Suggest Treatment For Excessive Hair Loss While On Nexium

Posted on Wed, 21 Dec 2016

Question: I have taken Nexium for 20 years. Started having excessive hair loss. One of your Dr.s said extended use of Nexium could result in 44% more chance of dementia or kidney problems etc. I stopped taking Nexium a few months back. I cannot find anything that will control the acid. It doesn't make any difference what I eat or do not eat. I am taking Zantac, Gaviscon and other OTC acid reducers. The reflux is almost unbearable. It is almost constant. I cough constantly, if I stoop or bend over the acid comes up, I vomit sometime due to the acid, once there was some pale blood in the vomit. I went to a gastrologist who told me the only thing that would stop it was Nexium. When I expressed my concerns about the side effects, she just said it hadn't been proven. There are enough reports of problems about Nexium that I do not want to take it. A week ago, I broke down and took OTC Nexium 22.3 mg. Just that one capsule stopped the acid for almost 3 days. After that I took one more. After 2 whole days the acid is starting to come back (lightly). What should I do? Also are there any side effects of Zantac that I should be concerned about. I hear that acid reducers stop vitamins from getting to the brain. Are there any vitamins I should take? I take Vitamin D and Vitamin B. Please advise.
Regards, XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lifestyle modification is primary.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone very carefully through your query. As evident, your problem involves gastroesophageal reflux. Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces. If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate, stomach acid will reflux into the food pipe and on the other hand the bowel habits would not be proper.

In order to relieve yourself, you need to do the following:
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit).
* Take Nexium (esomeprazole) once daily before breakfast or as per your requirement.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* If I had a patient like you I would perhaps have suggested Prodep 20 mg tablet once daily for at least 2 months (it may take time for the action to set in). Discuss with your doctor.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
* Yoga and meditation should help. De-stressing is very important.
* Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. You can take it along with calcium supplements. However, it is independent of the current problem.
* Unless you have deficiency symptoms, you would not benefit from taking Vitamin B supplements.

Hope that helps.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 days later)

You think I should take Nexium, in spite of the side effects and the warnings not to take long term? I have taken it over 20 years. I was having hair loss which is one of the side effects. Possible side effect of dementia is a big concern for me at age 69. After stopping Nexium and after a while the hair loss stopped.
I take Benefiber every day.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lifestyle modification is primary.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Sorry for not being able to respond faster.

Taking Nexium long term is usually meaningless as if the issue were to be resolved, it would already have. Off and on use is ok despite the warnings of the possible side effects. But stress plays an important role and so lifestyle modification and stress reduction would be more important. That is the reason that I have suggested yoga and meditation.

I doubt whether your hair loss has anything to do with the ailment or Nexium. Since you say that stopping Nexium has stopped the hair loss, it is better to avoid Nexium altogether. In that case you would have to resort to over the counter antacids.

It is a good thing that you take Benefiber daily. Please continue it. Back it up by regular exercise and morning walk.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (9 hours later)

Thank you. Your reply helped. Someone told me to take 1 tsp of baking soda in 8 oz of water. It stops the acid immediately, and keeps it down for 2-3 hours. It helps better than anything else. Is it safe to use 2-3-or 4 times a day?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Can be used.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Baking soda serves the same purpose. It is safe and can be used. However, as mentioned, I do not think that you need to use it 2-4 times a day.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar