I've been taking lansoprazole for several months because I was experiencing symptoms of reflux - heartburn upon waking, excessive phlegm in the back of my throat and feelings of nausea. Three weeks ago I started to get diarrhoea which is ongoing. It usually happens very early in the morning and then in the evening - so usually twice a day. I don't know if it is the lansoprazole that is causing this, or the fact that to help with the phlegm in my throat I begain chewing sugar-free gum several weeks ago as it seemed to help to clear it. I have since discovered that sugar-free gum contains sorbitol which I understand can have a laxative effect. I was probably chewing about 8 pieces a day. I have visited my GP who has prescribed loperamide - I have been using this for 2 days but it hasn't really changed anything - I still have diarrhoea twice a day. I don't seem to be allowed to have any tests until I have had diarrhoea for 6 weeks (4 weeks if there's blood which for me there isn't). Is anyone having any similar experiences as I do feel very worried that it could be something serious.
Pat
I know from experience that anything containing sortibol has that effect on your stomach, and should only be used occasionally !!
Sorbitol is known to be a laxative, don't chew gum containing it.
Lansoprazole and all other PPI's can affect digestion and hence leave you prone to some form of diarrhoea.
I find Ranitidine (Zantac) an old and safer form of PPI, less likely to cause adverse reactions.
Loperamide doesn't sove the problem of incomplete digestion (from taking PPI's0 but I am surprised it doesn't stop the diarrhoea.
Thanks for that. I've stopped chewing gum, and am now wondering if it will take some time for my gut to settle down - fingers crossed!
Thanks for that; I think I'll ask my GP if I could change my PPI to Ranitidine.