There are 394 ratings for the drug: ACIPHEX in the Askapatient database.

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.

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Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken and Dosage		Date Added
				F  M
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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
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 Email
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
5	GERD	None	I have been taken Aciphex (20 mg /day) since 04-06-00 and have had no problem. I have also tried, but have had a lot of discomfort with other PPIs (Prilosec, Prevacid and Zegerid) as well as the propulsive medication (Propulsid). I had various symptoms of gastric distress and sometimes Left arm pain with these other meds, but never with Aciphex. It has been my “magic bullet”. One important consideration for those of you who may also have osteoporosis, my endocrinologist recommended that I switch from calcium carbonate (which needs an acid environment for absorption) to calcium citrate which doesn’t. This way Aciphex treatment will not be a problem for absorbing the elemental calcium. My advice to those of you who can’t tolerate Aciphex is try other PPIs before giving up on PPIs.	F	72	7 years		5/1/2007
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
3	preventive prescribed when my daily	for the first time in my life I am anemic. blood tests indicate I am not utilizing iron. Testing shows no problem in colon or stomach. Gastroenterologist suggests celiac sprue (inability to utilize iron caused by auto immune reaction to gluten) I have stopped taking aciphex and am waiting to be tested. I think the aciphex has reduced acid in stomach and I can't use the iron in the food I eat.	I don't really think I needed this medication in the first place. I have never had a problem taking asprin and other nsaids even with long term use (10 years on high doses of naproxin)	F	66	18 months		4/3/2006 Email
5	Acid reflux	None	Works perfectly! have lived acid free since I started taking it.	M	65	12 months		3/29/2009
4	GERD-Gastritis	Dry mouth at times. A little tight and dry throat in the middle of night. A little fatigue sometimes.	Aciphex works well.In fact, it works significantly better than other PPIs.I have been taking 20 mg 3 per day. Plan to reduce the dose soon.	M	65	4 days		4/15/2007 Email
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
5	GERD & Barrett's esophagus	No side effects	I was very ill with symptoms of my disease. I took Aciphex and within HOURS my pain went away and I have been fine since. I have an endoscopy every year for the Barrett's and it is healing nicely.	F	64	3 years		8/9/2004
4	acid reflux	Aciphex definitely relieved the reflux and indigestion. However, I now have headaches, very dry mouth at night as well as leg cramps. There is also shortness of breath and bloating.	My doctor said to take it for one month to allow my esophogus to heel. I have started to take it every other day to keep symptoms down. This is not good for the long term. Want something natural, going to try acidopholis and eat dinner earlier.	F	64	10 days		9/24/2007
3	GERD	I have been losing muscle tone and having severe leg cramps for many months - just thinking that I am getting old even though i am very active...but it occurred to me today when i couldn't walk the length of the mall that something is going on. Since Aciphex is the only medication I take, I'm glad to have found this website. It does help the GERD but I cannot continue with the leg muscle and joint problems and increasing weight gain. I wish I were more knowledgeable about the "natural" medications. They are not foolproof either. Guess I'll just stop eating.	Wish i had a good suggestion.	F	64	1 years		10/3/2007 Email
1	irritation in esophagus	After 5 days of Aciphex:: bloated feeling; non-stop burping and farting; stomach cramps; frequent and loose stools; tightness in chest; aching across shoulder and back. Symptoms disappeared 1 day after taking myself of the pills.		M	64	5 days		2/10/2008
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 Email
