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

Hi... I've been on Omeprazole for over 8 years (can't actually remember the exact years, might be longer!)I am 53 now. I've been desperate to get off them and tried several times, but been in so much discomfort I've had to take one just to be able to eat something! I have Hiatal Hernia, GERD, and quite often choke in the night when the hot acid comes up and goes down into my lungs. Horrid. (Both my brothers have Barrats Esophagus).

A week ago I decided enough was enough and I started looking online for answers. I also went to Holland and Barrats where a young lad was very helpful. So 3 days ago I stopped my omeprazole (I had spoken to my doctor about this a while ago, and he said that if I could find an alternative then to 'give it a go'). I am now taking as soon as I get up in the morning 1 Peppermint Oil Capsule (200mg high strength) 1 Slippery Elm (bark) Capsule 370mg strength, 1 ordinary Apple (well chewed) and to help in between meals, a couple of New Era tablets for Acidity, Heartburn, Dyspepsia. I take a slippery elm and peppermint capsule before meals at the moment to get my body used to them. But so far I have not had any reflux when I bend over, I have had a little burning/heartburn but nothing that I couldn't cope with. If I do feel a bit uncomfortable I eat an apple.

It cost me about £16 to buy these herbal remedies... And up to now it has been worth it just to get those horrid chemicals out of my system.

So far I have not had any nasty withdrawal symptoms... I did have a bit of a headache yesterday, but it could have been the weather!

I hope this might be helpful to you.
I'm certainly glad I am trying it.

I was prescribed Prilosec and an antibiotic from my Dr. on August 20th and on Saturday August 21st I had an extreme reaction. My inside of my mouth dried up, tongue blistered and my whole mouth and throat dried up and turned white. I stopped taking it immediately and by midnight my throat cleared. My tongue had a large split on the side and that made it difficult to swallow. I lost 16 lbs in one week.
Now on September 8th I'm fatigued, have frequent urine spells, my feet hurt, I'm dizzy and I have spots in my eyes, now becoming sporadic. My tongue and mouth have healed, my appetite is back, but I'm still not gaining weight.

I am a little concerned reading all of these comments about getting off Prilosec and the withdrawal symptoms. I have been on Prilosec for about 2 1/2 months now. I did the twice a day for two weeks dose and then back to once a day. I am having problems digesting and I can only eat once a day which is a late lunch. It feels like nothing digests and I can't lay down or take a nap after eating or I get acid reflux. I didn't have it this much before taking the Prilosec.

I do have a hiatal hernia and my esophagus had inflammation so the doctor put me on Prilosec. I also feel like my stomach is bloated and I have gained a few pounds. I am taking some natural enzymes to help me digest and I have had to take Rolaids occasionally, especially when the acid shoots up from my stomach and into my throat when I go to bed.

I feel like symptoms have gotten worse since my endoscopy and being on the Prilosec which I find very weird. I was on Betaine HCL years ago and I don't remember if it helped back then. I'm wondering if I too have a lack of stomach acid and this is actually making my condition worse. If you can't digest and you lay down, then it would be logical that the body would try to over compensate and produce more acid.

What do I do? I am out of town and don't know if I can even get in touch with my doctor, but I think I am going to go off of Prilosec as well to see if I feel better. I feel like I have more bloating and stomach gas than ever before.

Rita:
Your situation is a lot like mine. I was on it for two months and it was the worse thing I could have done. I also have a hiatal hernia as well. When getting off of Omeprazole (generic Prilosec) my anxiety was out of control and had to eventually go on Xanax in order to get over panic attacks and anxiety. I would be ready for that. I have found no doctor to this date that will admit the anxiety was caused by the prilosec but it's just too coincidental that my anxiety soared as soon as I got off of it.

I am happy to report that I am off ALL meds and am now gradually feeling back to my old self. It took five months though, an incredibly supportive wife, exercise, and a very healthy diet. It's tough but with a strong will you can get your life back. I'm convinced that PPI's shouldn't be on the market. My advice is to find a supportive doctor and have he/she assist you in getting off this drug. I did use Betaine HCL for awhile also and it did help me digest my food. Apple cider vinegar helps too. The good news - your stomach acid will return and you will start to feel better. Good luck and hang in there. - Tim.

Hi Tim,

Thanks for writing me back and letting me know that I'm not imagining the effects that I'm experiencing from the Prilosec OTC. I am so shocked that you had such anxiety. That is so awful! Get off of that Xanax. I have been off the Prilosec for 2 days now and I already feel less bloated or more able to digest.

I am on an enzyme called Digest-Eze which is produced by AMS Health Sciences and sold by the SABA company. It is wonderful. I didn't have to take it very much before Prilosec, but I am taking it with every meal now. I am afraid to lay down after eating for fear of the reflux which wasn't happening very much before taking the Prilosec. I will give it some time and hope that it doesn't take much time before I return to normal.

I think doctors give medications very irresponsibly. There are more natural things one can take for certain conditions like acidophilus and calcium and enzymes. I also try not to overeat with this condition and I don't eat after a certain time at night, not after 8 pm and preferably before 7 pm. Certain foods do trigger the reflux as does eating late and stuffing yourself.

Rita:
Glad to hear you are feeling better. I am completely off Xanax and eating healthy. Gradually, I am getting my life back. Through sheer will you can do it. Good luck. - Tim.

I am 68 year old male, and have taken Omeprozole for about 5 years. Last year, a MRI showed that I had fractured my T-12 and L-1 vertebrae. I felt it when they broke, but paid no attention, as it did not cause lasting pain or limit me. Since then, my left hip has hurt on and off. Sometimes so badly, that I can not walk. At other times, I can walk with no or little inconvenience or pain.

When bad the hip pain radiated down my leg into my knee and foot. As I have had lumbar spinal problems, my doctor ordered a lumbar and hip MRI to see which was causing the problem. It turns out that I have an acetabular fracture of my hip.

Even though I have been taking Calcium tablets, it appears that my bones are getting weaker. A bone density test last year showed that I have osteopenia.

Has anyone else had this happen? Any suggestions?

AJ

The deglycerized licorice (DGL) works very quickly to help coat the inner digestive walls and promote regrowth. Both raw cabbage (high in glutamine for cell regrowth) and aloe vera juice/gel have demonstrated efficacy for regrowing back damaged intestinal lining. Whether you're on a proton pump inhibitor or not, you want to take these things-- because when your mucosa layer and intestinal/stomach/esophageal lining cells are healthy they don't hurt nearly as much, even in an acidic environment.

If you feel the acid, all you have to do is eat a DGL. Chew it. The stuff coats remarkably well, the pain disappears in a few minutes and stays gone.

Reducing stomach acid is an open invitation for yeast and bacterial overgrowth! I had this problem. Coconut oil (Lauric Acid) is fabulous (Caprylic acid as well, but it is less fun on the stomach lining) and Manuka Honey (from the tea tree) both have demonstrated efficacy in killing these things. Raw broccoli and turmeric as well. It is really wonderful to get to eat again without feeling ill/strange/dizzy/gassy. I just started the manuka honey, the others I tried and did work well.

