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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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Profile picture for Nanny23
Nanny23 | @nanny23 | Jun 28, 2018
In reply to @travelgirl "@nightngale1998 I been on Omprazole for 2 1/2 yrs. I go on and off myself ...." + (show)
Profile picture for Jackie, Alumna Mentor @travelgirl

@nightngale1998 I been on Omprazole for 2 1/2 yrs. I go on and off myself . Mostly cause I forget to take it. My usual dose is 40mg in the AM and 40mg in the PM. I can go for about 30 days without taking it. Then BAM. The stabbing chest pains, sore throat and stomach starts to hurt. So I have to go back to regularly taking the pills. It usually takes about 2 weeks to get back to feeling normal no chest pains and such.

I tried the vinegar once.. OMG.. I might as well drank boric acid, it felt about the same. It was like flames were shooting down my throat. I think that works for people with occasional acid reflux?

You have to completely live on a bland diet. Which is impossible for me at least. I think in order to live without the medicine. But i don't even know, if that works when you have a hernia?

My blood work is fine perfect actually after this long. I think it can possibly cause issues with our kidney's?? But I don't know anyone who has been affected that way?

Now I have a couple of family members who have been taking this medicine for 20+ years and they are fine today in their 70"s.

If I am not mistaken Gerd is the precursor to Barrett's Syndrome? Barrett's Syndrome is the precursor to Throat Cancer? My Uncle has barrett's Syndrome and the Dr's watch him like a hawk.

I would talk to your DR again or go for another opinion to see what another Dr recommends for you. You may hear a different story.

I wish you the Best..
Jackie

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I have Barrett’s esophagus and Apple cider vinegar is no good for me. I am on Dexilant now. It works well for me. Stay well

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1 reply
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kozlo52 | @kozlo52 | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hi @nightngale1998, I found this interesting article about discontinuing PPIs, that you may wish to read:..." + (show)
Profile picture for Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator @kanaazpereira

Hi @nightngale1998,

I found this interesting article about discontinuing PPIs, that you may wish to read: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3995199/

I'd really like to invite @kozlo52 @peck1944 @darlia @fourof5zs to this discussion, as they've shared some valuable insights about hiatal hernia and GERD in other discussions.

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i really didn't find any other info in this article that i didn't know already. My problem is that i havebeen experiencing "heartburn sensation", even though bravo 48 hr testing has indicated no acid reflux since the fundoplication of nov. 2016. I have been diagnosed with "hyper sensitive esophagus". it's the feeling of heartburn but is the esophagus being disturbed. I also still experience gagging type syndrome.
i plan to have another endoscopy on7/12/18, by my gastroenterologist. i can not tolerate another 48 hour bravo because of severe arthritis in the c3-c7 region of my neck and stenosis in my back L4-L5. I was supposed to get epidermals for the back and neck on 6/28/18 but my "heartburn" was so bad that i could't due to the possibilty of being intibated sfter c3-c4 cortisone injection to act as a nerve block. C3 controls your breathing thus the potential for intibation. Antacids do not work on my heartburn. I am on zoloft 100 mg and up to 4 atavan (1mg) per day to control tyhe "perceived heartburn". By the time i take the 3rd atavan i am sleeping in my recliner by 6pm. The possibity exists that the bile that was found in my stomach after gallbladder removal might be disturbing the stomach, becuase my symptoms feel like bile reflux ( throat burn, mouth burn, sour taste). it does not matter what i eat or drink. Water seems to make thing worse. Ensure does help better. This may explain why my weight has gone up 15 lbs sice 11/2016....Anyone else have this after fundoplicatio followed by gallbladder. I personally did better before the fundo being on 60 mg of prevacid and 4000mg od sulcrafate. I regret ever having the fundoplication. I would like to have an esophagael impedence to see if the bile is the culprit. If it is then a ROUN-Y procedure may be needed which will put a bypass from the stomach to a lower part of the intestine to keep bile out of the stomach. If bile is not the culprit then it may back to reversal of the fundoplication. I can't take the gagging and "burn" continuosly.....kozlo52

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Profile picture for shahnaz
shahnaz | @shahnaz | Jul 5, 2018
In reply to @nightngale1998 "Thank you for responding, dand48, hopeful33250, Theresa, and destinanna. I still suffer from GERD from a..." + (show)
Profile picture for Bonnie @nightngale1998

Thank you for responding, dand48, hopeful33250, Theresa, and destinanna. I still suffer from GERD from a hiatal hernia. I have taken Oemprazole a little over two years and want to get off of the medication because of the associated health issues of poor absorption of key nutrients (D, B12, and calcium are the ones I am familiar with).

My provider, a competent gentleman, has said "hmmmm." I am an RN so am used to doing the research and my own investigation. I have not found evidenced based information / articles on weaning off of Omeprazole. I have heard it can be done and tried to do so but was met with resistance and poor results when I attempted to do so. I switched over to Zantac and the first three days were reasonable and after that it was very uncomfortable).

