Omeprazole and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Asi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2020

For GERD "My acid reflux came back recently, so I went to see a doctor. She prescribed me to take 20mg omeprazole every morning. Three days had passed, and I noticed dizziness, inability to focus, my eyes couldn’t focus on one thing...they always dilated, diarrhea, fatigue, paranoia, anxiety spiked! I took it for exactly six days. My dad told me not to take it anymore, and we’ll soon be headed to the doctor. It works for some, but the reviews that I have been reading are exactly how I feel...if you experience any one of these symptoms, stop taking them immediately! I read that someone had seizures! I wish you all well and will be taking the natural way suggested...baking soda + water, apple cider vinegar, and ginger tea!"

• ANX...
• March 3, 2021

For Gastritis/Duodenitis "This medication will drag you to a place where you really don't want to be. What I'm feeling is chest heaviness, dizziness, severe anxiety, panic episodes, shakiness, sweating, diarrhea shortness of breath. It is nothing to worry about, my symptoms got better after a few weeks. However, the doctor made me start it again and I now know that everything that just randomly started going wrong with me is all linked to this medication. And when I say anxiety, I mean severe amplified anxiety. Like the kind where you can't sleep at night because you panic thinking tonight is the night. Do not take this medication. Ever. You don't know anxiety until you take this. I'm not sure why this is even a med to begin with. Keep your head up and read my review. I promise you'll be okay after a few weeks. You're not dying. Just going through a bad side effect that will subside."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 28, 2022

For GERD "Evil drug!!! Do not take it. It took me over 4 months to get over the side effects, and I still have little lapses to this day, a year later. Not sure what they have done, but it's like they put my whole nervous system on overdrive. Horrible drug. Honestly, I'd rather let the gastric acid do the maximum damage than ever go through that again. Experiencing dizziness, brain fog, eye twitches, muscle spasms randomly all over, more noticeable on the left shoulder and arm. It made me nervous about everything. I was horrible to people, getting very aggressive over nothing, burning and itching of the skin, pins and needles in feet and hands, non-stop congestion, earache, waking up during sleep feeling like I'd stopped breathing. This is probably around half of what I went through, the list is endless."

• Fam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2021

For GERD "I've been taking this pill for 3 weeks. Started to feel dizziness, headache, and lightheaded. Loss of appetite, chills, tingling, brain fog, and feels like being drunk all the time. Has been hit hard. Off the meds for 3 weeks. And still feel woozy and drunk. The meds haven't worn off yet. Anyone know what to do at the moment?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2020

Omeprazole for GERD "After 12 days of taking this medicine, I feel crazy! Sudden head rushes when I stand up. A feeling of my ears being full. Heart palpitations, chest tightness, etc. It did help with my acid reflux, but I had to stop taking it. I can't deal with the side effects. Going to lose weight and cut off certain foods."

• tob...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 18, 2021

For Hiatal Hernia "DO NOT TAKE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!!!! I have lost 7 months of my life to this drug. I was at a loose end and wanted everything to be over!! I went from a man enjoying his life to a severely depressed and unhappy person. The omeprazole prescribed for my heartburn, unknowingly to me, gave me crippling anxiety, depression, dizziness, brain fog, feeling like I was going to blackout constantly, helplessness, crying.. you name it!! I stopped the Omeprazole 4 days ago and wow, I feel like a new man back to my old self! No depression, no anxiety... WOW!! Please avoid this awful drug at all costs!!!"

• sat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2021

For GERD "I complained about having sharp pains occasionally just below the breasts and the Dr. told me it was acid build-up, and that I should take an omeprazole every morning. On day 5, I got very lightheaded and dizzy every time I stood up, felt my heart racing, and felt anxious. I stopped taking the pills that day, and three days later I'm still feeling lightheaded, a general feeling of heaviness in my chest, and, most concerning, a tidal wave of depression. I am wondering how long it will take this to get out of my system because I feel so wonky."

