Neuropathy + Proton-pump Inhibitor use?? Anyone had this experience?

I've responded to a similar inquires re PPI use and the development of peripheral neuropathies from members of the esophageal cancer forum. However, I am posting this recent publication in this month's edition of the scientific journal, Nature.

Proton-pump inhibitor use is associated with a broad spectrum of neurological adverse events including impaired hearing, vision, and memory
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Published: 21 November 2019
Proton-pump inhibitor use is associated with a broad spectrum of neurological adverse events including impaired hearing, vision, and memory
Tigran Makunts, Sama Alpatty, Kelly C. Lee, Rabia S. Atayee & Ruben Abagyan
Scientific Reports volume 9, Article number: 17280 (2019) Cite this article

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Abstract
Proton-pump inhibitors, PPIs, are considered effective therapy for stomach acid suppression due to their irreversible inhibition of the hydrogen/potassium pump in the gastric parietal cells. They are widely prescribed and are considered safe for over-the-counter use. Recent studies have shown an association between PPI use and Alzheimer dementia, while others have disputed that connection. We analyzed over ten million United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System reports, including over forty thousand reports containing PPIs, and provided evidence of increased propensity for memory impairment among PPI reports when compared to histamine-2 receptor antagonist control group. Furthermore, we found significant associations of PPI use with a wide range of neurological adverse reactions including, migraine, several peripheral neuropathies, and visual and auditory neurosensory abnormalities.

I don’t know if my peripheral neuropathy is linked to my 2+ year use of pantoprazole, but I would not be surprised as the timing is spot on. I stopped taking it 2 months ago because I was having stomach aches daily. I asked my GP if the PPI could be causing them and he said I was not the first patient in recent months to have this problem. He changed me to omeprazole and I had the same stomach issues. His suggestion was OTC famotidine, which I now take as needed only. I don’t understand why doctors leave us on these medications that are technically meant for short term use, and can actually heal many stomach issues they are prescribed for in a reasonably short period of time. I’m off-topic again. I am certainly going to bring this up with my GP in my August appointment. I had bloodwork come back yesterday with high B6 and plasma numbers. This is also something that may cause neuropathy. The human body is an anomaly to me and at 72 years of age, more oddities are cropping up every day. I’m afraid a lot of them are coming from medication I have taken or am taking currently. My ANA came back positive and my titer number indicates autoimmune diseases, also possibly medication induced. Stay tuned… I’ll let you know my findings. Good luck to you!

I have been on Lansoprazole (PPI) for about 20 years. I suffer with PN and after reading the latest postings re PPI’s causing PN I am concerned. Has anyone got reliable info on this. Should we be stopping PPI’s or at least be talking to GP

following this discussion: I am new to PPI and took omeprozol for 2 months. Stopped only to have an extreme reaction - basically hypergastriniemia. complete with a fever and now 3 weeks later continuous stomach aches. I too was recommended famotdine 10mg - prescription strength. Additionally, I also have PN which varies from day to day. I get so confused about what is causing what that I just don't want to take ANY medications, yet I want to understand what the repercussions are to ME and my particular body, not the average AI. One year ago, I added alpha lipoic acid to a few other otc supplements and my body went haywire. I cannot even describe it other than I could only lay down - in the middle of a bike ride. I still take B12 500mg and D 1000mg daily.

I literally have the same symptoms! I was scrolling through the internet to see if someone has similar symptoms and if there is a cause behind this. I just got blood work done and everything is normal except my vitamin B12 is also high. I have been experiencing pins and needles sensation in hands and feet for the past three months. I only started experiencing it when my dose of Prilosec was increased to 40 mg x2/day. Now I am only taking 20 mg once per day but I still have the same symptoms. I am thinking about tapering off because I have been taking Prilosec for about a year now and my digestion seems to be getting worse. I can't eat eggs, protein shakes, and other meats give me problems too. Digestive enzymes sometimes help but not for eggs, turkey bacon, and other things. Thanks for sharing your story.

Interesting. I never would have thought of this but I've been on 40 mg. of Protonix for about two years and just developed burning on the soles of my feet--no diagnosis yet but have appointment. Please let us know if you find out anything. Thank you for sharing.

You might be onto something. After reading your post I researched if there is a connection between the two and came up with quite a few studies. I'll try posting the link to one below.
How can proton pump inhibitors damage central and peripheral nervous systems? - PMC https://share.google/9JQISl468g4HXBnWt
If that doesn't work, anyone with PN on PPI''s should consider getting off and take B12 and magnesium supplements.

WOW Ive just read this study. It almost 6 years old and shocking these PPIs are STILL being given out like sweets. I had 2 gut surgeries in 2024 and both times told had to taker PPIs for 8 weeks afterwards. I developed numbness first on right foot then month or 2 later also left foot. Now 6 months after my last surgery and 3 months after ending PPIs I'm stuck with very painful burning in feet and wrists and side hands . Been diagnosed with Small Fibre Neuropathy (SFN) which is a sensory axonal neuropathy. No reason except "probably idiopathic --- detest that word.

I'd be most interest to know if anyone else has heard of others suffering the same fate after taking PPI's (:

I we can find these medical articles why on earth can't the doctors and surgeons recommending these drugs at least warn of these risks (:

Please please let me know if you find other studies or if anyone else is affected please let me know.

@davidwrenn
WOW I've just read this study. It almost 6 years old and shocking these PPIs are STILL being given out like sweets. I had 2 gut surgeries in 2024 and both times told had to take PPIs for 8 weeks afterwards.

I developed numbness first on right foot then month or 2 later also left foot. Now 6 months after my last surgery and 3 months after ending PPIs I'm stuck with very painful burning in feet and wrists and side hands . Been diagnosed with Small Fibre Neuropathy (SFN) which is a sensory axonal neuropathy. No reason except "probably idiopathic --- detest that word.

I'd be most interest to know if anyone else has heard of others suffering the same fate after taking PPI's (:

If we can find these medical articles why on earth can't the doctors and surgeons recommending these drugs at least warn us of these risks (:

Please please let me know if you find other studies or if anyone else is affected please let me know.

Regards
Linda Cameron