5	gerd/gartritis/esophageal scarring	moderate to severe itching - many places on body. if scratch - swells up to bump. Location: upper arms, belly, thighs.	Wow. Does it ever do the job. I was on it 4 years ago - but insurance formulary changed and disallowed it. Went on prilosec/olemeprazole instead. Prilosec barely worked for me - and caused diarrhea 3 to 4 times a week (I just figured out which out of 8 prescriptions I take had been causing diarrhea for 3 years or so. Kind of dumb huh?). Switched 10 days ago - and it is wonderful - except for the itching....	M	63	10 days		3/5/2007 Email
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
4	acid reflux	Big Time Diarrhea & Gas. Started approximately 2 weeks after taking the first pills.	I plan on discontinuing taking Aciphex in the next couple of days. Will post on this site if reflux symtoms return. Hopefully side efforts will disappear. Even though the Aciphex helped, the long terms side affects would prohibit continual use.	M	63	30 days		12/14/2006
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 Email
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 Email
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
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 Email
1	GERD	On the third day, sudden dizziness about 20 minutes after taking it. I passed out and fell down; lucky not to have been seriously injured.	Prescribing doctor claims he has never heard of this problem.	M	62	3 days		12/16/2008
1	digestive problems in general	heart palpatations, chest tightness, tingling in arms and legs, dry mouth, tightness in throat, anxiety,loose bowel, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, light headedness,stomach cramps, felt like I was going crazy, fear, twitching, indegestion, acid reflux	I would no recommend this to anyone, side effects are like nothing I have ever experienced, I took myself off of it a week ago and am still suffering some of the effects. Aciphex has been like poison to my body. Really scary. I had to pay $211 for this med. because my insurance does not pay for this one and I will be throwing half of it away, what a waste of my money not to mention what it has put me thru.	F	62	2 weeks 20 mg 1X D		8/10/2010
1	severe belly pain	Went to emergency room when itching in scalp, underarms, waist and leg band area had large raised angry red lumps. Itch was severe.Tightness in throat.Felt wired.Not able to sleep or even sit still.		F	62	10 days		4/18/2005
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
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 Email
3	severe GERD	There was no question of not taking it when I started: I had SEVERE acid reflux and a bleeding ulcer from three years of taking pain medications without a break. I had it so bad I lost my voice, could not breathe, docs didn't know what was wrong. Finally someone figured it out, went on Aciphex. Once my body got used to it, it was fine, no reflux, no bothersome symptoms. But then, at two years, I noticed I was gaining weight, my hair started falling out, my skin got a nasty pallor. I read about bone loss and possible stomach polyps.	As others have noted, when you try to go off, there's a rebound effect. I've been taking 1/2 pill daily, will continue until I can come off entirely. So far so good, had reflux only initially (went on a GERD diet at the same time), but now bowels are in an uproar.	F	61	2 years		5/7/2007
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
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 Email
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
3	Barretts esophagus = severe heartbu	nausea -joint pain- weight gain- swollen abdomen - mild lethargy	My theory: reason acid is so bad when you stop taking it is because as soon as the acid blockers wear off,the body rushes to make up for the lack of acid in the system. Since taking aciphex, my barretts is somewhat better, heartburn definitely better. I have also stopped ingesting 3 things - tomatoes, chocolate, wine. Combination works for me.	F	59	3 years		9/7/2006
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
5	Hiatal Hernia/Gerd/Esophigitis	None noticed	I have been on this so long and have been able to eat any and everything. Only recently I've decided to find an alternative as I don't like what I've read about long time use of PPI's. I am going to try for every other day until I can get in to see the doctor (first available appt. is over 2 mos. away). This medicine has been a life-saver. And yes, every month I hear from the ins. co. about switching to a cheaper drug. I tried it once for 3 days. If a drug helps me, I'm sticking with it.	F	58	10 years 20 1X D		8/19/2010
