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 metwo @metwo

I found a study that shows amla (indian gooseberry) powder is as good as famotidine in handling reflux so I tried this natural solution and haven't taken medication since and its been years.

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Thanks, but famotodine does absolutely nothing for me either.

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Profile picture for debraj63 @debraj63

Thanks, but famotodine does absolutely nothing for me either.

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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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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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Have had several endoscopies, liver scan, gall bladder scan, and no problems with gut biome.
It really IS a mystery.

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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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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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Dr's say improve microbiom with no real details how?
I have fistula down entire esophagus with levels od Barretts so eating healthy does not really work.

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Profile picture for hammock117 @hammock117

Dr's say improve microbiom with no real details how?
I have fistula down entire esophagus with levels od Barretts so eating healthy does not really work.

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There’s an excellent book - Super Gut by Dr. William Davis you can get on Amazon. It’s very helpful.
And eating healthy isn’t an option. Eating healthy is a must to avoid all kinds of health issues.
Get educated about the food in our country and all the additives, preservatives, sugar, chemicals etc that make US food the most unhealthy.
Read ingredients on everything you look at at the grocery store. Know what you’re putting in your body.
As a general rule, avoid sugar, gluten and processed dairy items (go for 100% sheep or goat milk products, grass fed butter, Greek yogurt.)

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Profile picture for debraj63 @debraj63

I have taken omeprazole on and off for over 20 years. I was treated for helicobacter pylori infection and prescribed omeprazole from then on.
As time has gone on, my GERD symptoms have become progressively worse. Right now, I am in pain almost constantly. I don’t really feel acid coming up in my throat much, but the chest pains and pain in my side are almost unbearable. It affects my life tremendously.
My doctor basically seems to think it’s largely in my head, and he does nothing but prescribe increasing amounts of omeprazole. My current dosage is 40 mg 2x per day. And it does absolutely nothing.
I had been reading about acv and reflux, so I figured why not. I stopped the omeprazole and started 1 tbsp acv in water before each meal. Miraculously, it seemed to work! For a whole week I had the best week in 20 years…then the pain started to return.
I am thinking of dropping the acv…I’ve been on it for 2 weeks now, and also staying off the omeprazole…because it was also not helping. I am at a loss as to what to do though, since I’m in so much pain I don’t even feel like living anymore.
If anyone has suggestions, I’m listening.

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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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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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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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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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