Omeprazole

I never get heartburn but I have a chronic cough. A chest X-ray ruled out a lung problem. My endoscopy showed an irritated esophagus. My MD wants me to take a 6-week course of Prilosec OTC. The package says not to take it for more than 2 weeks. Should I be worried about taking it for the 6 weeks? I was thinking about trying DGL instead.

I have taken Prilosec for GERD for several years, and OTC since it has become available. It seems to me that OTC is not as effective anymore. Has my condition worsened or is the generic version just not doing the job?

I'm considering new tests by a Gastroenterologist. Any comments?

I've been taking 40 MG Omeprazole 2x daily since 2004 to treat Barrett's esophagus. At the time I was diagnosed I was told that I no longer have a valve between the stomach and the esophagus. In 2004 I was about 20-25 pounds overweight, but in the past four years I have gained another 20 pounds. I strive to eat healthy and eat small portions. I rarely eat processed foods, no soft drinks or alcohol and I've never smoked. I walk at least 30 minutes/day and sometimes twice a day. Yet I don't lose weight. Recently, I've been plagued with stomach bloating after eating. I'm wondering if the medication may be interfering with my metabolism and/or causing the bloating. I'm 57 and I don't have any other health problems and no other medications.

I am allergic to Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix and Aciphex. I take Zyrtec and then Prilosec but found since I take Vitamin B12 (333 MG) my problem with Prilosec greatly improved.

PMG, what exactly are you allergic to? I developed a rash after taking Prilosec and Protonix; dr said never heard of this side effect. I know I'm allergic to sulfa drugs, but it's not in any of these.

I found Prilosec OTC more effective than Protonix and less expensive. Pharmacists and a doctor assured me it was OK to take regularly. However, I developed thick callouses on my palms that would crack and bleed. After 3 years & many fruitless visits to a dermatologist, I stopped Prilosec and 6 weeks later the condition cleared. After returning to Protonix-generic, I developed a spreading rash that has persisted, but is healing, 2 months after stopping Protonix. A biopsy indicated no infection. Is this common? I have an appointment with my GI doctor, but can't really trust the medical professionals.

I was taking Prilosec prescription strength for heartburn due to an hiatal hernia. The OTC kind did not work. After a second endoscopy the doctor said I still have esophagitis and increased the dose.

I have noticed a rash on my thigh and it has started on the other one after about a week or so. I am also on dyazide for my BP. I actually was in the MD's office when I first noticed the rash, so it was before she increased the dose.

I am having a problem with lethargy when I tried to just walk 2 miles. I'm confused because I have been on the prilosec for several months already before these symptoms showed up. I have a slight wheeze now too but only sporadically.

I am going to stop the prilosec and see if the rash goes away and let the doctor know. I don't have any heartburn anymore but still feel like there's something in my throat. I had no idea this could be a side affect until I started looking into it today and read all the other posts.

I developed severe acid reflux after two years on Fosamax and have taken Protonix and Prilosec off and on for the past two years.

The heartburn is controlled while I take the medications but comes back when I'm off. I've since learned that these cause a decrease the absorption of calcium which I need for the Osteopenia. Help!

I read in Consumers' Report Health [I think] that prilosec has been connected to memory loss and fatigue. Has anyone else noted that side effect?

I am also concerned that I may be experiencing short term memory loss by taking this drug. I have difficulty remembering phone calls that I had a week or so ago different people.

I have used omeprazol in one form or another, off and on for more than six years, for my acid reflux. When I try to get off the medication my acid reflux is a great deal worse than prior to taking it. Since it has been linked to hip fractures, pneumonia and cancer in various studies I would love to heal my esophagus naturally. Has anyone had any success in this regard?

Have been on omeprazole for 5 years, but have experienced some bad side effects, such as loose bowels, reflux at night with a horrible chemical taste of omeprazole filling my throat and mouth, wheezing, stomach bugs, chest infections,and worst of all, painful withdrawal symptoms upon stopping taking it. Went 6 weeks without taking it once, using ranitidine instead. Then I had such a severe sharp stomach pain, that I had to go back on the omeprazole to get rid of it!