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	Gerd	Same as everyone!! ALL these meds are "PPIs" and are causing most ALL your symptoms....KEEP IN MIND......Nexium and Prilosec are both PPI's too! Read the ratings on NEXIUM and PRILOSEC before you take them, too! Also PLEASE report side effects to the FDA		F	58	4 weeks		2/24/2008
1	GERD	Lump in throat, worse chest pains, heart palpatations and frewuent bowle movements		M	58	7 days		1/24/2010
1	I have acute gastritis	Muscle spasms, muscle breakdown, joint pain, headaches, anxiety, dehydration, heart palpitations.	I take 60 mg.of aciphex per day. At first it worked like a miracle, but now after 7 years, I have so many side effect and through many attempts of coming off of the drug I feel terrible everyday. This medicine helps one medical problem, but creates a dozen other problems. It is easy for the Doctors to say switch to Prilosec or Nexium or Zantax, which I have tried, but it is not any easy thing to do. You are hooked for life. If anyone has any advice on how to wean yourself off of this nasty medicine, I am open for suggestions.	M	58	7 years		8/8/2008 Email
5	Barrret's esophagus	No noticeble side effects	I was prescribed this after I was treated for Barrett's, where food got stuck going down. I'd have to start a meal with liquids to lubricate my "pipes", but often meat and bread would have to be pushed down with a big gulp of liquid. I had minor indigestion prior to treatment and after taking this daily for 4 years I can eat anything I want and have hardly any digestive problems. Though it's expensive on my insurance plan I have been getting the $30 rebate for several years and it helps.	M	57	4 years		4/17/2006
4	often belching ,heartburn at night	none		F	57	6 days		10/8/2006 Email
1	barrett's esophagus, hiatal hernia	extreme drymouth, itching, weight gain, increased blood pressure	Bad headaches for the first 2 weeks. Worked OK, but had also raised my bed 8". I quit after 9 mos (20mg/day) & drymouth & itching stopped. Quitting abruptly apparently causes pumps to over-produce acid, so took Pepcid Complete for 2 weeks. Now I'm OK w/a few Tums and occasional Pepcid Complete. The side effects were not worth it! Avoiding certain foods and not eating before sleeping is the answer for me...as well as the adjustable bed I am buying.	F	57	9 months		5/7/2007 Email
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
5	Acid reflux	Works great, very seldom have any acid. Used to take 10-20 antacids a day. Now take 0. I had one side effect after several years of use - depression. It turns out this medication has a tendency to deplete vitamin B12 which can cause your moods to go bad. I started taking B12, and after about a month have almost totally stopped my antidepressants.		M	56	7 years		7/24/2008 Email
5	GERD	None	I've been taking aciphex for about 2 years now. I've had nothing but success. Dr took me off for a while for an over the counter medication. Within days the heartburn returned and was unbearable. Within hours of taking aciphex my heartburn went away. I don't know of any side effects that I've experienced. Only problem is the VA hospital and TRICARE have removed it from their list of meds. Now my co-pay is a little high, about $27 for 45 pills, but its worth the money for me	M	56	2 years		11/10/2008
4	gastritis; reflux	After 3 weeks of taking Aciphex twice a day, numbness in hands and arms from armpits to fingertips; also an episode of severely itchy skin on the backs of my legs for 2 days.	Aciphex definitely helped my stomach conditions, but I think I may have been on too high a dosage. I have discontinued this drug for now. My skin tends to be itchy in winter anyway, but the numbness was scary.	F	56	20 days		1/12/2007
4	acid reflux,ulcer	I had no side effects - tolerated well from day one. However, I had occasional breakthrough when I didn't take it in a.m. on empty stomache routinely or when I drank wine late at night. Been taking for many years and have experienced the following which may or may not be related to aciphex: adult acne, chronic diarrhea, palpitations, polyps, sudden weight gain/bloating and my lifelong migraines have worsened and are more frequent. Have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and anemia recently and suddenly. Read where it causes palpitations, polyps and bone loss. Some symptoms could also be related to menopause but I think it's the aciphex.	I have done some research and have discovered this medicine was not intended for long-term use. I have had 2 surgeries to remove polyps and I'm fighting bone loss, anemia and chronic diarrhea which indicates to me absorption problems. I've always suspected this drug but trying to get off it is a misery now --- incredible heartburn. I have read that raw apple cider vinegar and digestive enzymes can help you get of the meds. I'm going cold turkey first of the year.	F	56	8 years		12/27/2006 Email
