided to stop taking AciPhex last Sunday and am glad I did. A few weeks ago I started having twiching in both feet and was visible to others. It progressed to my legs from the knee down and I was sure I had a blot clot or severe circulation problems. I had twitches and tremors that would not stop and continue on and off througout the day. It would wake me up at night. With that said - I have not had any of those symptoms. Not sure if it was the AciPhex but that is the only medication I was taking. So far so good. Thanks to this website for I have learned a lot of information that was not of the preseciption side effects or fine print from the pharmacist pamphlet. I keep Tums and Pepcid in my purse just in case but all in all feel MUCH better without the AciPhex. Good luck and good health to you all. | F | 43 | 3 months | 6/13/2009 | 2 | gastritis, acid reflux | After a week or so, daily headaches, stomach bloating with diarrhea all day, and lightheaded with confusion. | I thank God I looked up the side effects and found this website. I thought something was very wrong with me! The diarrhea became so bad and the gas and bloating made me afraid to leave the house! The confusion had my husband and myself worried.. I couldn't remember where anything was, I lost checks, couldn't find the correct words to finish sentences, etc! A real mess! I am going to try the apple cider vinegar pills for a natural help. | F | 55 | 1.5 weeks | 6/11/2009 | 1 | Suspected acid reflux | Spacey feeling - especially in the morning for a few hours after taking Aciphex. Chest pain on and off. Mild and persistant dizziness. | The makers of the drug suggest a headache is the most common side effect - if that were it I'd stick with it. These side effects however were so immediate and pronounced that I've taken my last Aciphex pill. I have a 100% clean bill of health so the only likely cause of what I'm going through right now is Aciphex. No idea if this drug will work for you - for me the side effects are worse than the problem. | M | 42 | 6 days | 6/11/2009 | 4 | GERD | Dizziness, light headed. Not sure if those are caused by my hypoglycemia. No other side effects noticed as of right now | It has helped out very well. Was taking Nexium 40 mg 2 times a day for about 7 months. Taking the nexium shut off all acid production to where I was not able to digest certain foods. Now taking one 20 mg aciphex with meal. Much better results all around. Also taking it due to a new study out that Nexium causes bone loss?? Don't want to run that risk since osteporosis runs in the family. | M | 32 | 30 days | 5/24/2009 | 2 | When I started taking Aciphex a few months ago I felt it was a miracle drug for my acid reflux, GERD, whatever. I mean a flippin miracle. Lately I have started having mild headaches so I switched to Cimetadine and some other medication that starts with an f. I have even worse headaches today. Does all this over the counter stuff for indigestion cause headaches? I do not know what to do. I love coffee but may have to give it up if I have to take Aciphex to drink it. Just can't stand these headaches. | F | 59 | 6 months | 5/24/2009 | 1 | Silent Reflux | Increasingly severe chest pain, heart palpatations, hard to breath, weight gain and bloating, high blood pressure, insomnia | I started taking Aciphex about 8 months ago. I started to get out of breath thought it was because I was a long time smoker. Breathing became so bad I quit smoking. Three months later and breathing is worse and having chest pains and high blood pressure. Doc puts me on meds for blood pressure sends me for Nuc Stress Test, got results yesterday, heart 100% fine. Doc changes meds and ups aciphex. Come home do some research find this website. I now believe all symptoms are from Aciphex. Stopped taking meds last night. Slept like a baby and no chest pains waking me at night. Will never take again and will tell everyone I come in contact with about side affects! | F | 40 | 8 months | 5/20/2009 | 1 | acid reflux | Severely aggravated my existing Erythromelalgia (EM) (Burning feet). I also felt lethargic. | It works for acid reflux but aggravated my EM. The side effects are not worth it. Nexium does not seem to affect my EM. | M | 56 | 3 weeks | 5/12/2009 | 4 | Eosinophilic Esophagitis | Bloating, muscle