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extended use of omeprazole

Is it possible to have a reverse reaction to Nexium / omeprazole? It never really made the symptoms of my recently diagnosed hiatal hernia caused reflux (lump in throat, mostly) go away. It seemed to help for 2 weeks, but after 1 month it seemed to aggravate GERD symptoms. I am reading a lot on the subject, experimenting with diet and relaxation and the occasional spoonful of Maalox. I relate to the person who said they felt fine until after the endoscopy. I never had this globus feeling in my throat before, and now it is there all the time, no matter what or when I eat or don't eat. THAT is stressful!
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Avatar universal
There is a study that was published in Gastrojournal which shows evidence that proton-pump inhibitor treatment actually causes more reflux.  What happens is that after the effect of the ppi wears off there is a compensatory mechanism that comes into play which makes the stomach produce more acid than before.

I don't know if we're allowed to post links in the forum (i'm new) otherwise I would paste it here.  If we are, then let me know and I'll make it available.

As for the lump in your throat, that is the Upper Esophageal Sphincter closing up to prevent acid reaching your pharynx and larynx.  I have the same symptom and basically it is a GERD variation called LPR - Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.
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Avatar universal
Long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors can cause or exacerbate Osteoporosis, chest pain, distended stomach, nausea, diarrhea/constipation, abdominal pain, flatulence,  headache & trouble swallowing.  They can also interfere with the absorption of other drugs.  As you can see, most of the side effects appear to be gastrointestinal, which means we have to be aware of whether our symptoms are coming from the Reflux/Barrett's, etc., or could be the result of too much medicine for too long a period of time.   My doctor was not saying don't take the drugs; on the contrary, he was saying take only the dosage you need to control your symptoms.  He suggested I try taking one dose per day instead of two to see if my symptoms are controlled on the lower dosage.  So far, they have been.  Since the only symptoms I have ever had were chest pain & discomfort swallowing, if those symptoms come back, I will definitely go back on two doses per day.  My daughter has been on Prilosec/Nexium for years for Reflux.  Over the past 9 mos. she has developed a severely distended stomach,  stomach pain, chronic gas problems & a small amount of blood in her urine (can be a side effect of Prilosec).  Our gastroenterologist asked her, as well, to try one dose of Prilosec per day to see if that improves these symptoms.  It is too soon to tell, but I will definitely keep you posted.  :)
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1265027 tn?1284839951
just saw the gastro dr today and he said that it may take up to 3-4 months for themedication to work. he didnt mentin to me abou howlong but he did say that upto 40mg a day is not going to harm you
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63984 tn?1385437939
You will get lots of feedback regarding your question.  In my case, I had minor GERD problems for years and took omeprazol off an on, but suddenly had very serious acid reflux.  Acid was actually eating away the enamel on my teeth and distroying my vocal cords, and until I could have a Nissen Fundoplication procedure, I was taking six omeprazol a day; two 1/2 hour prior to breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It helped, and I had no negative symptoms whatsoever from the meds.
By the way, the Nissen Fundoplication was a complete success.
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Avatar universal
My new gastroenterologist just asked my daughter & I to cut back on our meds to once per day.  It is his opinion that Nexium & Prilosec can both cause a lot of problems if taken long term at higher doses & he asked us to try taking them once per day to see if one dose per day would control our symptoms.  As with any medication, he believes that it is best to take the smallest dose possible in order to solve the problem.  He also told us that too much for too long can exacerbate the problems those of us who have reflux/Barretts Esophagus are experiencing.   I am curious what dosage you are taking & how many times per day?  
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Avatar universal
I never felt better until I got on 60 mg (2x prescription strength/day) of lansoprazole.  Nothing OTC or of lower strength prescription helped.  I've been on this therapy for months with no issues unless I forget to take it (blech).
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