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Side effects with omeprazole/Prilosec use

Posted by blueorca @blueorca, May 5, 2018

i am an 18-year user of daily OTC Prilosec. It does a perfect job of controlling my GERD but I am constantly battling side effects of nutritional deficiencies in iron, B-12, magnesium, etc. For example, my hair is extremely thin and loss of energy is a constant problem. I am looking for specific help in knowing which supplements to take for this and in what doses and formats and on what schedule. All the nutritionists I've found locally are not well-versed in Prilosec use. Is there a medical provider out there who specializes in this? And would they be willing to work with me long distance?

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debraj63 | @debraj63 | Aug 4, 2024
In reply to @beachgal8 "My personal experience is not good either. I’ve been in omeprazole for probably at least 10..." + (show)
Profile picture for beachgal8 @beachgal8

My personal experience is not good either. I’ve been in omeprazole for probably at least 10 years. My Gastrointestinal doc just took me off when it was discovered I have stage 3A kidney disease. So, for me, the question is…did it cause the decline in my kidneys?? I can’t tell you what to do in your situation, but I hope you can get off. I started eating more plant based and that has helped a lot. I still have some bouts of reflux but when I stay strict with eating properly, I’m much better! Best of luck!

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I am glad you found some relief with a pb diet. I did pb but it did me no good. I’m now doing keto and I have stopped taking omeprazole…about 3 weeks now. Still having problems but no more than when I was on omeprazole.
Good luck!

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1 reply
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poppy1946 | @poppy1946 | Aug 7, 2024
In reply to @tk1 "Thank you for your post. I too am an RN and have just started on this..." + (show)
Profile picture for tk1 @tk1

Thank you for your post. I too am an RN and have just started on this hellish journey. Started omeprazole a few day ago but terrified of it and coming off it. Right now it is not working for me. I am going to stay tuned to your posts and follow your journey. I started acupuncture 2 days ago, there is some literature supporting GERD treatment success. Not sure how to strengthen my gut microbe with this but am taking probiotics.

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I so appreciate all the posts here. I have been taking omeprazole for several years and I am very concerned re side effects. Dr says this is best for me as I have beginning of Barretts esophagus. I want to try apple cider vinegar but am afraid. Feel trapped.

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2 replies
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riflemanz64 | @riflemanz64 | Aug 7, 2024
In reply to @nightngale1998 "Hi there: Has anyone had success in weaning off of Omeprazole? I take it for GERD...." + (show)
Profile picture for Bonnie @nightngale1998

Hi there: Has anyone had success in weaning off of Omeprazole? I take it for GERD. Thank you in advance!

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If you have Barrett’s why would you pour acid down your throat? The tissue is irritated and you want to burn it more.

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tk1 | @tk1 | Aug 7, 2024
In reply to @poppy1946 "I so appreciate all the posts here. I have been taking omeprazole for several years and..." + (show)
Profile picture for poppy1946 @poppy1946

I so appreciate all the posts here. I have been taking omeprazole for several years and I am very concerned re side effects. Dr says this is best for me as I have beginning of Barretts esophagus. I want to try apple cider vinegar but am afraid. Feel trapped.

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Gosh Poppy, I encourage you to seek alternative options to cider vinegar. That is harsh even for someone without esophagus issues.
Some people find relief juicing cabbage, several times a day and eating foods that absorb acids. Perhaps you can wean yourself to an acid reducer, and or talk to your Dr. about your concerns and recommendations for alternatives. Good luck, and don’t give up. You will find the right combination of things that are right for you.

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robertwp | @robertwp | Aug 8, 2024
In reply to @nightngale1998 "Hi there: Has anyone had success in weaning off of Omeprazole? I take it for GERD...." + (show)
Profile picture for Bonnie @nightngale1998

Hi there: Has anyone had success in weaning off of Omeprazole? I take it for GERD. Thank you in advance!

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I've asked my doctor about long term effects of Omeprazole and he told me any long term effects don't outweigh a good chance of esophageal cancer due to severe acid reflux. I'll stay on it and take my chances vs esophageal cancer and all the other symptoms of acid reflux.