More on this woman's site (amy king) who recovered from H Pylori complications, she lists article links:

http://amyking.wordpress.com/2009/02/20/im-so-happy-i-have-h-pylori/

BTW, These posts about Nexium being more effective than Omeprozole should be viewed with skepticism-- the drugs are nearly identical, but Nexium costs a lot more because the patent hasn't run out:

http://polyscience.org/2005/09/me-too-drugs/

BTW, thank you, AJ, for explaining your bone problems. My brother has very similar ones from having fallen. His system is very acid-sensitive, there is probably bone mass loss from it. I was getting stress fractures from it as well and drinking Coke for too long. A good bone supplement for strengthening helps reduce the pain considerably. I had it. You want one with not just calcium and Vitamin D, but also Vitamin K, Magnesium, and Boron (possibly strontium as well) for integrating the calcium into your bones.

Hi,

Been suffering GERD for almost 4 years, I'm 34. It all started after "probably", cholecystectomy operation I had. The surgeon inserted a camera which probably hit the esophagus connection towards stomach, but this is only my assumption. Anyway I started to suffer, almost every night I had terrible heartburn with hardly bearable pain in chest, hard to breath, coughing, fatigue and coughing.

The gastroenterologist prescribed Omeprazole capsules 10mg twice a day before meals. But the capsules didn't help too much, at start it worked, but then my stomach begun to compensate the missing acid, and when I stopped taking the anti acids, the heartburn became worse. All I wanted, is that this thing would get away. I spent a lot of time reading about acid reflux and went to very expensive naturopaths. Quit smoking, decreased coffee intake, increased meals and started to do sports three times per week. My complection is thin. Anyway, today, I don't take any medications at all against acid reflux. I try to control my stress. The only food supplement I take from time to time is Mastic Gum as suggested by my Naturopath. Good luck with dealing.

Omeprazole is not so good for long time, you can read about it on the web.

My mom is quiting Omeprazole (Risek) after 8 days of use. I am very worried after reading these withdrawals.
For last two months she suffered from stomach and back pains, and 8 days back she suffered from Melena attack, in which she vomited blood, had black stools and fainted. Doc prescribed her 40mg Omperazole. But she is suffering from chest pain, headaches and weakness. I hope she doesn't have much withdrawals or non at all. I read butter milk, banana and yogurt are very much essential. I m worried, is omeprazole a benzodiazipine? Do patients have to be on strict diet while withdrawing it, like take no honey, candy, sugar, shelf products? Need help. PS.My mom is a vegetarian. Please reply.

I have been on Omeprazole for 7 days and have suffered terrible tremors/anxiety/blurred vision/weakness/fluttering feelings in my chest/and not sleeping well. I have been off it 5 days the tremors have gone and the anxiety, but I still remain weak and not feeling myself.

I heard Omeprazole depletes vit D, so I bought vit d and vit b and enzymes to try and help. I thought i was going crazy until I started research this drug, please look at www.ask a patient (prilosec/omeprazole) I found this site very helpful.

I have been off of Prilosec for about 6 months, but I think I am still feeling the ill effects of it. I have not been able to lose the few pounds that I put on while taking it. I was unable to digest my food when I took it. I would have to eat no later than 1 pm and could not eat dinner. It took hours to feel like the food digested and I was bloated and feeling full. Luckily, I had some enzymes with me, but I didn't want to rely on those to digest my food. I also feel like it tampered with my memory. I have more trouble now than I used to have, especially with names.

I don't know if all of this is the result of being on the Prilosec for 2 1/2 months. I don't know how long it takes for the body to get back to normal and rebuild what it lost on Prilosec. I also had MORE acid reflux while on Prilosec instead of less. I was shocked the first time it happened while on the drug. It was awful.

I am frustrated about the weight gain and inability to take off those pounds and to lose my weight. I am off sugar and bread and other fattening things and the weight just doesn't want to shed. I am also taking apple cider vinegar and my enzymes, both of which help a lot. I recommend apple cider vinegar as a digestive aid. Take the capsules if you can't stand the liquid. The smell of the capsules is bad too, but once you stick it in your mouth, it isn't bad.

Anyone else have advice on the weight gain or had a similar problem with it?

Katty, it is a proton pump inhibitor, not a benzodiazepine.

I have been taking omeprazole for a month for my gastritis, it has caused memory and focus problems, anxiety, chest pains muscle weakness, fatigue, and throat problems. I've come to the conclusion that cramp type pains are better than that. I am throwing the last 20 days worth away and hoping eating less greasy and spicy foods for the next 3 or 4 months will do the trick ...

Ryan, I feel like I had some memory problems as well or that my memory problems were made worse by Prilosec, especially remembering people's names. I asked the doctor after I had my Endoscopy if there were any side effects. He turned to be casually and said that you might have some short term memory loss as if it were nothing. He just brushed it off like no worries, you'll just have short term memory loss. Just what you want to hear. So you are not alone on the memory problem.

I have also been tired, but I didn't relate it to the Prilosec. I got a cold while I was on it so I thought the tiredness was from the cold. It took months before I started to feel more energetic after I got off of the Prilosec. I'm still not energetic after 6 months off of it.

Just go to the health food store and see what they recommend for you. I felt worse on the Prilosec and couldn't digest my food. Glad you went off of it.

I've been on Prilosec for almost 5 years now. I was on Aciphex prior to that, which was great, but my insurance company decided they would not cover it. I have noticed that I now get more reflux at night than ever. My stomach has grown to the size of a balloon. I have stomach pains, trouble digesting food, and some wheezing. I have also been experiencing irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, and all of this since being on Prilosec. I stopped taking it for a few days, but the heartburn was unbearable, and I had to get back on it. Is there any other medication which I can take instead of Omeprazole? Given all the symptoms I've been having, I'm afraid of taking any more.

I was onomeprazole 40 mg from last July till December, horrible side effects mostly a lot of weight gain in stomach with pain, doctor switched me to rantitidene and that helps for few weeks than I start to have problems with that too. I have been unable to lose the stomach weight and now being tested as they feel I have asthma which sometimes occurs with heartburn.

I am just tired of taking all these drugs that help the heartburn but cause so many other problems. I just wish I never took the omeprazole as have not been ok since.

Started Omeprazole 40 mg a.m. & p.m w/good results for vocal cords. On 5th day landed in out of state Emergency w/chest/arm ache (not relieved by 4 NTG), w/increase in heart irregularity. (MI r/o; no cold/fever) Began Mucinex next a.m. (Pharm D recommended for congestion (racking cough, much clear sputum, esp 1-2 hrs. a.m., & p.m., then less.) Slept w/chest elevated. D/c'd Omeprazole 7th d, recalling your recent PP column but not specifics r/t one such med. Improved by Day 9th d & returning home to see MD.