4	GERD, EROSIVE ESOPHOGITIS	First week I had a little loose stool...and I have had a little breakthrough heartburn but take a 1/2 antacid like Tums and I am fine.	I have to say that I tried all the other meds out there before giving this a try and was concerned after reading all the horror stories here but this has worked fine for me thus far. I have researched and know that it is not intended for long-term usage and I have let my dr know that I do not intend to continue it for years.....I do have a slightly decreased appetite which isn't hurting me a bit! Other than that, it seems to work fine for me. I have found that with ANY medicine you sometimes have to give it a chance to let your body get used to it...and most everything has some type of side effect..just watch the TV advertisements! It is a personal decision to know what you are or are not, willing to live with.	F	56	56 days		6/26/2008
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
3	GERD, "lump in throat" feeling	Raised, red, bumpy and extremely itchy rash on buttocks. dry mouth, lots of gas, bloating. rapid heart beat from time to time.	Replaced Prevacid with Aciphex. Prevacid was not even touching the symptoms I have. Relief from symptoms of GERD was very improved with Aciphex, but this rash is troublesome. From what I read here, it sounds like the rash can get worse. I may try some of the natural remedies mentioned until I can discuss these side effects with my physician. I am scheduled for Ultrasound of Abdomen and other workups for next week to try and discover why the sudden GERD.	F	56	7 days		6/18/2006
3	Gerd	in the 7 years that I have been taking aciphex it immediatly cured my acid reflux However steadly I have had skin rashes start to appear muscle cramps,spasms, weakness in the legs	I quit taking aciphex on this Monday and after 4 days I am starting to feel somewhat better (now taking Prilosec)	M	56	7 years		11/2/2007
1	acid reflux	Heart palpitations galore. Am seeing cardiologist tomorrow because it's like a kachunk that I can feel in my chest. Scary. Only happens after taking it in the evening. Just figured out today that Aciphex was the cause. Health is good otherwise. Will not take it anymore!		F	56	2 months		1/15/2008
1	Acid Reflux	Suffered from sore throat and voice loss. Dr. diagnosed acid reflux burning larynx. I had never noticed any heartburn or acid reflux. Started taking and soon noticed an excess of gas, belching and reflux but no burning. Gums became red and swollen, bleeding easily. Reduced from 2 pills to one and the swelling and bleeding stopped but gums remained red. Dentist said it looked as if they had been burned. A node was found behind the vocal chords and removed. Shortly afterward sore throat returned and voice loss. Doctor said he could not find anything that would cause those symptoms. Remembering the effect on my gums, thought it might be the aciphex. Discontinued use and within week the throat pain and voice loss was gone. Then extreme acid reflux began. Never had anything like it. Even drinking water would send burning pain up from stomach to middle of chest. Gave up and took aciphex. Reflux stopped but throat pain began again.	Never suffered acid reflux symptoms until taking Aciphex. Now if I try to stop use, the pain is extreme. I'm going to try OTC Prilosec or Nexxium. I think Acid Reflux is being over diagnosed.	F	56	8 months		2/3/2008
1	acid reflux	hangover feeling,headache,dry throat,bloating,cramping		F	56	5 days		8/7/2006
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
1	GERD, Cough, Hoarseness	On 2nd day, felt weak and dizzy when walking up stairs and my heart started pounding with palpitations.	I can't wait to get this out of my system. It feels like poison.	F	56	2 days		12/6/2008
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 Email
5		none		F	55	6 months		10/11/2009