• sum...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 10, 2020

For GERD "I suffer from extreme chest pain related to GERD-induced esophageal spasms. Omeprazole is the only medicine that I've been given that can even come close to alleviating my reflux and therefore my pain. The problem though is that this medication makes me so sick I can hardly function. It causes nausea, dizziness, brain fog, muscle fatigue, and eventually leads to a kind of painful swelling lump feeling at the base of my throat that can be highly distracting. It's horrible but so is the chest pain from reflux. So, when the pain gets unbearable, I take the Omeprazole and stop when it makes me sick (usually around day 8 or 9), then I quit the medication until the chest pain again becomes unbearable. It's a vicious, awful, horrible cycle between pain and illness. If you can avoid this medication, do!"

• Ddm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2020

For Barrett's Esophagus "So I was prescribed this medication by my GI doctor after having an endoscopy and colonoscopy in July. He said I have Barrett’s Esophagus. I have never really realized I had heartburn very often, and if I did, I would just take a few Tums. I started on this omeprazole in August. Since that time, I have started having side effects of stiff joints, brain fog, dizziness, extreme anxiety, and heart palpitations. I ended up in the ER a few weeks ago because I honestly thought I was having a heart attack. My potassium was high, which has never been an issue before. After researching to try to figure out what was going on, I came across these reviews and, boy, let me tell you, it sounded just like me! This stuff is just awful! I don’t know what to do because I know I’m supposed to be on it, but everything you research as an alternative med for this seems to have the same effects! Needless to say, my GI doctor thinks I’m crazy because he’s never heard of these symptoms happening! Think it might be time to find a new doctor!"

• Sus...
• October 23, 2019

For GERD "I started to have problems with swallowing and felt like I had a lump in my throat. Constantly had to clear it in order to complete a sentence. I was experiencing heartburn. I went to an ENT who put a camera up my nose and into my throat and said all was good, but I have GERD. I had never heard of this until now. He suggested I take 40mg of Omeprazole every day and see how it works. So, it did help with the issue with my throat, but the side effects from it are horrible. I have been nauseous, feel like I am going to vomit, dizzy, shakes, chills, panic attacks, rapid heart beat, severe anxiety, and severe insomnia. I have tried taking it for three weeks and as the days go by, the side effects make me feel so bad I cannot function. I AM NOT GOING TO CONTINUE WITH THIS PILL!!! IT IS HORRIBLE!!!!! It literally has ruined me. I am hoping it clears my system quickly. I feel horrible."

• Moo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2019

For GERD "I started taking this medicine four days ago. It makes my whole system feel suppressed. Shortness of breath, I feel dizzy, tired and like I am going to pass out. I have pressure on both sides of my head and a headache plus palpitations, it’s a really horrible drug. I cannot wait for it to leave my system. I feel so ill."

• Mar...
• September 6, 2021

For Gastritis/Duodenitis "DO. NOT. TAKE. HORRIFIC side effects. Took this for only 5 days due to gastritis, ulcer symptoms on and off for about a year. Decided to take Omeprazole for a few weeks after repeated recommendations by my doc to heal the ulcer once and for all. An enormous mistake. 5 days in, suddenly panicky, dizzy, faint, heart beating painfully hard for hours, pulse sky high, numb hands and legs and an ambulance ride to the ER, I thought I was having a heart attack! Released the next day, they basically found nothing. Night after night, waking up in a panicked sweat feeling claustrophobic like I was losing it, unable to sleep due to the fear and pounding heartbeat. (And 2 kids to care for!) I was a complete mental and physical wreck. I have NEVER had anxiety or had a panic attack ever in my life, so it was obvious these pills had done me in. Been off for 2 weeks, acupuncture and herbs to detox hopefully as quick as I can. DON’T TAKE this stuff!!!!"

