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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Profile picture for mountainmama73 @mountainmama73

I just found your comment. I too have been on Prevacid since age 27! I’m 51 now… it’s just been a week, and I started famotidine 20 mg daily as supper time. I’m miserable. I am going to add another famotidine 20 mg to mornings. I’m so scared. I wish I had never got on Prevacid. I’m hoping I can completely get to some sort of relief.

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Usually, the recommendation is to do the switch slowly. So, if it's a difficult transition you could continue the prevacid every second day or do some other more gradual change. Also, try the Gaviscon that has sodium alginate in it. It's very helpful and blocks the acid from coming into your esophagus. You can take Tums too.
And do the other recommended issues for acid reflux (sleep on a wedge, avoid caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and more...) See the internet

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Profile picture for mrsbeard26 @mrsbeard26

I’ve been on Prevacid my entire adult life. 27 years. Slowly transitioning off. I’m scared.

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@mrsbeard26 I was on 40mg protonix 22y's. Had to be off for frequent tests & just put away all the antacids. I belched quite a bit the 1st 3wks. Been off near 3mo's. Less heartburn & indigestion. Totally committed to diet free from acidic & triggers. Best to you on your journey

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Profile picture for Susan Maas @susanemaa

I have been on Omeprazole for over 5 years now, it works well, why transition off of it? I had an esophagectomy with partial gastrectomy and a pull through for esophageal cancer at the junction. I know my anatomy is a little different, just wondered why if it is working for you.
Sue

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Omeprazole has recently been linked to Osteoarthritis. This can happen even after 1 year or less of use.
Published in Pubmedcentral.
“Omeprazole and risk of Osteoarthritis:insights from a mendelian randomisation study in the UK Biobank”

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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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Unfortunately I keep having reactions to PPI’s. Yesterday I decided to stop the latest PPI I was taking which I thought might be causing burning. Yesterday and today I am so much better. Not sure what my next move is since I have Barrett’s. The first PPI caused swollen lower legs, ankles, and feet. The second PPI caused drainage and a constant cough. The third PPI caused burning in my mouth. After stopping the 3rd PPI yesterday the burning has almost stopped and I feel better. Not sure what my next move is since I have Barrett’s. Took sucralfate liquid last night before bedtime and just took it again tonight. PPI side effects can be rough.

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Profile picture for susanfalcon52 @susanfalcon52

I have been on Protonix for many years. I want to phase off of that. When I asked my gastroenterologist to take me off of it, he lowered it from 40mg to 20mg. That was a year ago.
I plan to phase myself off of that
I too discovered Gaviscon Advanced which works great- I will use that.
I have seen my gastroenterologist for 20 years and always had great faith in him. Not so much now. He’s semi-retired, seems disinterested in my condition, and I believe writes my gastro issues off as being due to anxiety.

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i.e. Being a woman!! I was on a PPI and decided I didn't need it any longer, so I started by not taking the morning pill. Did that for two weeks, and it went well. Then I stopped taking the evening pill every other night. So far, this is working well. I have yet to stop altogether, but my doctor suggested supplementing with either Tums or Gascon if I needed help. Hope this helps, and I would suggest passing it by your disinterested MD, although he/she will probably just say yes, go ahead and try it.

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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 take Omeprazole 40 mg, have Barrettes esophagus, stick to my diet plan, also seen a nutritionist who gave me a plan, stick to plant based diet, My GI Dr, wanted me to take Sucralfate, I didn't take it , was supposed to take 3 times a day, found out it interfere with Vitamin D, I also have ostopenia.

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Profile picture for Linda Robertson @l3440r

I am wondering if anyone else taking PPI medication is having the concerns that I have. I do not like taking a lot of pills so am concerned sbout having to take 40 mg twice a day. I don’t seem to be having problems with GERD now that I am watching my diet and eating small amounts. I want to do what is best but I want to stop taking so many pills when I seem to do well when I skip them. Any thoughts from others? Of course I have talked with the doctor and they want me to continue but when I forget snd take less I feel I am fine. I cannot tell that I am having GERD.

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I had to get off of omeprazol. My kidney function is stage 3. This drug can destroy your liver. I’m taking Gaviscon cherry chews. 👍🏻

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Profile picture for baguette @baguette

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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I have stage 3 kidney disease now. I quit the Prilosec. My doctor says I probably should stay on it. Why do I hit stage 4 and have to go on dialysis? I’m feeling so much better. I also had to quit the repatha injections for cholesterol. I was so tired and living in a fog I couldn’t think straight. My last shot was 3 weeks ago and I’m feeling sooooo much better.

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Profile picture for susanfalcon52 @susanfalcon52

I have been on Protonix for many years. I want to phase off of that. When I asked my gastroenterologist to take me off of it, he lowered it from 40mg to 20mg. That was a year ago.
I plan to phase myself off of that
I too discovered Gaviscon Advanced which works great- I will use that.
I have seen my gastroenterologist for 20 years and always had great faith in him. Not so much now. He’s semi-retired, seems disinterested in my condition, and I believe writes my gastro issues off as being due to anxiety.

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How annoying! Time for a new Gastro dr.

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Profile picture for dandl48 Dave @dandl48

Do you no longer suffer from GERD? If not, why do you want off of it? What does your MD say about getting off it?

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24% increase in type 2 diabetes.
Increase in dementia
Increase rate of fractures
Chronic kidney problems
Vitamin/mineral deficiencies
Increase rate of infections
Yale Med

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