weakness, could not concentrate, headaches, constipation. | Helped with my pressure in my esophagus, but was not worth it for the side effects. I would only take again if I had to. | F | 33 | 30 days | 5/1/2009 | 1 | Hiatal Hernia, GERD | Severe Hives, itchy throat (roof of mouth), heart palputations, some upper back pain | This drug worked great the first two days, but started feeling chest palputations and had an itchy throat, but thought it was from the pollen, by day three I broke out in a mild rash on my forearm, then my legs. Day seven and I'm competely covered in Hives and continue having palputations. Going to my Urgent care provider tomorrow for some relief. Tonight was my last night taking this horrible product. My doctor said there's no major side effects. Called pharmacisist, he said this drug normally does not cause hives. And we're supposed to believe these people. Going back on Pepcid AC, and apple cider Vinegar tablets. | F | 42 | 7 days | 5/1/2009 | 2 | acid reflux | allergic reaction; red skin and itchy; numbness on right side of face. blurred vision. Sensation of swollen eyes. | it actually worked very well for my acid reflux, but by 4th day I was itching, and by 5th day right side of my face went numb, and had difficulty focusing on printed material. | M | 49 | 5 days | 4/28/2009 | 1 | gerd | Three day headache. Not an inconvenient type headache, but a three days lying on my bed with a wet cloth over my face type headache. | I don't know if it works for acid problems, I did not take it long enough to find out. | F | 48 | 3 days | 4/28/2009 | 5 | GERD | None | Finally found the right med to control my reflux. Had two endoscopy procedures, dilating my esophagus, nothing worked, pricey med, but if you can't afford it, there are programs that can help. My meds are free. I can finally enjoy life again! | F | 25 | 5 months | 4/27/2009 | 3 | Gerd | Always had very low blood pressure. 3 mos. on this shot my blood pressure way up. having some anxiety. worst symptom though is the difficulty swallowing, almost choking on food or drink, coughing and glad to hear i'm not alone. nexium gave me blurred vision and confusion so not sure what to try now. i do not want to go back to vomiting acid. | it did get rid of the acid reflux for the most part. | F | 41 | 3 months | 4/22/2009 | 1 | heart palpatations, insomnia, dry eyes, muscle spasms, tingling in arms and legs, severe diahrea,bloating the worst,intestinal pain,chest pain, sore mouth and tongue,dry mouth, axiety, and more | Worked great for my acid reflux, but I can barely function from side effects. the doctor are nuts for giving this to anyone. thank God I realized it was the meds, took me 6 months of hell towake up, off for 3 days, feel like a new person. Also, had similar symptoms when taking protonix.I will stick to 1/2 bottle of Tums. | F | 43 | 6 months | 4/22/2009 | 1 | GERD | Headache, nausea, vomiting, weird sensation in legs after 3 days - warm from calf to knee on left leg, followed by pressure or painful sensation. Dr. thought it was a pinched sciatic nerve, but muscle relaxers and ibuprofen had no effect. I stopped taking the medicine yesterday, and I am feeling less of the warm sensations. I think it may take a few days to completely stop, since it took a few days to start. | I would rather have the GERD symptoms than this. It was really scary. I went to the ER because I thought I had a blood clot in my leg - I could feel that something was wrong with my circulation. | F | 30 | 8 days | 4/20/2009 | 1 | GERD | Rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat and severe headaches. | Doc was examining me and went to search side effects. The drug rep for this drug happened to be in the office at the time and he told him he'd never prescribe it again because my heartbeat was so irregular. I'd never had it before and never since. | F | 48 | 7 days | 4/19/2009 | 4 | GERD | none | This worked great, but after my first presciption fill, the insurance company demanded that my Dr. change it to a less expensive med. I had a 90 day supply but did not take it everyday. It lasted me a year. Now on Nexium - not sure if it is working and might be having side effects, can't tell since I was also taking allergy meds. | F | 38 | 1 years | 4/18/2009 | 1 | Acid reflux | Left arm