• Rob...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 6, 2019

For GERD "I have been sick since about 2011, and it rapidly got worse until as of late I wasn't even barely able to leave my bed. After throwing up blood, I wound up in the emergency room 2 days ago. A nurse came up to me and said, 'Hey, between you and me, are you sure it isn't your stomach meds (Prilosec) causing this?' So I got home later that night and looked up the side effects, and sure enough, severe bloating, dizziness, loss of consciousness, hallucinations were on the side effects list. So I figured I'd skip my meds for 2 days. My gut is now half the size it was, most of the pain is gone, and I think I am going to scream at the doctor at my next appointment for letting this happen to me for so long. I am starting to think that doctors are not here to help."

• Chu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2021

For GERD "Took omeprazole for one week, felt dizzy, and decided to stop. Two weeks later, I had to retake it again, and that was a huge mistake I made. This medication left me feeling very, very dizzy, I couldn't walk on my own, and it gave me eye pain and weakness of the body. It took me two weeks with so many blood tonics and fluids to get back on my feet. This medication is awful. Please, no one should use it."

• Ian...
• October 31, 2019

For GERD "Omeprazole is the worst pill. I took it for 3 weeks. I stopped taking it 2 weeks ago, and the side effects still remain (arm and leg pain, dizziness, insomnia, depression, vision problems). Do not take it!"

• Dai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2020

For GERD "I had taken omeprazole years ago for acid reflux and had no side effects. I recently started taking it again (20 mg) and I’m on day 4. Something changed. My anxiety is very bad. Like bad! I’m out of it, feeling like I’m not in the real world. I’m dizzy and my body aches. Horrible headaches too! And I’m extremely depressed. I’m going to stop taking it tomorrow, and hopefully, I start to feel better this week. Hopefully, I don’t have withdrawals or anything. Couldn’t be worse than this anyway. I’m going to give it a 3 just because it worked years ago for me with no side effects."

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2019

For GERD "I am 26 and have dealt with heartburn and acid reflux for many years. Unfortunately, my mom deals with it too. I have been on this medication for two weeks. My heartburn is gone, but I now have some horrible side effects. Dizziness, nausea, muscle pain, vertigo, blurred vision, anxiety/paranoia, and more. I had a full-blown panic attack, where I felt drunk. I still feel terribly anxious a day later. I don’t recommend this at all. I have decided to stop taking it and will be discussing more natural options with my doctor. I would much rather have had heartburn than experience these awful side effects."

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2019

For GERD "I am 26 and have dealt with heartburn and acid reflux for many years. Unfortunately, my mom deals with it too. I have been on this medication for two weeks. My heartburn is gone, but I now have some horrible side effects. Dizziness, nausea, muscle pain, vertigo, blurred vision, anxiety/paranoia, and more. I had a full-blown panic attack, where I felt drunk. I still feel terribly anxious a day later. I don’t recommend this at all. I have decided to stop taking it and will be discussing more natural options with my doctor. I would much rather have had heartburn than experience these awful side effects."

• lul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I had a positive test for the Helicobacter and got told to take 2 loads of antibiotics (metronidazole and clarithromycin) along with omeprazole. I have felt so ill with all of this meds, but I carried on to finish the course to eliminate the bacteria. I finished the antibiotics on Tuesday, the 18th of August, but got told to carry on with my omeprazole twice daily. This tablet made me feel so ill with chills, dizziness, lack of appetite, brain fog, confusion, heart palpitations, tingling in my arms and legs, adrenaline at night, so I used to be woken up with my heart racing for no reason, insomnia, very emotional, low mood, my skin completions has gone yellow/pale, and a knot in my throat. I stopped taking this because of the side effects, and I hope by reading all the comments on here that the symptoms will go away and hopefully will get better soon."

