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

[godwinvasanth]

I am taking omeprazole 20 mg daily for past 4 weeks. My GERD problem is restoring good but I got tingling sense in tongue, lips, arms sometimes in abdomen. When I check with my PCP, she said you might have gall bladder issues and suggest for an ultrasound. After some research I found the tingling effect may be due to depletion of B12 and magnesium in your body which is necessary for your nervous system to work properly. I believe, due to this deficiency , my nerve ending all over my body is been triggered. I am stopping my omeprazole and planning to get my vitamins naturally through food. Anybody who had similar issue and cured after stopping omeprazole?

[lovedayuk]

Wow. I'm happy I've seen these comments. I've been taking Omeprazole for around 2 weeks now. I've been suffering from dizziness, hard to concentrate and joint pain. The lump feeling in throat and the gerd feelings have stopped though. Seems to be a bit of catch 22 situation.

[Ihavefaith7]

I was on omeprazole for 12 days and experienced the anxiety, brain fog, lack of concentration, jittery feeling, lightheaded/dizzy, insomnia, joint pain, muscle pain, tingling and numbness... over two weeks later, although there has been improvement,  I'm still experiencing many of the symptoms listed.  I also read the FDA study.  I'm trying to find something natural to help with reflux.

[Aggiepilot846]

I had the same exact symptoms everyone is describing here (anxiety, brain fog, lack of concentration, panic attacks, dizziness, etc.)  I did some research before going to the doctor and I found an FDA study that points to Omeprazole depleting Magnesium levels in the body [http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm245011.htm].  This combined with a poor diet (i.e. processed foods) leads to all the symptoms I had been having.  I've been taking magnesium supplements (along with B1 and B12) and things are returning to normal.  I did go to my local doctor to see what she had to say and it was exactly what I expected.  Ignored my research and tried to treat the symptoms, not the cause.  Wanted to put me on prozac!  Typical modern day doctor, refuses to listen to alternatives and goes right for the drugs.

[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~

[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