Nexium and Constipation: What Users Say

• M20...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2020

For GERD "I have been on Nexium for a few months (almost 4 months) then I stopped taking it without medical advice. Although it can help reduce the acidity of the stomach, however, its side effects are very annoying. I was feeling stomach cramps all day, and constipation was a must no matter how much water you drink. I had a weird feeling of melancholy for no apparent reason and dark thoughts and self-flagellation, especially at the time when I wake up in the morning. After I stopped taking Nexium, my psychology has immediately recovered in a few days and felt that was a nightmare."

• jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2020

For GERD "I bought Nexium after the Zantac warning. It helped with reflux but caused constipation fairly quickly. Next, I noticed dizziness, then feelings of nausea, followed by extreme tiredness during the day but insomnia, causing me to wake in the early hours and be unable to fall asleep again. I became extremely depressed and lost interest in everything. The final straw was noticing that my legs have started to swell and feel tight, and my feet are tingling and uncomfortable when I want to relax. The first few symptoms I could live with, but the swelling and twitching of my feet and legs is not acceptable, neither is the aching I am experiencing. I am concerned about this to the extent I will be contacting my doctor. I will not be taking any more Nexium, I will try to control acid with diet from now on."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2015

For GERD "Although it seems to work for my mother, for me, I had weird symptoms. I was only on the generic brand for 5 days before I had to stop taking the pills. I did not notice any difference in my actual reflux, but apparently, it heals your esophagus and reduces the amount of acid. My symptoms included: complete exhaustion even though I was getting the same amount of sleep and doing the same things during the day as before, I constantly had a dull ache in my stomach, I had a muscle spasm in my left arm for 2 days straight, constipation, feeling sick and completely unmotivated to do anything, I lost my appetite and hardly ate at all, I was easily hurting myself from barely moving (mostly in my back), extremely weak, headache, and swollen lips."

• Bil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2019

For GERD "So I got acid reflux to the point where it woke me up at night. I got the pills Nexium to help. It helped for two days before I noticed I was constipated and extremely gassy, making it feel like I was passing a kidney stone or had a hernia while it was just the gas build-up in my body. The next day, it felt so much worse, and I also got pukey, to the point where I couldn't sleep and just wanted to purge my body of Nexium."

• Tob...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 6, 2019

For Barrett's Esophagus "Diagnosed with Barrett's 10 months ago and on 20 mg Nexium once daily per MD. Barrett's less than 1 cm. Have changed to a plant-based diet. Some constipation issues, but can be tolerated. Also have osteopenia and just finished Fosamax. Next endoscopy in August. Hopefully, Nexium dosage is sufficient. Consuming protein, potassium, vitamin D & K, calcium, plus exercise for my bones, so I hope this helps."

• Gar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 13, 2022

For GERD "I've been on and off Nexium since the beginning of 2020. My GERD symptoms can get really bad if I don't follow a strict diet and a certain way to eat, which is small portions and chew slowly. Sometimes I don't follow those rules, so I would need Nexium as soon as the GERD gets bad. Nexium does work for my worst symptoms, but I think this is the last time I will take these tablets because it's definitely the reason why I was feeling so weird every time I took them. My side effects I would get are bloating, constipation, racing thoughts, mind pops, and VERY creepy dreams and thoughts. I can't wait until the drug is completely out of my system. My tips for people struggling with GERD: eat healthy, exercise, lower stress and anxiety, limit full cream, acidic food, and spicy food, eat small meals, chew your food A LOT, and don't drink liquids with food (this is my main cause of GERD). Avoid Nexium. It has so many lawsuits, yet it's still on shelves in stores."

• Roo...
• March 30, 2021

For GERD "Doctor told me to take Nexium for heartburn. Within a day, made me feel bloated, headache, tired, stomach cramps, serious constipation for 3 weeks, and low mood. I took this for 3 weeks on and off. Had no idea it was Nexium that was making me feel awful, thought it was my body, which made me worry a lot. It worked well for heartburn, but the side effects were awful. Would never take it again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2022

For GERD "After taking Nexium for 14 days (per package instructions), which I took per ENT MD order, I experienced a severe case of constipation. After discussion with PCP for severe constipation, it took 1 week of treatment with an enema and stool softeners to rectify this situation."

• Anonymous
• April 21, 2010

For Barrett's Esophagus "Became very constipated on this medication."

• fri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2013

For Barrett's Esophagus "Constipation, the worst on this medication."