Is there any way of curing esophagatis without having to take omeprazole? I wish I knew! This stuff tastes like poison and once you start taking it, it is very difficult to ever stop! Also I have short term memory loss sometimes. Wonder if this is a related symptom?

prickly rash on body after taking three weeks.

My short term memory loss is real bad and I also have and fatigue!

I have read on several other pages that weight gain in a big problem with prilosec. I've been on it for a month and is now coming off due to the side effects that I've been having. I can tell you I did gain 3lbs in a month, nothing big but I've been the same size no matter what I eat for the last 13 years. All of a sudden I'm 3 lbs heavier. We will see what happens when I come off.

I took Omeprazole and my belly increased in size within 3 days - I also had breathlessness and sweating - I have been off it almost 2 weeks and although I lost an inch quite quickly my belly is so much bigger than before - is there is anything can be done to help get rid of it?

Charlotte,

Have you received an answer to your inquiry? I am asking because I have almost identical problems that you also have or had. However, I have been taking Omeprazole 40mg once a day for 3-4 years. Over that time, I have put on a good 30-40 lbs. I was exercising every day...sometimes twice but lately have become very fatigued...(almost depressed).

My stomach will not go down no matter how many sit-ups I do. Lately I have been having stomach problems...bloating, some cramping, mild stomach pain. most of these are extremely mild, but they are there. I now have this feeling of being constipated which in my whole life (I am now 60) I have never been!

I too always try to eat healthy, vegetables, fruits, fish, chicken (no skin)always broiled...never fried. I have been eating like this for years. Had been drinking decaf coffee...that is no longer either. I have always wanted to get off of the omeprazole but was too afraid of what would happen. Especially with no Plan B. I just read about this DGL Licorice process from Dr. Teitlebaum's website of natural medicines. I now realize your comment was in 2008. Have things improved for you yet? Thanks for whatever you can help me with. I hate, hate, hate taking prescription meds.

Julie,

I've been having the same problem with the swelling of the stomach area. I took prilosec for a little over a week after my doctor told me to do so as I was having some minor dyspepsia issues.

I stopped taking it as I noticed it wasn't helping, and my stomach had grown to the size of a beach ball. Then I started to have severe acid reflux which I'd never had before, indigestion, acid regurgitation, heart palpitations, heavy chest sensations, and the list goes on. It's been a nightmare. and what's worse, it's been almost 5 months since I stopped taking it, and the symptoms still have not subsided.

I don't know what else to do. I'm a college student and my life is miserable right now. please let me know how you've been handling this, I'd really appreciate it...

I had been taking Prevacid, my insurance company insisted I switch to Prilosec because it was cheaper. I developed ulcerative colitis, took very expensive pharmaceuticals to control the condition. I quit using Prilosec over a year and a half ago and have experienced absolutely NO symptoms. I take no medicine for UC either. I found information on the internet that others have experienced this rare side effect of Prilosec. Any one else?

My gastroenterologist had me taking prilosec (omeperazole) for several months. I also have been taking dilantin for epilepsy for 36 years. Using them together caused more ulcer problems and lots of bleeding, constipation, and one can only imagine what else. I switched Dr.s, and he gave me samples of nexium and withing 72 hours no more problem or need for meds for stomach pains. Today I ride 10 miles a day and 500 crunches and 500 pushups, 7 days a week.

I'm curious related to the muscle fatigue issues. I have a hard time separating fatigue from lack of sleep due to my children vs. fatigue that may be caused by using omeprazole for a long time. I've been on the drug for approximately one year, and it's been the last three of months where I've noticed that I'm much more fatigued (esp. lower back) during my weight training program than I have been the past year or prior to using the drug (no, I don't over-train). I would like to know more from folks experiencing fatigue as to their specific muscle fatigue related symptoms.

Thanks!