5	Reflux	Sun - sesitivity. Developed a super tan in the summer up here in the North - - even limiting my sun exposure , but any time in the sun was painful. During the two summers I never did get a sun burn, but it sure felt like I was burning any time I was in the sun. Also felt windburned whenever I was outside in the winter.	Had a dry hacking cough that was so severe I would occasionally pass out. Tried water & vinegar and it didn't help. Took the Aciphex and symptoms disappeared immediately. Have since switched to Nexium in the last month in anticipation of summer. So far the Nexium seems to be working.	M	55	2.5 years		3/27/2007
5	GERD	None, but others' experiences noted here will keep me on the alert	I take Aciphex 20 mg twice daily after trying everything over the counter and both of the purple pills. Nexium gave me a fluttering sensation in my stomach and didn't work- even when I was told to take it twice a day. I also take ranitidine 300 mg. (Zantac) at bedtime, but I have no ill effects from this medication. I had muscle spasms long before taking this, and they've not troubled me any worse.	F	55	5 years		1/27/2008 Email
5	GERD	Very irregular, gassy. Not fun	But it works great for the problem.	M	55	7 days		2/6/2003
5	GERD	Very irregular, gassy. Not fun	But it works great for the problem.	M	55	7 days		2/6/2003
3	GERD	stomach cramps, gas, IBS-like syndrome	superexpensive--$35 copay after insurance; good relief from GERD symptoms, but the side effects are unacceptable.	F	55			10/30/2005
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	reflux	Got Worse		F	55	2 days		9/3/2009
1	Acid Reflux & Stomach Pain	Most everything that everyone else is describing but the worst side effect was the stomach pain and bloating that it caused which was worst then the stomach pain I was having before I started taking it. I stopped taking it and I am now back on Zantac 75mg 4 times a day and I'm starting to feel much better.	I have been on almost all the older and newer acid reducing drugs over the last 25 years and I must say that is one of the nastiest ones Ive ever been prescribed as far as side effects go.	M	55	12 days		7/7/2008
1	acid reflux	Sore on side of tongue didn't heal for 1 month. After it healed, then immediately experienced tongue and throat swelling, accompanied by numbness in the mouth.	Initially it was difficult to attribute the side effects to Aciphex, as I had been taking it for 5 months before I noticed any side effects. The swelling of the throat and tongue, however, definitely indicated a life threatening allergy, and when I stopped taking Aciphex, the swellings immediately ceased.	F	55	5 months		10/10/2005
5	GERD	None	I was prescribed Aciphex to be taken daily. I have found that I can actually get acceptable results by taking it every third day. This really helps on the high cost of this meidation, as Caremark does not consider it one of their "chosen" medications.	M	54	2 years		9/10/2005
5	Severe Gerd	Weight Gain?	I have taken this drug for two years after a number of years of suffering, and sleepless nights due to fear of the reflux. This drug works like a miracle cure and I have no identifiable side effects. Although I have put on 15 pounds I blame that on the fact that I can eat whatever I want without fear.If I stop the drug for a day or more the heartburn returns very strongly. I would like to stop taking it but there are no natural cures that I found to work and I really dont want to change my diet too much.	M	54	2 years		7/15/2008 Email
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
4	GERD, LPR, achalasia	slight queasiness occasionally	My insurance wouldn't pay for Prilosec, so the doctor said Aciphex is ok too. It dramatically reduced the inflammation in my esophagus, larynx, adam's apple and glands. My cough is gone, and I have no heartburn. I don't know what the long term implications will be, but I am very pleased so far	F	54	3 days		4/27/2007
4	GERD	Loose stools, occasional itching.	I had severe pain in lower chest starting in the afternoon. I was on Prilosec for months, but it stopped having an effect. I had been somewhat depressed as well, so the Dr. put me on Zoloft and Acifex. It took several weeks for the Acifex to have an effect, but I haven't had any pain in over two months. I stopped it for a few days, and the pain returned almost immediately.	M	54	4 months		12/21/2007
