I stopped Prevacid due to the risk of dementia. Is the damage already done reversible?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 49-year-old male. I took Prevacid for 17 years. One or two pills a day. I stopped five months ago after I read about that it increases the risk of dementia. If I do not have dementia now, and I have stopped the medication do my risks of dementia remain elevated for the rest of my life? Is the effect reversible? Does stopping the medication mean I am no longer at higher risk for dementia? Is the damage already done even if it is not noticeable at present? I asked my GP, and she said nobody knows. That even if I took an extensive test from a neuropsychologist, it would only mean I do not have dementia today, but it does not mean that my past Prevacid use would not cause dementia in the future. That leaves a life of uncertainty ahead. Is that the answer we just do not know? I wanted to ask a neurologist before I accept that answer.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

After careful review, I understand you are worried about the side effects of Lansoprazole (Prevacid). Now as you have stopped taking it, the risk of side effects do not remain the same as with taking the drug. The reversibility of effects is based on the extent and the nature of damages done by any drug. For example, if a drug causes scarring (fibrosis) of the liver tissues, it usually does not come back and is an irreversible side effect.

Dementia does not come so early and usually decades are needed for its development and not every patient on Lansoprazole ends up with dementia. To give you good news, the link between dementia and Lanoprazole is not certain. It is still under research and is not an established fact as of today. Also, we have to see that Lansoprazole prevents the patient from serious bleeding and ulcers of the stomach. So it outweighs the risks of dementia if any.

For better understanding, you have the option to consult a neurologist. He will be able to articulate this fact in a better way based on your clinical evaluation. Yes, your GP is right in saying that. But based on the facts in pharmacological post-marketing research, there are the least chances, if any of dementia.

I hope this helps.