There IS a way to get off PPI's, or acid blocker meds. I am in the process of doing just that right now. For those of us with CFS/FMS (chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia), stomach problems are common. The article (link below) is by Dr. Teitelbaum, a doctor and expert on CFS/FMS. He has written several books as well. I had taken Protonix (40mg.) for at least 10 years, and wanted to get off it for several years because of the bone problems, but every time I tried, my stomach and the inflammation in my esophagus went ballistic. I even tried Dr. T's protocols while taking it and couldn't manage stopping Protonix.

Recently, I fell on ice and messed up my neck, which caused severe headaches, triggered by many foods that I had previously not had trouble with. So I severely restricted my diet, and in the meantime, my new mail order prescription for Protonix came, except they had sent me the generic version, which I had been careful to avoid in the past, not knowing how it would affect me. I took one dose, and my stomach/esophagus really started hurting later that day. I had had no pain there any time recently, and certainly shouldn't have had any with my very careful diet. So at that point, I just decided to not take any more omeprazole.

I had problems at first, having gone off it cold turkey (I would recommend doing it gradually if you can), but to my surprise, there was no massive pain, just heartburn. I took digestive pills, ate carefully and sparingly, but still had some problems (but I lost 5 lbs.!). Then after a week, I remembered Dr.T's advice, and started taking the DGL licorice and mastic gum, which I still had around. I couldn't take the Heartburn Free because the citrus in it would give me a headache, and I also had to discontinue the licorice for the same reason.

Right now, 19 days after my last Protonix, I only have a little heartburn, but I'm still eating lightly, and avoiding anything that I think might be hard to digest. I hope in time to be able to eat more normally, but I will still be eating as healthfully as possible. By the way, over the past few years, I have lost 45 pounds, with only about 20 to go to reach my goal weight, so that has helped me, too, I'm sure. I do have an intestinal pain that won't go away, but I had that a little before quitting Protonix, so I think it's unrelated. Has anyone else had a vague, tending to sharp, intestinal pain (lower left abdomen, but not an ovary) after stopping Protonix? Good luck, franky m!

http://www.endfatigue.com/tools-support/How-To-Get-Off-Acid-Blockers---Naturally.html

I used Omeperazole for well over a year, IT DID NOT WORK. Nexium solved the GERD problem fro me in less than a week . If Omeperazole does not work try the Nexium, I'm glad I went to another Dr. and he prescribed it for me .

I took omeprazole for nausea and had horrible side effects. I reported these to my doctor and he had me double the dose. After a week, I was so weak I couldn't get out of bed in the morning. After almost one and a half months I decided to stop cold turkey.

I was worried I was doing serious damage to my body. I did some research and found out with the help of another doctor that I have low stomach acid. I have severely decreased the amount of stomach acid I was making. I am now taking Betaine HCL and it's helped absorb the nutrients I was missing on Omeprazole. I still get nausea all the time now but some of my energy has returned. I get incredibly anxious in the morning though. Does anyone know how long it takes for the withdrawal effects of the Omeprazole to abate? I have been sick and stressed out now for a long time.

My wife has been on omeprazole for the last 4+ years; she is generally very tired except perhaps early in the mornings and has severe back pain when waking up.

She did try to get off omeprazole a few times but after a few days the pain due to reflux was so intense she had to get back on it. I cannot bear to see her suffer in this manner.

Please can anyone who has been through similar issues and has successfully managed to get off omeprazole help? Diet / medication suggestions and how to taper off (or cut out omeprazole cold turkey) and also any foods that can help. She is a vegetarian and does not take any alcohol.

Thanks for reading this.

Regards
RL

RL:
I was on Omeprazole for two months and it took so much out of me I had no choice but to get off of it. After a bit of research and a good doctors help, I believe I was suffering from low stomach acid not too much acid. I began taking Betaine HCL and it made my energy return. I still have stomach trouble (two months later) but I think it is getting better.

I had to go on Xanax to alleviate the horrible anxiety I felt and am now trying to wean off of the that. You wife's fatigue may be because she is not absorbing any nutrients. Just something I thought I would throw out there. You should talk to your doc before trying Betaine HCL though in case your wife does actually have too much stomach acid. Apple cider vinegar helps sometimes too. Hope this helps. - TS