Have chronic cardiac condition but this was much worse. (On Plavix, ASA, metoprolol, losartan, & simvastatin, (+ sometimes fish oil, Ca, MTV, & glucosamine)
*REQUEST INFO FROM COLUMNISTS/OTHERS R/T CORRELATION OF SYMPTOMS W/THIS MED

Hi, I read your comments and so similar to what I am dealing with, I went on omeprazole last July and noticed right away I was gaining a lot of weight in upper stomach to where I look pregnant, I am in menopause and 52 and have lost a lot of weight as have developed asthma from the acid reflux. I went off the omeprazole in December which my doctor put me on rantitidene which didn't give me side effects but now with the asthma and shortness of breath they put me back on prilosec 20 mg but I am so disgusted that even though losing weight all over my stomach doesn't go down.

I don't have any pain except if I eat any of the wrong foods which seems to be almost everything anymore. At this rate I don't know what to do as at least being on the prilosec my shortness of breath is better and not having the pain from heartburn except sometimes pains in my upper right abdomen.

I developed some strange symptoms in the past two weeks and after reading this site and another site about Omeprazole, Prilosec, I'm going to stop taking it and see if the symptoms go away. I went to the Dr. and since I'd just had my annual physical, she didn't think I had any real problems. She thought I might be dehydrated. I tried drinking water all day for 4-5 days, and it didn't really help. I had the rash on my forearms, which since disappeared, fatigue, dizziness, bloating, and weakness. I WAS GETTING KIND OF SCARED!

I am glad that the People's pharmacy and just some blog sites from lay people exist, as the medical profession just wants to collect their fees and send you away when you have drug side effects.

I don't really have any serious health issues that I know of besides low thyroid. So I'll let people know if it turns out it was probably prilosec side effects. Thanks everyone for your information.

I too have experienced fatigue on Omeprazole. I managed to get off this drug for 8 months but developed a nasty, asthma-like cough so have gone back on this med but only every other day. When off the drug I felt much more energetic.

Damn straight I've noticed those side effects. I feel like a jaded mess right now. I've been taking Omeprazole for a number of years now. My consultant gastroenterologist has been encouraging me to up my dose from 20mg daily to 40mg daily (taken as 1*20mg twice a day) but, whenever I take the increased dose for a consistent period (2-3 weeks) I develop muscle aches, dizziness, confusion and an horrendous tiredness, as well as terrible wind

Oh my goodness. I have been on omeprazole for 1 1/2years so that I could take anti inflammitories for my back pain. I'm beginning to wonder whether the stuff I was taking for my pain caused it. Anyway, I am cured of that now and cold turkeyed the omeprazoles. Then massive diahorrea, heartburn and dreadful anxiety attacks. I can't concentrate, am wobbly, have problems breathing, my throat and neck clamp up and its scary. I don't seem to be able to function at all now, let alone go out. My doctor has put me on something for that now and suggested I put the omeprazole back because I feel sick taking the new stuff, which also gives me diahorrea! Total wreck. Disaster.

Have been taking Omeprazole for 6 weeks for Gastritis, after adverse reaction to Ibuprofen. Terrible pains along lower rib cage and back, no appetite and have lost 25lbs due to lack of appetite, and no enthusiasm for food. Finding sleeping difficult and lack energy, food not digesting and bouts of chronic diarrhea. Wondering if anyone else has the same symptoms etc.

Due for an endoscopy in 2 weeks. Would like to know if anyone has experienced withdrawal symptoms (and what they are so I know) what to look out for as I am seriously contemplating stopping the omeprazole. Thanks for reading and hope you all find some help and answers soon.

I have been taking omeprazole for a year and a half for GERD as directed by physician. I have been experiencing short term memory loss, especially not being able to remember names. I also had trouble typing the wrong keys on the keyboard even though I've been touch typing for years. It has reached the point where others have noticed the name problem. Two weeks ago I ran out of the medication and the funds to purchase more. I had some rantidine so I took it as a stop gap measure until payday. For five days I experienced diarrhea. After that the acid reflux diminished greatly. Most importantly, my memory improved.

When payday arrived, I bought more omeprazole. I took one dose and the short term memory loss was immediate. I couldn't remember the name of a co-worker that I'd known for three years. I felt confused and clumsy too. I dropped an entire glass of soda on the floor.

I still have some trouble with the memory loss. I'm concerned that it could be permanent. (I keep having trouble with the keys on the keyboard. I've made several corrections as I've typed this.)

I don't know what's going to happen to me as far as the GERD, but I will never take omeprazole again. I'm afraid to tell my physician because I don't know what I will have to do if he insists that I take it.

Now as I read some of the other comments I see other problems I've been having. Can't walk up an incline without fatigue and weight gain. I thought I was having heart problems but ekg showed normal heart when at rest. When the acid reflux increased my specialist increased the dose to 20 mg 2x a day.

It's possible that you aren't allergic to it, sometimes medications work better with each other or other supplements.

I wouldn't worry, maybe ask a pharmacist or your doctor about it, but it's common for doctors to use OTC (over the counter) medications, most of which were previously prescribed or forms of it can be prescribed, differently that what the package says.

Three things to note:
1. If you doctor prescribes it, check with him/her before changing it.
2. If you have questions, get a third party to give you advice, a pharmacist is good for this.
3. Instructions on OTC medications are for people just buying them and using them without a doctor's advice/instructions.

BREASTS MUCH LARGER - I am a 56 year old woman, who had a bad cough and was diagnosed with reflux. I have been taking Omeprazole (Prilosec) for 4 weeks now, 1 tab in the morning, 1 tab at night.
Recently, I've noticed that my breasts seem much larger which was very confusing since I have been DIETING.
I believe the increase in breast size is due to the Priolosec that I've been taking.

Has anyone else noticed an increase in breast size? I will be looking for a natural supplement instead of taking Prilosec... I don't think we know enough about this OTC drug. This does not feel like my body.

Absolutely! I have taken omeprazole for 4 years and can't remember what I ate for breakfast or what my neighbors names are!! Among other side effects I have joint pain, diarrhea, headaches and really bad fatigue. I have gained 30 lbs also. I stopped taking it for 2 weeks, the symptoms went away, I felt way better, but the heartburn came back with a vengeance. Nothing works to control it as well as omeprazole but I do not want to take it any longer. Any ideas?

Yes---I have taken Omeprazole for a hernia for a month and just started having bad bad headaches. I stopped cold two days ago---no headaches but big big time insomnia. So hoping this goes away. Any thoughts or suggestions.

Have been taking Omeprazole 10mg 1 a day for around 5 years. I started when I had too much stomach acid and the Oesophagus sphincter not closing properly. An Endoscopy showed nothing but inflammation in the tract so they just prescribed Omeprazole.

It changed my life at the time and meant I could eat what I wanted again. I haven't experienced any problems I could definitely attribute to the drug, but I have had Heart palpitations off and on for the past few years. Then also a cough a can't get rid of, and I'm quite fatigued a lot of the time.