4	Acid Reflux	None yet	Battled increasing problems with Acid Reflux. Initially Zantac 75 worked to curb it, but over time it wasn't working. Doctor prescribed Aciphex and have been taking for 2 months. However, only taking one tab every 3rd day and so far no side effects.	F	54	2 months		10/16/2007
3	Heartburn	Full feeling after eating even small amounts of food. Slight pain in throat, face, ears and head. Numbness in right foot after about 2 weeks use.	Really helps with heartburn, but I may have to take only occasionally. Side effects were less than Prevacid and it's more effective the Protonix.	M	54	3 weeks		10/16/2006 Email
3		Chest pain, stiff neck, headaches, weight gain		M	54	30 days		2/12/2009
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
1	Acid Reflux		I tried Apple Cider Vinegar Tablets (I understand that Vinegar and honey also works) as a way to help my Acid Reflux - and I have not have a symptom for two weeks. The problem with Acid Reflux is not the acid, but a lack of acid to help digest the food quickly and get it out of your stomach and into your system. I tried a lot of other things, but the Apple Cider Vinegar tablets works for me. I did a lot of research on line and checked out an European study about the benefits of apple cider vinegar. I admit that I do not like to take Doc prescribed drugs and this has worked for me. Hope it works for you.	M	54			12/12/2008
5	Severe Acid Reflux	Diarrhea and gas	After reading so many articles recently about Aciphex specifically being related to bone loss and fractures after long-term use, I decided to stop....acid reflux came back immediately with a vengence. I'm looking for a more natural remedy. Being female and post-menopausal and already prone to bone loss, I'm not taking further risks. I'd rather have acid reflux than bone fractures.	F	53	1 years		1/29/2007
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
5	chronic heartburn	None..changed my life..I eat anything I want..mix coffe and orange juice which used to kill me...NEVER NEED A TUMS ANYMORE!!!	I am researching the claim that prolonged use of PPI meds lead to heart disease...the following link appears to debunk that and say it actually enhances heart health?www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/24479/36146/581102.html?d=dmtContent	M	53	2 years		8/31/2007
5	GERD	no side effects	I have been taking it for two years now and find that if I miss a day I suffer that evening.	M	53	2 years		1/4/2008
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
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 and beginnnign of ulcer	INSOMNIA: While taking Aciphex I woke up at 4 am. I also experienced anxiety. Protonix works better for the GERD and did not cause me any insomnia.		F	53	2 weeks		9/30/2007
1	acid reflux	Dizziness, light headedness within 24 hours of taking one dose.	It certainly gets rid of the acid reflux but at a price I am not willing to pay - DIZZINESS. Dr. said no way it could cause dizziness but as you read these postings you see others with same side effect. I take it when stomach gets real bad but then I spend 2-3 days getting over the dizziness.	M	53	2 days		12/8/2008
5	Acid Reflux	No noticeable side effects other than more consistent belching. However, with acidity under control appetite increased and I had some slight weight gain.	I had narrowing of "schatzi's ring" in upper esophagus due to acidity and reflux. Food would block (particularly meat/beef)in my esophagus when eating. My Dr. opened up the ring with a balloon type of device, and then prescribed Aciphex. I stopped the Aciphex after 30 days, and acidity returned and renewed symtoms of blockage. I have been able to establish a clear causal link between the increased acidity and the blockage. As long as I take the Aciphex the acidity stays under control and there is no blockage when I eat.	M	52	5 months		3/7/2006
4	heartburn	no side effects but it has suddenly stopped working. I have been taking it twice a day for 3 years. Switched to protonix and I hope that works		F	52	3 years		4/3/2007
4	Gerd & Barrets	A mix of aching joints, fatigue, hangover headache,severe anxiety, dry mouth and throat, heart palpitations/tight chest feeling, gas, nausea.....all this has increased since I received my Aciphex refill...maybe the recipe has been changed....!!	I now going to ask for a change of meds to combat the bloody lousy side effect off Aciphex,although Aciphex is very effective. Note: avoid wine, chocolate, tomato products, citrus, high fat contents, and anything acidic. Moderate quantity of beer is ok with me.	M	52	12 months		10/21/2006 Email