• dan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 8, 2023

For GERD "I've been taking this wretched drug for nearly a year now and only just realized it's causing all these insane side effects that have sent me to the ER multiple times. Since taking this drug, I've had horrific pains in my shoulder and left side chest (6 occasions attended ER due to thinking it was a heart attack or something), tinnitus and general ear infection/problems in both ears randomly, nausea and dizziness on occasion, liver pain/disease which is getting worse despite doing everything to make it better, itchiness on my scalp and back, pain in my ribs and sides, stiff neck, increased nervousness and anxiety, memory isn't as sharp anymore, a constant feeling of impending doom and a multitude of other horrible side effects. Having been reading all these comments on various forums recently due to a particularly bad few weeks of pain and misery, it's clear that omeprazole has had a big part to play in ruining my life this last year."

• Swi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 1, 2020

For Indigestion "Omeprazole caused extreme anxiety, feeling like my life is a struggle, panic attacks, weight loss (10 kg in 5 weeks), palpitations, chest and arm pain on the left side, brain fog, weakness and chills in legs and arms, dizziness, nausea, general fatigue, numbness, flatulence, joint pain (hip) after gentle walks, forgetfulness, fear of eating. I have stopped cold turkey after having come across reviews of Omeprazole and Protonix, which I took as well. Took Omeprazole for 2 weeks, got these symptoms, told the doctor who changed the med to be pantoprazole (Protonix). The last 2.5 months or so have been the worst of my life so far, it has taken a toll on my family and work life too. The doctor thought I might need antidepressants given all the anxiety, but after around a week or so of stopping these, I am starting to feel a bit better. So, I am not going to take anti-anxiety related meds. It is a vicious cycle, PPIs cause depression, and then you take depression meds that are difficult to stop!"

• Mar...
• September 6, 2021

Omeprazole for Duodenal Ulcer "DO NOT TAKE HORRIFYING. Took the pills against my better judgment for a nagging ulcer/gastritis per my doc. I usually prefer a holistic route. Mistake. Five days in, an ER trip in an ambulance from sudden dizziness, painful pounding chest, panic like I was dying, extreme sweating, numb hands and feet, and pulse through the roof. Tests showed nothing but ended up back in the ER after night after night of undeniable horrific panic, sweating, extreme anxiety (I have never experienced anxiety or anything panic attack related before in my life), claustrophobic and anxiety-ridden nervous thoughts that are unshakable. No sleep for days. With two toddlers, it was torture. It could not have been anything but these awful pills obviously. I quit the pills, am seeing an acupuncturist and herbs to detox. Better but still a work in progress. Please do NOT risk your mental health over this poison. Not worth it one bit."

• MKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2019

For GERD "This medication, omeprazole, was/is awful. Do not take. I’ve been taking it daily for almost three weeks because it does help with acid reflux-at first. After a few weeks of taking it, I noticed severe night sweats, stomach pain, blurred vision, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting-the list goes on. I had to be off work for two days because I was so weak/tired from this medication I couldn’t function. I didn’t feel like eating anything or drinking anything because I was afraid I would vomit it all back up. Your head feels terrible, worst migraine I’ve ever experienced, body rash... severe fatigue. I am going to stop taking it starting tomorrow and see how it goes. When I contacted my doctor, she seemed to think it was not a big deal. This pill is miserable. Do not take this pill."

• MKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2019

For GERD "This medication, omeprazole, was/is awful. Do not take. I’ve been taking it daily for almost three weeks because it does help with acid reflux-at first. After a few weeks of taking it, I noticed severe night sweats, stomach pain, blurred vision, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting-the list goes on. I had to be off work for two days because I was so weak/tired from this medication I couldn’t function. I didn’t feel like eating anything or drinking anything because I was afraid I would vomit it all back up. Your head feels terrible, worst migraine I’ve ever experienced, body rash... severe fatigue. I am going to stop taking it starting tomorrow and see how it goes. When I contacted my doctor, she seemed to think it was not a big deal. This pill is miserable. Do not take this pill."

• jai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2012

For GERD "Within 12 hours of taking this medication, I got the chills, dizziness, stomach cramps, and extreme dry mouth. Within 2 hours of taking my second dose, I experienced anxiety, swelling of the tongue, throat, and glands, continued dizziness, extreme dry mouth and thirst, frequent urination, and stomach cramps."