I combat the fatigue by exercising and I'm running a Marathon soon so it seems fine. I've recently started getting some pain around the chest and left arm that isn't Heart related and I've just noticed I got a palp quite soon after taking an Omeprazole and eating.

I'm going to try and leave off the Omep for a while and see if I can stick it out trying to control it with diet. Every time I've tried before I can feel burning even without eating so it will probably be difficult.

After being diagnosed with osteopenia and painful hands, I researched this site. I've been on omeprezole for 9 years. Weight gain has been over 60 pounds no matter what I do. Doc's keep telling me to loose it! Also thought I was going into early Alzheimer's and making excuses for memory loss.

Husband also on this drug but put on Plavix 3 years ago. Now I see that's bad news too. How do you "kick" it? I'm going to try the DGL licorice and mastic gum (if I can locate such) as recommended in earlier comments from someone also on this drug long term. Lord help us!

Took Omeprazole for 3 years, last 2 months at an increased dose when the first thing I noticed was a constant smell of cigarette smoke, there are no smokers in my home. The serious side effects I experienced were extremely frightening including severe fatigue and weakness (collapsed walking 1/2 mile), shortness of breath, short term memory loss (couldn't remember which pedal was gas/brake), severe anxiety which is very uncommon for me.

I immediately threw it in the trash and in 1-2 weeks felt much better but my reflux was unbearable. Started taking raw organic vinegar mixed with anything I could find and lo and behold the reflux was gone (was very skeptical). Its been about 6 weeks and I no longer need to take vinegar every day, I watch what I eat and stay away from really fatty foods.

I consider myself very lucky that with the help of the Internet I was able to save my health and get on the road to recovery. I just wonder why my doctor who told me not to go off it wouldn't be happy with my story, hmmmm.

Me Too! I have been taking the omprazole DR 40mg. I have lots of health problems but after taking this medicine for a week I am nausous, bloated, cramping and look like I have gained 10 lbs! (I don't have a scale, lucky for me)

Hello everyone. I have been using ompeprazole and protonix for 14 years. And those of you that are wondering if its possible to get off of this drug after years and years of use the answer as far as my experience is no. I have been off of ppis now for almost 8 months and have turned into a non functionable adult. I have such severe stomach stings and burns that come and go that I have developed ptsd from them.

The pains in the stomach get so bad that I ended up in the mental ward 3 times explaining that this is from the ppis and they label me as ocd and semetaform. They think that I'm imagining the pain and over exaggerating it. I can't believe I've had the balls and pain tolerance to stay off of this stuff for 8 months but I'm still here. I've seen the best gastros in the world and they tell me my stomach looks good and they don't understand where my pain is coming from, so they throw antideppresents at me. What a joke. I am completely allergic to ppis now after using them all of these years and what everyone is saying is true. The side effects are terrible. If I take one I become a different person with sever anxiety and breathing troubles. Also have heart palpitations.

I would also like to mention I have severe nerve and muscle pain throughout my whole body that leaves me in pain all day long, so if its not my stomach its my back and nerves giving me trouble. I have been everywhere and had every test done for neurological disorders and nothing comes up. So the doctors tell me its in my head and I'm feeling pain more than other people do. LOL. I know its from the long term use of ppis and nobody believes me. I'm not sure what or how it effects the nerves and muscles but it really does. I feel like I am all alone in this battle. Everyday is so much stomach burn pain and nerve/muscle pain I've contemplated suicide. I hope that none of you have to go through what I am going through today. I have also tried all alternatives and herbal remedies, nothing will hold it down people.

Take it from me. I don't want to discourage anyone here because I know some of you have only been on it for a few months or years but those of you that have used it 10 years or longer get ready for a ride when you come off of it. A ride that will rob your life and take every bit of enjoyment out of it. I was a completely normal guy until I came off of this stuff due to bad side effects. Athletic, great shape, happy, all of that. I pray everyday that my stomach will eventually heal and return to its normal state, if i just hang in there a little bit longer.

I am a tough person, but this is beyond belief hard to overcome. If any of you would like to talk to me sometime about this I would love to hear from someone.

I would also like to know if there is anyone out there that has been on omeprazole or any other ppi for longer than 3 years or more that isn't taking an antidepressant or a medication to control anxiety?

Yes, I took it for about 5 years, but I'm not taking it any more. I got more and more heart palpitations so I stopped omep to see if it cured it. Seemed to almost stop them dead after about 2 weeks of being off it.
The first couple of days were bad with acid reflux but I got some Almonds, chewed some finely after getting it and my GERD is almost gone. Bad foods and Alcohol are a no-no but I can live with that.

I still get the occasional palp but nothing like when I was on the omep.
The only thing is I seem to be getting anxiety when I shouldn't. It's not bad enough to go to the Doctors yet but it's triggered by thoughts of Heart palps. Even though I'm fit and healthy and doing long-distance running.

My advice to anyone about to take Omeprazole is, don't. Try and find any other way to control your diet, just eat Apples and drink water, lose weight etc. Omeprazole may seem like it works wonders at first but I'm sure it does things to you long term.

Well I recently got off of omeprazole, was 2x a day 20 mg each and I tapered off not as slowly as instructed from other blogs but I just had to do it after I heard of some of the side effects, just wanting to know if anyone else had gastric issues like bloating, and candida?

While on it, heard that the acid reduction allows for fungus to thrive. So I cut out one pill a day and boy could I already tell, I have stopped other medications with side effects but this one plagues you. Two weeks later I stopped the other, that was true "hell week", but I have been trying to march on. I noticed weight loss, I think mainly due to having regurgitation issues and not wanting much on tummy.

Anyways, have had bad bed time episodes, wake up choking on bile ? Idk, also very bad up and down the throat reflux and gurgling stomach-I feel hungry and sometimes that's when it's bad cuz there's nothing on my stomach. It's been a month give or take and I'm still having issues, I do take tums at night sometimes, the only time I felt good when I was on it was when I was taking OTC pepcid ac twice a day with the omep. Oh well I can tell by these other statements from people that this withdrawal stuff is all normal : (

Hope this isn't how it will always be, I don't want have to start it again if I can help it
Good luck everyone!!

I've been taking omerprazole for about a year for acid reflux due to long term use of nsaids for rheumatoid arthritis. I've recently (a week) been experiencing palpitations which due to their nature cause a panic attack. Horrid feelings of adrenalin, tingling in my hands, and general thoughts that i am about to drop dead. Thing is I used to have the sensation of palpitations due to the severe heartburn.

So, are these symptoms that the omerprazole is not working any more or a side effect of taking it?! The palpitations petrify me so I've booked a doctor's appt to discuss my options and get a check up. From reading all the comments on here it seems more and more likely the palpitations might be because of the omerprazole which is helping me control my anxiety... my illogical mind was imagining all sorts of sudden cardiac diseases. Thanks to all for posting. I might skip my dose in the morning and see if that helps any.

