Omeprazole and Side Effects??

[andy27]

I have been taking Omeprazole for 2.5 months. I was diagnosed with gerd. Ever since I have been taking this drug I have been light headed nauses and fatigue. It seemed to gradualy get worse. I have been off it for 4 weeks and still feel the light headed and fatigue. Some days are better than others. It usually sticks around for a day. I have been tested ok for every thing else. Been in the ER 3 times for this concern. They say it could be anxiety? Is it possible for this to be a side effect from Omeprazole? And how long does it take to get out of your system? I have heard it could take 3 months and I have heard it won't take longer than a week?? Please Reply, very nervous

Thanks
Andy

[KD9ER]

Ummmm...you don't sound like a PEDS Patient?  LOL  Just kidding.  Actually I'm not really sure of the side effects of Omeprazole (Prilosec).  But I do know you might be able to find some info on it in the Health Pages Tab.  

Were you tested for Thyroid problems?  And I'm not talking about them just pulling a TSH value on you.  You would need FreeT3 and FreeT4 values for it to be sufficient info to see if you have a Thyroid issue.  The fatigue, light headedness, nausea, and heart burn/ GERD are all symptoms of Thyroid issues.  I know your symptoms started after you took Prilosec, but GERD was your issue before.  There are often many reasons why people get GERD.  Stress (doctor's cop-out answer when they don't have one!), hormone changes, Thyroid Issue, Food Allergy...etc.  I would say you might need a few referrals to get a good answer.  When people are diagnosed with GERD it's typically not something they'll be cured from unless they find the "source".  I'd start with a few blood panels for Thyroid function (TSH, FreeT3, FreeT4) if those come back good, don't settle for "normal" results---because docs have a very skewed view of "normal".  There are some great web pages that will tell you what a good ratio is for your T3 T4 values.  Or you can post your blood results on the Thyroid Disorders Community Forum for some feedback.  Then I'd get a referral to an Allergist and get tested for food allergies.  My Mum's GERD got drastically better after cutting out Chicken!  Go figure.  One food was causing the majority of her problem.  Then I'd start researching foods you can eat to balance acid in your stomach to aid the meds better.  This is like Green Olives, Apple Cider Vinegar, Celery...etc.  

The ball is in your court Neo.  Do you want the blue pill or the red pill?

Keep Posting Andy!  Don't settle for not feeling 100%.  There is a solution out there for you.  Be persistant and find it.  

-K

[ChitChatNine]

Gee, I don't know but I'd say a week is ample for any effects to be gone.

Thyroid is a good start.

C~