The celery sounds hopeful and am trying to figure out the mechanism of action for its success. I have tried cider vinegar and it was met with severe cramping.

I am seeking successful scenario's by the valued participants on this board and will do a fair amount of research / experimentation on my own of what works for me. I take responsibility for my nutrition. I am also Lactose intolerant and have a few other sensitivities / intolerances in digestion.I thank you in advance for any additional feedback.

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I've also weaned myself off omeprazole and I'm now on zantac but is this safe in the long run? Please do let me know

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1 reply
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Robin | @harliegirl | Jul 5, 2018
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 have acid reflux and getting off omeprazole is not an option but I do swallow Priosec in am and zantac afternoon with tums with needed on every third day the others I use zantac morning and evening with tums in between. I feel so much better the days I use the one Priosec(not sure I am spelling right) but I am having a calcium intake problem so I am using doctors suggestion for using tums, zantac and prilosec.

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6 replies
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Bonnie | @nightngale1998 | Jul 5, 2018
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 have appreciated the excellent suggestions made from this posting. Thank you!

Bonnie

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Profile picture for dandl48 Dave
dandl48 Dave | @dandl48 | Jul 5, 2018
In reply to @harliegirl "I have acid reflux and getting off omeprazole is not an option but I do swallow..." + (show)
Profile picture for Robin @harliegirl

I have acid reflux and getting off omeprazole is not an option but I do swallow Priosec in am and zantac afternoon with tums with needed on every third day the others I use zantac morning and evening with tums in between. I feel so much better the days I use the one Priosec(not sure I am spelling right) but I am having a calcium intake problem so I am using doctors suggestion for using tums, zantac and prilosec.

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You might want to ask your MD if taking DE would help you with your calcium uptake. I'm taking 2 generic Nexiums in AM and 2 at dinner along with a Zantac at bed time. With D3 my calcium level is fine.

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Profile picture for Linda Robertson
Linda Robertson | @l3440r | Jul 6, 2018
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 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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2 replies
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Drroberts | @drrobertsmsmft | Jul 6, 2018
In reply to @harliegirl "I have acid reflux and getting off omeprazole is not an option but I do swallow..." + (show)
Profile picture for Robin @harliegirl

I have acid reflux and getting off omeprazole is not an option but I do swallow Priosec in am and zantac afternoon with tums with needed on every third day the others I use zantac morning and evening with tums in between. I feel so much better the days I use the one Priosec(not sure I am spelling right) but I am having a calcium intake problem so I am using doctors suggestion for using tums, zantac and prilosec.

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Have you talked with your doctor about the LINX Augmentation?

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Profile picture for Jackie, Alumna Mentor
Jackie, Alumna Mentor | @travelgirl | Jul 6, 2018
In reply to @l3440r "I am wondering if anyone else taking PPI medication is having the concerns that I have...." + (show)
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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@i3440r I take the same amount as you. I can go a few weeks without taking omprazole then it is like BAM WHAM I end up with the stabbing dagger pains. Then I have to remember to start taking the pills exactly 30 minutes before i eat or they don't work. I as well do not like taking any kinds of pills. Wish there was a solution to the issue without taking pills.

REPLY
Profile picture for Jackie, Alumna Mentor
Jackie, Alumna Mentor | @travelgirl | Jul 6, 2018
In reply to @nightngale1998 "Thank you for responding, dand48, hopeful33250, Theresa, and destinanna. I still suffer from GERD from a..." + (show)
Profile picture for Bonnie @nightngale1998

Thank you for responding, dand48, hopeful33250, Theresa, and destinanna. I still suffer from GERD from a hiatal hernia. I have taken Oemprazole a little over two years and want to get off of the medication because of the associated health issues of poor absorption of key nutrients (D, B12, and calcium are the ones I am familiar with).

My provider, a competent gentleman, has said "hmmmm." I am an RN so am used to doing the research and my own investigation. I have not found evidenced based information / articles on weaning off of Omeprazole. I have heard it can be done and tried to do so but was met with resistance and poor results when I attempted to do so. I switched over to Zantac and the first three days were reasonable and after that it was very uncomfortable).

The celery sounds hopeful and am trying to figure out the mechanism of action for its success. I have tried cider vinegar and it was met with severe cramping.

I am seeking successful scenario's by the valued participants on this board and will do a fair amount of research / experimentation on my own of what works for me. I take responsibility for my nutrition. I am also Lactose intolerant and have a few other sensitivities / intolerances in digestion.I thank you in advance for any additional feedback.

Jump to this post

@shahnaz I tried Zantac and it made my blood sugar drop. The Dr. could not explain that one to me? They just switched me to the omeprazole instead.

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