Yes, I agree with all the side effects outlined above, but there are additional Omeprazole site effects that were not mentioned here, I had the following site effects from taking 20 mg Omeprazole daily for 4 months.

The site effects were... headache, gas, constipation, swelling in face, lips, and on one hand, pain in feet toes & feet balls, (both feet) and general muscle spasms in the neck and the back.

4 days ago I stopped taken the medication, no change yet, but a Dr. told me it would take 2 to 3 weeks, thus I hope for the best.

You need to start taking DGL licorice. They are chewable and it will help your stomach. You can purchase them online, but make sure to get the DGL. You should also be taking slippery elm bark powder or capsules. These two combinations will start to do wonders for you. I started them this week and its the best my stomach has felt in months. You also should stay completely off of any ppi or h2 blocker. Your symptoms will only get worse.

If you're having a lot of heartburn go and buy braggs organic apple cider vinegar and take 2 teaspoons whenever you have heartburn. This will also help when its burning up high. Stay away from tums and chewable antacids as these will make your reflux and stomach worse. Stay away from caffeine and spicy foods when your using these herbs. Also make sure to swallow a dose of the slippery elm before you go to sleep at night this will coat your stomach.

If you can, try to get the slippery elm powder which works better but the capsules work too. The only place that I found carries the powder is the internet but I may be wrong. Take the dgl 20 minutes before you eat on an empty stomach and then use the slippery. All this should be taken before meals including the slippery elm bark. There are no side effects to any of these herbs and are considered all natural and safe so don't worry about side effects or damage being done to you by taking these. This should help.

Greg

Please respond back. Yes. I do understand in the exact same boat. email me anytime.

Hi, joy. This site does not let email adresses to appear. I hope that you are getting better. Use the dgl and slippery elm. Also use mastic gum. The stomach pains will eventually get better and so will the heartburn. It could take up to 8 months to a year though depending on how long you have been on ppis.

I am 27 and had no real history of acid reflux or heartburn. I went to the doctor for my throat because I felt like it was obstructed in some way. He told me I most likely had reflux while sleeping and to take a two week pack of Omeprazole to heal my throat. I did that and tried to get off of the medicine after the two weeks and couldn't handle the stomach pain. I went back on it and have been taking it a little over a month and a half. I have had severe chest pains, sweats, headaches and horrifying panic attacks.

I think the symptoms are definitely from the Omeprazole, since I am only on an OTC allergy medicine otherwise. I am currently trying to come off of the Omeprazole but the pain and panic attacks make it horrible. I am hoping if I stay off of it the attacks will go away. I feel like a crazy person.

yes I have been on 40 mg. Omeprazole foe 4 years for hiatal hernia and had fatigue and gained ten pounds and cough and still have acid reflux.

I notice that your original question is about a year old, but the sharp pains in your lower left abdomen is typical of diverticulitis. Hopefully, you have been checked for this because it can be very serious.

I am so glad I found this site. I have been on Omeprazole off and on for 7 years. I started out with Nexium, which worked for me and didn't cause a problem, but was so expensive the insurance company made me switch. So after trying two or three things that didn't work I ended up on Omeprazole which really didn't work either but I was too depressed to fight them any more.

I'm also on pain meds for bad arthritis and spinal injuries so the doctors always blamed those drugs for any problems I have. I have a hiatal hernia too. Well, every symptom described on this site, I also have. Vomiting, diarrhea, sleeplessness, weight gain (especially around the middle) no matter how little I eat, I'm so messed up I don't dare to leave the house. And I've been getting intense migraines and sinus headaches three or four times a week. And an ugly purple rash all over my neck that I was blaming on other drugs.

I've tried every kind of diet known to man to ease my pain: no dairy, no gluten, no meat, no sugar, no processed flour, no fruits or vegetables (thinking they were tearing up my insides), and no food at all... nothing worked! Well, this morning I dug all the Omeprazoles out of my pill box and they are going away. I hate that drug. And I'm not too crazy about doctors right now either.

My mother has been taking prilosec and has been really tired and her muscles she says feels like jelly. So I wonder if it is from the prilosec?

Thank you for your post, maybe we have found the problem! I had told my mom to start putting a little apple cider vinegar in some water everyday and see if that helps with the stomach. It is suppose to be a natural antibiotic.

Lisa

Holy cow, I am so glad I found this website. I am a 30 year old male and started taking omeprazole about 5-6 months ago. At first it worked awesome!! Then I noticed I was constipated a lot of the time, which I had never previously had a problem with. So I tried to stop taking it and my acid reflux symptoms returned. I again resumed taking omeprazole thinking maybe the constipation was from something else and just my imagination.

I am only taking 1 20 mg. pill every other day and am more constipated than ever and have bloating in my stomach and even suspect I am having some weight gain in the belly area due to this. I am stopping this omeprazole, and antacids tonight! I will just have to give up the coffee, fried chicken, junk food, etc. There is enough information out there nowadays for us to educate ourselves and not just go buy the latest product getting pushed to us buy the media/drug companies!! Totally not worth it. Thanks everybody for taking the time to post your stories:)

Hi, I have been on 150mg of ranitidine twice daily for about a year now. I have pain in my hips, my legs have given way on me, I had an xray taken and the doctor said I have osteoarthritis. I am convinced it is the ranitidine tablets that have caused this. I am now going to try a natural medicine, has anyone else had these symptoms?

After reading all of your stories, I'm very speechless and I didn't realize how side effects from taking omeprazole can be very serious!

This May, I was attacked with acid reflux - horrible enough that I couldn't come in work for 2 days - and my doctor prescribed me omeprazole. I took it 2x a day for 2 weeks and 1x for 2 months. That was the most longest process I ever experienced, I had some cramps but that was about it. Acid reflux was almost gone in the first week and I could barely eat which I ended up losing 5 pounds within 3 days.

After that, I limited myself on eating only healthy food - such as bananas, corn, apples, plain rice, cheese, etc - which helped me so much! I lost 25 more pounds after that. I never felt so good! I got off omeprazole as directed and never got back on it again.... I get a tiny acid reflux now and then but that's due to spicy food or overeating which I would just pop 2 tums. Right now, I'm not happy with myself since I have gained 5 pounds.... time to workout more! haha

By the way... drinking water was HEAVEN to me when I had acid reflux. I have heard that many people complain about drinking water while acid reflux is acting up. I don't know if that is still true for some people, if you guys have any stories relating to that - that would be awesome!

Thank you guys for sharing your stories! :)

Did not do a thing for me! Only made me feel ill all the time! The burning in my chest got worse and I thought the heat in my mouth was going to melt the enamel off my teeth. All this gave me some terrible headaches.

So thankful for this site... 3 weeks ago I started having mild but consistent heartburn. I had some omeprazole at home and started taking it. No beneficial effect. Visited my doctor who doubled the dosage (= 40mg a day). Hell broke loose. I started having pain under my rib cage on the left side. Sometimes I would feel pain also in the middle of my back. And still no benefits from taking the drug. But the worse side are the anxiety attacks. I have been bouncing off the walls for the last couple of days. And, BTW, I still had heartburn.