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hammock117 | @hammock117 | Aug 8, 2024
In reply to @debraj63 "I am glad you found some relief with a pb diet. I did pb but it..." + (show)
Profile picture for debraj63 @debraj63

I am glad you found some relief with a pb diet. I did pb but it did me no good. I’m now doing keto and I have stopped taking omeprazole…about 3 weeks now. Still having problems but no more than when I was on omeprazole.
Good luck!

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NIELSON fundiplication helped for awhile but it has it's issues too.

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baguette | @baguette | Aug 8, 2024
In reply to @robertwp "I've asked my doctor about long term effects of Omeprazole and he told me any long..." + (show)
Profile picture for robertwp @robertwp

I've asked my doctor about long term effects of Omeprazole and he told me any long term effects don't outweigh a good chance of esophageal cancer due to severe acid reflux. I'll stay on it and take my chances vs esophageal cancer and all the other symptoms of acid reflux.

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I was told that too and stuck with the omeprazole until I was DX' d with stage 3 chronic kidney disease. I hope your doctor is monitoring you regularly for possible side effects so you can make informed decisions as you go along. Mine didn't and I discovered the CKD only thru a series of medical mistakes. Kidney function improved after I stopped the omeprazole, making me think the drug was the cause (it's also listed as a possible side effect. As is fracture, which is how I found out about the CKD). I wish you well.

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ilonac | @ilonac | Aug 9, 2024
In reply to @poppy1946 "I so appreciate all the posts here. I have been taking omeprazole for several years and..." + (show)
Profile picture for poppy1946 @poppy1946

I so appreciate all the posts here. I have been taking omeprazole for several years and I am very concerned re side effects. Dr says this is best for me as I have beginning of Barretts esophagus. I want to try apple cider vinegar but am afraid. Feel trapped.

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Can't take omeprazole because of blood thinner. On Pepcid and actually I think it's giving me digestive issues. Has anyone had that issue. I liked omeprazole better. Don't like taking it long term , but it is a risk reward situation.

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poppy1946 | @poppy1946 | Aug 10, 2024
In reply to @gigi4 "Have you had an endoscopy at all during all of this? I was on a PPI..." + (show)
Profile picture for gigi4 @gigi4

Have you had an endoscopy at all during all of this? I was on a PPI and after my 3rd endoscopy, my GI said to never take it again as my digestive tract cells were hypertrophic. If you have had GERD for a long time, have you been tested for SIBO (small intestinal bacteria), a fungal infection, a yeast infection or parasites? All of these can be culprits and need to be treated. A PPI only treats to the symptoms, not the cause of your symptoms. The cause(s) need to be eliminated. Your gut biome can be very unhealthy and needs building back up to deal with any of these infections, in addition using prebiotics and probiotics. This has been my journey and it takes time and the right doctor to test you and knows how to test and treat. Your vitamin and mineral levels also need testing to see what you are deficient in - a poor gut biome is not allowing your digestive tract to take in what is needed for health if your gut cannot digest food you are eating.
Best to you in finding answers.

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I have taken omeprazole for over 10 years, first prescribed after an endoscopy. I have never had typical GERD symptoms but I have had trouble swallowing, excess mucus and chronic cough. I think now it's called LPR. Reflux, just at the throat level. I als have Barretts although doc says it's not always discernable. I want to stop omeprazole as my kidney function is decreasing and I have osteopenia (I am 77). I am very afraid of losing kidney function and/or of breaking bones. My GI has told me that changes in diet won't do anything and I have to stay on omeprazole. I saw a suggestion here about seeing a nutritionist and that will be my next step. I stopped omeprazole on my own 3 days ago and very little in the way of symptoms, but I am nervous about it.

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2 replies
Profile picture for riflemanz64
riflemanz64 | @riflemanz64 | Aug 11, 2024
In reply to @nightngale1998 "Hi there: Has anyone had success in weaning off of Omeprazole? I take it for GERD...." + (show)
Profile picture for Bonnie @nightngale1998

Hi there: Has anyone had success in weaning off of Omeprazole? I take it for GERD. Thank you in advance!

Jump to this post

I got rid of Barrett’s by changing my diet and a daily PPI. I tried going off of omeprazole and developed stomach ulcers. I went back on it and had a scope done and the ulcers were gone and no Barrett’s. Changing the diet does help. I’d ask around for a different drug seeing the kidney function is declining.

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