My daughter introduced me to Ranitidine, and it's WON-derful in it's intended role of reducing/elminating heartburn/acid reflux. It's really let me enjoy foods I'd pretty much given up on. I'll take one 3 or 4 times a week, depending on the menu.

I looked up something I'd been suspecting for a while, and sure enough, insomnia is a known side effect of Ranitidine/Zantac/Pepcid type meds. Shit.

So now my daughter tells me she uses melatonin to counteract the insomnia.

I'm not a big believer in pills for everything and try to keep medications to a minimum. Therefore, I'm more likely to just stop eating foods that get to me again rather than add another med to the list, even if it is "natural". So this leads me to three questions:

1. Is there an acid blocker that's as effective as Ranitidine without the side effects? (I doubt it, but figured I'd ask)

2. Does melatonin actually work?

3. A quick search lists depression and irritability as side effects of melatonin. How common is this? I'm a grouchy old fart by inclination, I don't need anything that will enhance that.

I take Pantoprazole 20mg (Protonix) in AM.

No trouble sleeping at night.

I know there have been a lot of discussions of CPAP users here, can't recall if you're one of them.

Relevance - I was a regular Ranitidine user for a couple years, but after getting a proper diagnosis and treatment for what was mild sleep apnea, my indigestion issues in bed were completely gone. I mean completely, regardless of what or when I eat it.

quote:

Originally posted by GWbiker:
I take Pantoprazole 20mg (Protonix) in AM.

No trouble sleeping at night.

This works for me also, but I take it about 5pm.

quote:

Originally posted by GWbiker:
I take Pantoprazole 20mg (Protonix) in AM.

No trouble sleeping at night.

I take this too, 40mg.

quote:

Originally posted by BigWhup:

quote:

Originally posted by GWbiker:
I take Pantoprazole 20mg (Protonix) in AM.

No trouble sleeping at night.

This works for me also, but I take it about 5pm.

Me too.

I take famotidine (Pepcid) every night before going to bed and sleep like a spanked baby.

I take 20mg of opremazol... no problems with sleep or noon naps.

I'll ask about the Protonix, thanks.

Georgeair, as far as I know, I don't have sleep apnea. I wake up rested and ready to go in the mornings.

I am, however, an "active" sleeper, judging by the condition of the covers in the morning. Don't know if that's an indication of anything other than flopping around in my sleep tho.

I’ve been taking the Kirkland ranitidine 150 for years, no problem whatsoever. I was taking one twice daily, but now one just before bedtime is satisfactory.

I’ve given up eating like a lumber jack, which might be a factor, too.

I take either ranitidine or famotidine and have for years. No issues. Be careful about taking the Proton pump inhibitors long term. They don't yet have a lot of long term study data.

RMD

The Protonix abruptly quit working for me after 10 years on it, so now I am on 40mg of omeprazole.

quote:

Originally posted by JALLEN:
I’ve given up eating like a lumber jack, which might be a factor, too.

Sadly, it is.

If I discipline myself and stay under 200 pounds, digestive issues essentially disappear. I've been hovering around 210 for 2-3 years and that's just enough that I have to be REALLY careful what I eat from a heartburn standpoint, or take meds for it.

And I was SO enjoying getting back to pizza and tomato-based sauces...

I guess I should just suck it up and get back on the diet wagon. Dammit.

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:


I guess I should just suck it up and get back on the diet wagon. Dammit.

I think so.

My worst problems happened back when I was about 60 lbs heavier some years ago.

Losing that 60 lbs. had many benefits. Being that heavy messed up weight and balance on my airplane, and I was getting calls to do Wilford Brimley’s nude scenes as a body double.

Now I have very few digestive issues, like the good old days, and no calls from the movies!

If I could breathe, I’d be all set!

There is recent news of studies showing a significant increase in the risk of stomach cancer with the prolonged use of these drugs. For those seeing these as a free pass to eat like a teenager without consequences it may be worth studying up on the latest research. Some studies show an increased risk from use while others have found their use to mask the early signs of existing disease.

I've been taking 1 Ranitidine, per day, for several years. I take it around 5:00, and I really don't have a problem sleeping.

Having said that, my problem is waking up around 3:00. Sometimes I can go right back to sleep, but if I start thinking about something, I'm done sleeping. I tried the Melatonin, and it seemed to make me sleep all night. The problem I had, was that I was groggy all the next day. Didn't feel like doing anything. After several days like that, I decided I was better off waking up at 3:00.

I take an oz of Braggs Apple Cider vinegar in the morning and now heartburn is a thing of the past.

Esophagitis, reflux, esophageal cancer, they will keep you up at night too, for me I will take my chances with Pepcid.

All of you guys on PPIs (Protonix, Prilosec, etc...) should be advised that when taken long term (years) they can and do cause a multitude of issues. If you are still needing them after a month or so, you've got other issues that should be addressed.

Regarding the ranitidine, insomnia would be a rare side effect and I'd be more inclined to think that it was a drug:drug interaction causing the issue rahter than the zantac alone (assuming that you are on other meds). For episodic relief, you might try another of the H2 blockers (Pepcid) and see if you have the same reaction. Otherwise, avoidance of aggravating factors is your best bet. Surgery being the final option.

If you want a second opinion: I agree with Gustofer. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) including Nexus, Protonix, Prilosec (omeprazole) completely suppress acid production in the stomach. Why would we have acid in the stomach if it's not helpful? Increased risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney failure are documented with PPI's--but not with H2 blockers including ranitidine and famotidine. Also, stomach acid is necessary for proper absorption of vitamin B-12, and probably other nutrients.
Short-term use of PPIs is OK, but long-term use should be reviewed with your physician.