Stopped omeprazole cold turkey today and I am not too concerned about heartburn as this drug never worked for me. How is it possible for doctors not to know/warn you about all this???

I just wanted to drop a line about the dangers of omeprazole. After having awful anxiety attacks while I was on it and even worse when I went off of it. It has now been a year and a half since I stopped it and I am finally 100% healthy taking no pills at all. I was on it for three months and the cure was worse than the disease. Now, I eat healthy and maybe once a month I will get very mild heartburn and if so I will taking ONE mild tums and will be just fine.

It took about a year or so for my stomach to finally be normal again but I'm proud to say I did it! Life has never been better. Every doctor I went to suggested I take this stuff indefinitely and they were all wrong! For anyone who has taken this stuff and suffered like I have, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there! - TS

Ryan,

After throwing away the proton pump inhibitor, are you feeling better? I have the same symptoms after one month and I'm ready to throw out the bottle as well. My primary care physician has me going for a stress test, visit to a neurologist, and a carotid artery test. Now I realize all these symptoms are from this dang medicine!

I hope you're doing well now!
Shirley

Hi Greg

Was browsing the net on Omeprazole side effects and came across your story. Your experience with this drug has been horrendous for you and as I read on, my heart went out to you. You described your situation so vividly and I could sense the frustration and suffering you are feeling. I also appreciate your truthfulness and respect for other people's situations and experiences whilst stating your own.

I had an endoscopy done following a colonscopy due to the fact that mum and grandma died of colorectal cancer. The colonscopy was clear but the endoscopy showed slight ulcers/abrasions in the small intestine. The Specialist then prescribed Ome - one 20mg tablet daily. This was in Feb 2011; I was on it for 8 months. One day I just decided to stop cold turkey because of the side effects which were weight gain, loss of short term memory, dizziness, fatigue etc.

I'm coming right after two months of cessation and have a better control of my life, don't know if I am meant to stop this med but took it upon myself to do so as I feel in this case the mean justifies the end. However, I know what you must be thinking. What about the ulcer? Well, I am watching what I eat, exercising and generally living healthy. Hang in there Greg and you're not alone in this, okay.

I have been on 40mg of Omeprazole since April (8mths) after the birth of our 4th son. An endoscopy determined I had gastritis. I was unaware that these meds were supposed to be used so temporarily. After having some stomach pain still a couple months after being on the meds, the gastro doc wrote me enough refills for a year.

Last Monday, I went to the doctor for a sinus/chest cold that I couldn't seem to shake after 3 weeks. I put off going that long because my husband was gone for some army training and we have 4 kids. When I was at the urgent care, the doctor said, "You have a heart murmur but you probably already knew that..." Uh, no I had NEVER heard that in 30 yrs. of life. I now just had an echo cardiogram.

Next week I am scheduled for a nuclear stress test. I stopped taking the medicine cold turkey 5 days ago and now on the 5th day, the stomach pains just started. I am reading about the licorice, slippery elm, ect. but all of you kind of have a different take on on how to begin. WHEN AND WHAT should I be taking exactly. I went to that Dr. T's website but his method starts BEFORE coming off the omeprazole. I stopped taking it cold turkey so where should I go from here naturally? Thanks....

Dammmm .................thought I was the only one. I was on omeprazole for three weeks, I knew within a week something was wrong, anxiety attack, tingling in the legs, feels like something in my throat all the time, can't sleep and the list goes on and on.

I had to stop Protonix (really similar to Omeprazol ) cold turkey because of a stomach emptying test. The first 3-4 days were horrible. To survive I used DGL, Enzymes (Absorbaid) and calcium/magnesium in powder (for easy absorption).
It worked for me. I keep on using all of the above also now that my stomach feels much better.

I have trouble swallowing pills. I have been taking Previcid for years. I just opened the capsule and put the beads in an inch of juice. I now have to take omeprazole. Can I do the same thing with these?

I have had Reflux problems since started on Fosamax for osteoporosis and celebrex for joint pain. Both drugs really destroyed my stomach and now I cannot live without reflux meds. I have been on all and the latest Prilosec 20mg twice a day. I developed an allergic reaction to Prilosec with severe itching of the face and a rash. My doctor discontinued the drug but I could not exist without something.

We tried Zantax again but to no avail. Then we tried Nexium, that even though it is a mirror image molecule of Prilosec it is not generic and many of the generic drugs give more side effects.. I have occasionally noticed a rash coming up but hope soon the new drugs CTAP will be accepted by the FDA. I know for a fact that it is already in use in Europe but do not know about Canada. I guess I am going to survive on Nexium until the new drug is on the market.

Well, my doctor enthusiastically prescribed me Prilosec when I complained of sometimes having acid reflux symptoms! He described it as the BMW of 'heartburn' meds! Within a day I felt better! No waking up with my chest on fire... but then the weight gain started!

I've been bouncing around 194-197 pounds for the last 7 or 8 years... and within a month of taking prilosec I've not only busted through the 200 pound mark... I've hit 207(!!!), and I've really been watching what I eat, even during the holiday season. Not only this, but the weight seems oddly hard to get rid of compared to 3-4 months ago.

My stomach feels better, but I think I'm going to have to quit it because the weight just seems to jump on board if I have a big meal...

47 year old male, 5'10"... Office worker, generally low activity.

I was first given Lansoprazole in 2008 for a persistent cough, it did nothing.
In 2011 after ct scan, lung function test, and a camera into my lungs showed nothing I was sent back to ENT I was given 30mg of Lansoprazole for three months. After 9 days of diarrhoea my Dr said it was not the medication and just a bug, it was only days later when I was covered all over my body in an itchy rash that the medication was changed to 40mg Omeprazole.

After 2 months I felt really unwell, disturbed sleep, feeling disorientated, fatigue, tearful, poor concentration. My hip joints were so painful I could barely walk 100m and were painful to lay on at night. I stopped taking the medication and saw 80% improvement in a week. My Dr sent me for blood tests thinking my joint pain was due to menopause having just turned 50.

All hormone levels were normal with no sign of menopause but my liver function was abnormal it took 4 months after stopping Omeprazole for my liver to return to normal. It's now been 6 months and my hips are still painful any ideas.....

I have GERDS and have been taking Nexium for several years now. It has helped tremendously! The negatives are the side effects such as abdominal pain, gas and bloating. I want to try something else because I'm worried about the fractures, since I am female and have osteopenia but the OTC. stuff does not work at all! What is one to do? Gastro. Dr. says try every other day on the Nex. but that doesn't stop the symptoms either. So, I continue with it. Depressed about it. Can't live without it!! Sympathize with all of you too.