pain, dizziness, diarrhea | I just took my first dose today, and I will never take it again. I asked my dr. when he prescribed it to me if there are any side effects, and all he said was that I might experience loose stools. Not only have I had bad diarrhea, but I am also experiencing pain in my left arm and dizziness. I was ready to go to the hospital until I came here and read how many other people have had the same side effects. I am not taking one more dose. He also told me to take Prilosec after I finished the three day sample he gave me, but reading how similar the side effects are for that, I would rather have the acid reflux. | F | 27 | 1 days | 4/18/2009 | 1 | acid reflux and day & night sweats | Head heavy dizziness, impaired equilibrium, insomnia, tummy bloating, stomach and leg cramping, headaches, mild heart palpitations - all progressive in nature. | The first six days I felt great. All previous symptoms and reasons for taking medication quickly disappeared; the feeling of the need to constantly vomit, heartburn, constant day and night sweats were gone, coughing disappeared, the strange foggy headaches went away. * Day seven was the onset of dizziness and imbalance. When I turned my head or made any moderate to quick movement, my brain lagged behind as if it were in a delay only it became worse progressively through the day, each day. I thought I was having a Stroke. Then came the mild palpitations and headahces, tummy bloating and leg cramping came next along with limited sleep. | M | 52 | 16 days | 4/12/2009 | 2 | GERD | Dizzy,Stomach cramps,sick stomach | Worst medicine I have ever taken. | F | 36 | 1 months | 4/4/2009 | 1 | Acid Reflux | Dizziness, tight chest, shortness of breath, insomnia, anxiety, depression. | This pill is like posion. I was already being tested for some dizziness issues and this just compounded it. I felt like I was dying taking this medication and I'm only 29 yrs old. I report this to the FDA and suggest you all do the same. | F | 29 | 4 days | 3/30/2009 | 5 | Acid reflux | None | Works perfectly! have lived acid free since I started taking it. | M | 65 | 12 months | 3/29/2009 | 4 | Pre Cancerous cell | Blurry vision (getting better), insomnia, cough ( the cough is so unbearable I know this is were the insomnia is coming from)I have to sleep in the other bedroom just so my husband can sleep. The Doctor explained to me this will take 8 weeks. I can't wait. Otherwise the product is working well for me. I know I will be looking for something else to work for me, but for now I will give this a try. | For the price this is a plus!!!!!!!!!! | F | 48 | | 3/26/2009 | 2 | GERD | Feeling of food stuck in throat, belching. Originally started with feeling of weakness and pressure on chest (had stress test which came back normal). Had discomfort after almost every meal even tho was eating bland foods and no caffeine or acid or fatty foods. | Finally went for a second opinion and more tests and had to stop taking Aciphex for week before tests. Found I felt same without the Aciphex. When got results of tests did not have GERD (just a nerve sensitivity), but doctor said I now have small cysts on stomach from the Aciphex. | F | 65 | 15 weeks | 3/25/2009 | 1 | gerd | spacey,confused,just not feeling right.itchy,tingly,headaches | F | 50 | 9 days | 3/21/2009 | 4 | GERD, extreme acid reflux | Anxiety, and chest pains for the first week and a half. | I've been taking 2 (20 mg) tablets a day. After the first week and a half, the additional chest pain and anxiety - that i think are from the medication - subsided. I felt it was worth going through because the burning, aching, chest pains (pain under my sternum) that I was having on a daily basis were so bad i could barely focus at work. I've taken Aciphex before and I recognized what was the acid reflux pains and what were caused by the medication. This works better for me than Prevacid or Protonix (which seem to do nothing at all).I've been on aciphex on and off since I was 26. I would also urge you to change your diet - eating smaller meals more frequently rather than 3 a day can help more than you would realize. I also seem to get reflux isues when my estrogen levels are low - if anyone has the same issue - please email me. Thank you. | F | 29 | 3 years | 3/16/2009 | 3 | GERD | extreme