3	Reflux	Depression, feeling agitated, bloated, stomach cramps, diarrhea.	I didn't realize these might be side effects from the medication until I read your website. Will be seeing my doctor Monday and hopefully come off this medication. The side effects are very uncomfortable, and bone loss is not worth the risk.	F	52	11 months		8/8/2007
3	Acid Reflux	I have been on it for seven months. It works fine, but if you are off for a couple of weeks, the acid reflux comes back again. No side effects at all so far.		M	52	7 months		2/7/2008
2	acid reflux	Am also a sufferer of colitis, so I am unsure if this is caused by aciphex, however, I have been having bad gas, cramps and stomach bloating which roughly coincides with use of this product.		M	52	3 months		7/24/2006
2	Pre-ulcers	Strong headaches, trouble sleeping, loss of REM-sleep.	Side effects were pronounced enough to require discontinuing the drug. It is effective in treating that for which it is prescribed.	M	52	21 days		6/21/2008
1	GERD	racing heart, tremor, anxiety, throat constriction	Worked well for my GERD but couldn't stand the side effects. Tried Prilosec, Protonix, Aciphex, Nexium - same thing. Finally stopped everything (mistake - I should have tapered off) and had a very difficult week! It took 4-5 days for the heart pounding to stop, and almost a week to stop shaking. Now I'm trying lifestyle changes and orange peel extract.	F	52	4 weeks		12/27/2008
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 Email
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
1	GERD	Severe bloating, nausea, headache.	It did nothing to relieve the acid reflux, and I think it actually made it worse. After taking it for 35 of the most miserable days of my life, I switched to Protonix and am finally starting to feel better after taking Protonix for a week.	F	52	35 days		4/2/2006
1	Acid Reflux	Burping, chills, headache, stomach cramping, high anxiety, chest pain, dry mouth, foaming of mouth from dryness, uncontrolled shaking, confusion, numbness of fingers and toes, constipation, nausea, red patches on face and body then hives breakout, itchiness, fatigue, muscle pain, sleepiness, hangover like feeling, body temperature drop.	Took for about 4 days then felt like I was having a heart attact or seizure. Went to hospital. Body temp was 92 degrees. Didn't know it was from medication until I took pill again and put two and two together. Wound up in the hospital again with temperature of 93. I had majority of side effects. Took for about 3 days then got sick, skipped about 5 days then got sick second time.	F	52	1 weeks		1/17/2006
1	acid reflux	mild constant headache, insomnia, swellings around eyes, extreme hypersensitivity to light, distance vision reduced about 20%	I felt very aged after one month on this medication. Symptoms were not tolerable. My reflux was mild, and no milder recommendations were made to me before giving me this strong drug. I've since been able to manage my symptom with diet and alternative aids.	F	52	30 days		8/10/2006
5	Bad heart burn	I have noticed diarrhea that started one week after starting Aciphex.	Other than the diarrhea this is the most effective medicine I have been given. Would like to know if anyone else had experienced diarrhea as a side effect.	F	51	3 weeks		6/15/2006
5	Acid Reflux	Over 5 years this product worked well, then lost its effectiveness going to zero impact and the last year created Celiac Disease CELIAC DISEASE big time. A month after I stopped taking the Aciphex, the Celiac Disease went away.		M	51	6 years		1/21/2006 Email
5	GERD	None	I had chest pains which cardiologists eventually ruled out as being heart-related. My doctor prescribed Aciphex as an interim remedy before testing for GERD. It worked. I've been on 20mg daily for a month with no side effects.	M	51	30 days		8/4/2007
5	Severe Acid Reflux	Bone loss.	This pill has changed my life. I take 20 mgs per day. I suffered from a constant cough and never knew why until I had a PH test done on my esphogus. I would cough until I threw up. Now, I have to figure out to protect my bones.	F	51	6 months		8/21/2007

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Average rating for drug: 2.8. This page is printer-friendly; use landscape print with background color turned on.

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.

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