LeAnne, I was prescribed a variety of Gerd drugs including omeprazole and ranitidine took them for awhile, but they either didn't work or I had reactions to dosage. So, I decided to treat this naturally. Did a lot of research on alkaline foods and natural supplements for esophagitis and GERD and here is what I have been doing:

1) drink a fresh (not bottled) carrot & apple juice every morning upon waking (cabbage juice is also good for the stomach)

2) 20 minutes before every meal take 2 DGL licorice tablets

3) take 1000MG mastic gum 2x per day between meals

4) 3x per day between meals take 1 tsp of Manuka Honey on a cracker or bread (try no to eat/drink anything for 20 minutes after Manuka Honey

5) with meals I take a digestive enzyme and

6) take a probiotic and aloe vera juice right before bedtime. Note: too much aloe can cause diarrhea, but I've not had that problem, may be the type of aloe you use.

The carrot/cabbage juice help to soothe/heal the stomach as do DGL Licorice, mastic gum and Manuka Honey (as well as esophagus). Once you have your GERD under control you can reduce or eliminate the DGL Licorice/Mastic gum and Manuka Honey.

Do some research on the side effects of long-term use of the proton pump inhibitors/acid blockers... scary stuff.

I also eat pretty healthy; no coffee, soda, chocolate, alcohol, gluten-free, very minimally processed foods, limit spicy foods.

I've also occasionally used apple cider vinegar (with the "mother" in it), but don't use it regularly.

use h2 blockers (ranitidine, cimetedine etc) to delay acid burn 4 -8 hrs and use Tums (try 1000 mg w Calcium). Or, if low on the bucks, or you can't get to the store in time, a teaspoon or less, of baking soda in a bit of warm water. It tastes terrible, but will remove the immediate burn, until the h2 blockers can kick in. However, try to dwindle your use of the tums etc, as it will lead to rebounds, making you have more acid, etc... you get the picture.

These are all things now you can get OTC now (h2 blockers etc) Zantac (or ranitidine) otc is therapeutic at about 150 mg, and is usually best if you are taking a lot of meds; has less blockages, side effects etc. Baking Soda immediately dissolves the acid (tums and other otcs) but baking soda is VERY high in salt so don't take it if you are watching your sodium intake.

Of course, don't do anything w/o your Dr and/or Pharmacist approval, but it does help in controlling the acid. I've never had such bad acid reflux as being on this since I was put on the omeprazole. Before, I was taking Ranitidine 300 mg prn (or break them in half)

but, seems all these remedies are going to have the rebound effect, so I have had to titer it down, because I cant imagine trying to get off this otherwise! If I don't have an ulcer already, I think I would!

good luck!

As said in previous posts -- I am SO glad that I found this site!

My doctor prescribed Omeprazole 20mg/day after I complained of acid reflux/heart burn. Within one week, I gained 4 pounds! The bloating around by middle was noticeable by the second day. I am also experiencing constipation.

I am going to stop taking it immediately and try some of the other suggestions posted.

Thank you for sharing your stories!

Thanks God I found this site. I was taking omeprazole for 5days now and my body can't really take this drug. I had been diagnosed with acid reflux problem last 2 weeks ago. My acid increased when I ate a lot of oysters that day. Went to the E.R and my test was all negative even my EKG. The doctor told me I had GERD but my acid wasn't that bad though before I ate the oysters.

I was just taking Omeprazole for 5days but the effect was horrible (heavy chest pain, dizziness, vomiting, muscles pain and anxiety) my doctor told me to continue taking it until 14days, but I can't take it anymore I feel so sick taking this drug. I will go back to my doctor this week and I will tell her about the side effects. I will STOP taking this drug starting Today! I will drink lots of water to wash out all the drugs into my body. I will try also the apple cider vinegar if I will have a heartburn. Thank you all for all your comments here. I hope and I pray that the Lord will heal us. God bless

I took Omeprazole for 1 year for bad acid reflux and felt like I was ready for the asylum. I had nervousness, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, doomed feeling, nightmares, tingling in arms and legs, and vision problems and many other symptoms that have been mentioned by other people. Before I took this drug I had osteopenia and after a year on it I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I had no problem getting off of it. I felt 100% better and just started watching my diet and drinking aloe juice.

I do get acid reflux once in a while and I will treat it with meds that do not contain omeprazole. My question to readers is: has anyone experienced and eye pressure problems on omeprazole? I am being checked because the pressure in my eyes has increased. This really scares me. Would appreciate any feedback. I have encouraged anyone I know who is on Omep. to get off and it was amazing to hear them say they had so many symptoms and didn't know what was wrong. Thanks

I have been taking omeprazole for over a month 40mg 2x a day for severe acid reflux. I had an endoscopy and a colonoscopy to diagnose the problem and was originally prescribed nexium but it wasn't covered and was $350 per month so we opted for the omeprazole because they said it was" like the difference between coke and pepsi" I have had very bad short term memory- even to the point that I have trouble remembering what symptoms came first and when they first surfaced.

I the developed dermatographism where I would get itchy and every place I touched my skin would erupt in a large raised welt. I would look like I had been whipped with welts covering my body. I would also get very anxious and jittery when I had all these welts. The itch was insatiable.

I was told to go off the omeprazole and they pepsid. I have done this but still have the dermatographism. It is not as often but is still there daily. It doesn't last as long or seem quite as intense usually, but it is very uncomfortable. I am very confused and don't know what to do next.

The acid reflux is very severe and painful without any drugs, but I feel like exposing myself to something that causes this serious of a reaction can't be good. I'm considering a natropath next.

I have recently been diagnosed with GERD and Barret's esophagus. I am very reluctant about taking the omeprazole my doc prescribed. The only symptom that I have is a fullness in my throat. I have been trying hard to eliminate things from my diet; onions, garlic and tomatoes are the hardest. I never thought I could give up coffee, chocolate and wine so easily! I would appreciate any thoughts/ideas on a natural course to take.

I began taking Omeprazole in fall 2003 after being hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer (I was given two units of blood during the three days I was there) and was told I would need to take a proton pump inhibitor for the rest of my life to keep the ulcer from possibly developing again, which by the way was supposedly originally caused by h.pylori bacteria in the stomach which was treated with antibiotics while in the hospital and more orally once I was released.

I subsequently began to wake up with very severe headaches and I mean crushing pain right in the center of my forehead and they never failed to make me sick, nausea and vomiting and dry heaves for a whole day sometimes even into the next day and then a whole extra day after to recuperate. And I could never predict when this would happen. I'd go to bed fine and wake up sicker than, well you know what.

And the thing is I never really thought it could be the Omeprazole that was causing it until here it is nine years later and after suffering all that time with headaches at least once or twice a month or six weeks, and going to neurologists and trying four or five different very expensive headache meds, I decided to maybe try to see if stopping it would help. Sheer desperation was largely my motivation and the fact that I realized it was the only med I'd been taking for longer than I had been getting the headaches (I had been on Lexapro, Wellbutrin, estrogen replacement therapy) but discontinued all of those for other varying reasons.

So it has been three months since I had a 'sick' episode and almost that long since I quit this drug and I can't even say how relieved I am to now have a little hope that I may be free of these debilitating headaches... I was literally at my wit's end, the doctors could not find any cause and all the tests were negative and I had many!! I was ready to look into filing for disability.

I think it's just a little too coincidental that since I quit these pills the headaches have pretty much just gone away and while the drug was wearing off I did have some acid reflux and some other stomach upset issues but they were and are way milder than what I went through for all those years. I feel pretty naive for not realizing before. I hope this can help someone else who may be having something similar, God forbid.

Anyone who is familiar with this particular side effect please feel free to reply to this, I'd really welcome input on this. And to clarify, my doctor fully supports my decision to stop as well, although we do need to be vigilant regarding the acid levels etc., so that will have to be monitored. Needless to say I am just absolutely paranoid about taking anything else to prevent the acid for fear of the same result. So I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens. Thanks for letting me share my story.

LIQUID FEED.
I have been taking acid suppressants of different kinds for 6 or 7 years, because I produce excess stomach acid. The drugs are mostly omeprazole and other PPI's: sometimes Ranitidine. I have experienced the listed side effects. I try to relieve my body of these by coming off the drug/s for at least one weekend in four, occasionally for as long as a fortnight. I am able to get relief from both the drugs and the excess acidity by substituting solid food with liquid feed in the form of Ensure Plus, or Pepdite 1+.

These are obtainable by prescription and are quite palatable, and because they don't demand stomach acid for absorption allow the stomach and gut to heal from inflammation and ulceration, without the side effects of the drugs. Taking the liquid feed isn't particularly satisfying but I'd rather give up the pleasure of eating for a while than suffer the side effects of the medication.

QUESTION.
Has anyone experienced relief from rheumatic symptoms while taking omeprazole or another PPI? There is a theory that rheumatic diseases are related to a rise in blood acidity possibly induced (at least partially) by excess stomach acid! And there are some reported cases where relief has seemed to accompany acid suppression.

Hi all, I've been prescribed Omeprazole. I took 1 20mg capsule once a day for 2months and still got the pain. I went back to my doctor yesterday and he told me to increase the dose to 2 20mg capsules a day for a week. Then to cut down to 1 20mg capsule a day. After reading all your stories this worries me greatly. My side effects so far have been dizziness, wobbly legs, hands shaking, anxiety, a big itchy rash on my back (which I've never had before). I would like to stop taking these but the pain is unbearable and can last for 12 hours!!

It feels like someone is pressing on my chest. I hope my stomach sorts itself soon as I'm not looking forward to coming off them and having more side effects.:-(
Good luck to you all and thank you for sharing your stories, remedies and words of hope.

Regards CEH

My husband is 80 years old and in pretty good health. We both do a 45 minute, three mile walk several times a week. He also plays golf at least once a week. My concern is that my husbands doctor has just prescribed Prilosec for an irritating clearing of the throat, which he has had for several years. He also put him on blood pressure meds when his blood pressure was slightly elevated 145/63 during a an office visit, but which is more often below 120/56. His total cholesterol is 159 and his LDL is 73 and triglyceride is 230, so he wants him to take Pravastatin. He suggested the Pravastatin because it is less expensive than Lipitor.

We both take vitamin D3 5000 IU and Mega Red Kril oil. My husband also takes Glucosamine with MSM 159 mg. I prefer that we not get hooked on prescription medications that not only have bad side effects but that our age are not going to make any significant difference to our overall health. Do you see a problem with what is being prescribed for my husband? I do not want his health to get bad just because he is taking medications that he may not need. Thank You. Jean

I have been on omeprazole, for about a year, prescribed by an E.N.T for acid reflux, during this time I had noticed a persistent itchy rash on my back. Along with this rash I began to have some very dry skin and sagging of the skin, on the back of my arms and legs, the onset of this was immediately after starting the drug.

During a routine blood test I was told that I was deficient in B12 and my blood sugar war elevated. I have stopped taking the omeprazole and begun to take a very strong probiotic. Along with drinking a lot of water. My persistent acid reflux cough has gone, my skin rash has disappeared and my blood test is now normal. Doctors seem to be unaware of the many side effects and don't encourage patients to take alternative homeopathic measures. A friend has told me that her reflux is corrected with a homeopathic licorice. I encourage everyone to investigate less toxic treatments.

Pah, your deficiency of B12 is common with protracted use of proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole. The drug inhibits the production of 'intrinsic factor' which is needed for the absorption of B12. Everyone who begins a potentially long course of PPI's, or drugs like ranitidine which are 'H2 receptor antagonists', should have their B12 levels monitored.

Unfortunately most GP's aren't aware of this potential deficiency and never test for it. A deficiency of B12 usually results in severe fatigue. The deficiency can be overcome quickly by taking B12 tablets, obtainable by prescription. Incidentally it is worth Googling the side effects of 'reduced stomach acid and deficiencies' to see ALL the nutrients whose absorption is affected by drugs like omeprazole. When I take it I add a high potency MultiVit and Mineral tablet to my diet.

I started omeprazole a few years ago when nothing else was working for my heartburn and reflux, and it worked wonders. At first, I only had to take maybe one a week. Then in the last year, I needed it twice a week. About 2 and a half years ago, I went to the doctor with shortness of breath. Antibiotics had minimal effect, we tried nebulizer (albuterol for asthma) with no success. The shortness of breath was intermittent, not constant. I eventually began self-treating and found a little relief with Nyquil (the kind you buy behind the counter).

A week of taking it and I did see some improvement in my breathlessness. Realize I have severe sinus drainage at all times also, so hard to sort out the different causes. I told my doctor that it was the first thing that helped and she said to keep doing it then and said it was probably because it had a mild bronchodilator in it, the dextromathorfan. So I got some syrup with only that and Guiffensen, and that helped as well. I still had some shortness of breath, though, but it was better managed.

Just a couple of months ago I'd read a study that a test revealed people on omeprazole broke their hips easier than those not on it. So I decided to cut back because I'm nearly 60 and could easily fall. I didn't think I'd be able to do without it since nothing much worked before. But because I had switched my anti-inflammatory to Meloxicam just a few months ago, which unlike the other anti-inflammatories, does not make my heartburn worse (and also works so much better), I found I was able to do without omeprazole and was back to using simple remedies like Tums and Pepto-Bismol. Once in awhile, I will take a ranitadine or other pill if needed, but they don't do much for me.

Well, I noticed I hadn't had shortness of breath for awhile. I won't say I had zero, but I am overweight and have chronic sinus problems, so some is to be expected. I always thought the pollution index affected my breathing as well, and this is the better time of year for it, so I am not going to conclude it was omeprazole until I am well into summer, but I have a feeling it was the culprit, and this is the longest I've gone without it in nearly 3 years. Too bad.

Try DGL--Available at healthfood stores.

Hopefully you recovered from this. I'm dealing with it right now and it is frustrating.

I have the exact same symptoms. How are you doing now?