anxiety, fatigue, blurred vision, constipation. | I have been taking 20mg once a day for the past 4 years plus. It did help me with the acid reflux but every time I tried to get off I coudn't. Now I'm trying taking it every other day and I'm starting to feel the acid. Any suggestions in how to come off this medication is very much appreciated. | F | 45 | 4 years | 3/14/2009 | 5 | acid reflux | None | Only acid reflux medication that did not give me side effects of severe stomach pain. | M | 63 | 3 years | 3/13/2009 | 1 | excess stomach acid/crohn's | after taking only one dose, severe diarrhea | zantac was working just fine, physician suggested aciphex because I would only have to take once a day | F | 36 | 1 days | 3/12/2009 | 4 | Chronic heartburn | Hot flashes, sleepnessless starting 2 days after starting Aciphex. I have been post-menopausal for 12 years yet started having hot flashes again! | Drug really worked instantly on my GERD. Best relief in years (I was popping Pepcids before). | F | 62 | 6 weeks | 3/4/2009 | 5 | Gastritis acid reflux | None | After 15 years of trying to control increasing severity of acid reflux and gastritis, this drug has been a miracle - the first time for years I've felt really well and able to eat and drink anything. I'm posting this because logically most of the postings will be from people who experience side effects (with whom I sympathise - I've experienced bad side effects from other medicines) - positive experiences are less likely to get posted. My advice: drugs affect people differently, and you've got to try them yourself and see what happens. | F | 66 | 2 years | 2/16/2009 | 4 | GERD | Slight ED | It seems that after I started taking Aciphex I could not retain an erection. This had not happened before the prescription. | M | 50 | 2 months | 2/14/2009 | 3 | Chest pain, stiff neck, headaches, weight gain | M | 54 | 30 days | 2/12/2009 | 1 | Acid Related Gastritis | dry mouth w/ weird taste, incredible heartburn, depression, anxiety, fatigue | i don't take a lot of meds. Never reacted to something so badly. Be careful taking this, everyone noticed i wasn't myself. Hit a breaking point when I was crying every day for no reason and freaking out. It all started a wk after i started taking the meds. Also no matter how much i slept, i was completely exhausted. dr told me not a normal reaction but suggested i go off it anyways. | F | 26 | 3 weeks | 2/5/2009 | 5 | acid reflux | none | aciphex changed my life! I had terrible GERD on a daily basis, once I started taking this, I didn't suffer again. I LOVE IT! | F | 44 | 4 years | 1/31/2009 | 1 | GERD | THOUGHT I WAS HAVING A STROKE, MY RIGHT ARM AND LEG BECAME WEAK AND TINGLY AND I FELT "SPACEY". | I WOULD HAVE CALLED 911 AND WASTED A LOT OF MONEY RULING OUT A STROKE IF I HAD NOT FOUND THIS WEBSITE AND REALIZED IT WAS THE ACIPHEX CAUSING MY SXS. ONLY TOOK IT A FEW DAYS,WILL NEVER TAKE IT AGAIN. ANYONE KNOW HOW LONG IT TAKES FOR SXS. TO DISAPPEAR? | F | 57 | 10 days | 1/24/2009 | 3 | GERD | Upper back pain, pain/bloating in stomach and esophagus, hives. | I started taking it daily and then every other day and then every third day. This is strong medicince and it's effects will last several days. Yesterday, I started breaking out in hives, so I can no longer take it. I will stick to Tums/maalox and diet changes for now. It really did help with the stomach acid though. | F | 41 | 10 days | 1/13/2009 | 5 | cough | No side effects | Coughed almost constantly until taking Aciphex. Overnight vast improvement. Ins co refused future reimbursements. Provided Omeprazole. Cough has returned to some degree and back pain is severe for several hours after just 20 mg. Would love to get Aciphex back again! | F | 62 | 1.5 years | 1/10/2009 | 2 | I just started taking aciphex. It's been less than a week but my reflux seems much worse. I wake up finding my chest enlarged from so much reflux. I have to call my doctor today and let her know. I don't know why it's not working! | F | 41 | 6 days | 1/5/2009 | 4 | acid reflux | neck stiffness, gas, some weight gain | alleviated severe acid reflux almost overnight; have experienced some insomnia but not sure if related to Aciphex or increased stress at work | M | 61 | 6 weeks | 12/30/2008 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |