Omeprazole and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Nee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2021

For GERD "My wife has been off this stuff for about 3 weeks now and is still plagued with the anxiety, insomnia, pins and needles etc. Can anyone tell me how long it took for them to be free of this misery? Thanks so much...we hope every day that these horrible side effects subside...please give me some good news!! Thanks so much!"

• Geo...
• August 29, 2020

For GERD "One night I had too much wine and woke up with stabbing pain between my breasts in the middle. I went to the doctor, got diagnosed with GERD. They prescribed me 40mg of omeprazole. I started taking it, and it helped; a few days later, the stabbing pain was gone. Then I started feeling rib pain and lower sternum pain. The doctor told me it was because of GERD. However, the more I took it, the worse it got. Three weeks after taking this medication, I was in horrendous rib pain all over my upper body, experiencing chest wall pain and could not move. I had to go to the ER, where X-rays and blood tests revealed nothing. I also lost a bunch of weight, had blurry vision, terrible brain fog, warm arms, swollen toes, insomnia, and horrendous body pain. I felt like I could not move. My stool looked like it came out the same way it went in, full of food junks, etc. I stopped taking it, and now a month off of it, the rib pain and all the other side effects are going away. I still have a tiny bit of pain left but feel better. Seriously, what is this medication? Avoid it if you can."

• Der...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2019

For GERD "Does anyone know how long these horrible side effects last? I've taken them for two weeks and now been off them for two weeks so far. Brain fog has lessened but I'm still experiencing anxiety, depression, emotionless, and a soulless feeling from time to time. I could sleep the first week off of them, now in the second week, I'm having a hard time sleeping, snapping awake, muscle jerking, and a needles-in-my-skin feeling. This pill is awful. I've heard it could take a month or two to normalize."

• Wen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2019

For GERD "I took this for 5 days for acid reflux. I experienced extreme anxiety and panic attacks. I couldn’t sleep at all as every time I was dropping off, I had a huge adrenaline rush. I couldn’t function and had 4 weeks off work sick. I realized on the 5th day that these tablets must be the cause, so I researched it only to find other people had similar symptoms. I stopped taking them straight away. The doctor had to prescribe anxiety tablets Duloxetine as I was in such a state of anxiety. The doctor would not believe that the tablets have these side effects. I tackled the acid reflux with an alkaline-only diet, and a year later I am now back to normal and off the anxiety tablets. I would advise anyone to not take these tablets, they caused me to literally have a breakdown. Thank God I stopped taking them when I did."

• 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."

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2019

For GERD "I am so glad I did some research and found these reviews. I literally never comment or leave reviews on anything, but decided to leave one on here. I literally just switched to Omeprazole because my new insurance company doesn’t cover Lansoprazole. I have been on it for 5 days and have been experiencing terrible anxiety every day on it, which has resulted in me getting very little sleep. I even experienced something I have never experienced in my life, which was a panic attack that woke me up. Since it has been such a short time on this drug, I didn’t even think of the drug being the reason for these symptoms, so I thank you all for posting. I am going to stop tomorrow and see if my anxiety goes away."

• 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!"

• 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."

• woo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2020

For GERD "I had chest pains, thought I'd pulled a muscle, so took ibuprofen, which gave me terrible indigestion. I went to the doctor's, he gave me omeprazole. It worked wonders for about 3 days, then I started feeling sick. My body felt like it was shocking, I was cold, couldn't sleep, and I had terrible brain fog. I stopped taking it for 2 days, but heartburn was awful, so I started taking it again. I was prescribed 20 mg twice a day, so I thought I would just take one tablet in the morning. I was okay the first day, but by the second, all the horrible symptoms were back. I've been back to the GP, and he has given me Cimetidine instead. This was great for the first day, but by day 2, I felt so ill again. These meds are awful."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2022

For Gastritis/Duodenitis "Just wanted to reach back out after leaving a review last year and after a very long recovery process after taking this drug. I had all of the negative side effects that most have mentioned here, including debilitating anxiety, panic, palpitations, pins and needles, severe aches and pains that seemed to jump from one organ to another, POTS, fatigue, food sensitivities, insomnia. Went from a healthy 37-year-old mom to a shell of her old self after just 4 doses of this awful poison. My naturopath diagnosed a limbic system impairment, which explained it all. Toxin exposure, sensitivity to drugs/supplements, chemicals, mold exposure, and a host of things can set off the limbic/nervous system to go haywire, which is exactly what this drug did to me. For those still suffering, I highly recommend a DNRS program to retrain the nervous system out of the now activated fight or flight and find yourself a good naturopath to detox. I’m all good now after this terrible pill, healing is possible! - xo"

• Sue...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2021

For Stomach Ulcer "Was on Prilosec for two months. I started having gas and rumbling intestines. I quit cold turkey. Didn't realize that would cause horrible withdrawal. It caused lack of appetite, (6 months out I'm still not back to normal, and just now gaining a little bit of my weight back) insomnia, anxiety attacks, high BP, nausea, etc. Too much to list. Truly bad for me! I'm sorry I ever took it! I've lost work, sleep, and just enjoying life because of that pill. Please be careful! Wish I could turn back time."

• Sas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2020

For Gastritis/Duodenitis "I was diagnosed with acid reflux and gastritis, and my doctor prescribed me omeprazole 40 mgs. This might be the worst medicine I have ever taken. It did absolutely nothing to help my problems, and it gave me the worst side effects: nausea, stomach pain, gas, very nervous, insomnia. This is the worst medicine! I thought I had IBS, and my doctor even diagnosed me, but I stopped taking this medicine and my IBS magically went away. Do not take this medicine... I would rather just take Tums."

• Eni...
• October 16, 2018

For Laryngopharyngeal Reflux "This medicine is worse than the acid reflux itself. I had no symptoms of GERD other than a bad cough (which I believe was asthma anyway). I was prescribed 40 mg daily for one month. The first 2 weeks were fine, however, I began to develop severe anxiety and insomnia. Worst of all, I began to feel a knot in my throat, which wouldn't allow me to eat anything for days and weeks! I lost nearly 15 pounds during the time I took this medicine. I then got a panic attack on a plane (I fly a lot and this has never happened). When I got to the urgent care later that day, my blood pressure was through the roof. This was my last straw. I stopped taking it after that. The anxiety that I developed while taking omeprazole has slowly been going away. I recommend everyone to Google omeprazole and anxiety, and you will read about thousands of people complaining about similar experiences. Please don't take this, and if you can, try a holistic approach."

• syr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2021

For GERD "I’ve been taking 40 mg of omeprazole for about a month now, and it causes bad stomach cramps and nausea. I was diagnosed with mild esophagitis. I feel terrible taking this medicine, I have insomnia. I am wondering how do you know if the esophagus is healed…"

• RLS...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 29, 2022

For Indigestion "OMG! Reading all those reviews makes sense now, as I’ve had similar experiences by taking omeprazole only when I was getting a flare-up of a gout attack coming up, as I had to take 20 mg of it 1 hour before a meal and after a meal, colchicine, and Voltaren 100. Been doing this for the last 15-20 years, as I was diagnosed with gout nearly 30 years ago when I was 18 years old. It’s been happening lately, let's say a few years back, when taking omeprazole that I have been getting symptoms of chronic fatigue, blurred vision, extreme anxiety, panic attacks, brain fog, muscle cramps, severe insomnia, and depression. I cannot function at all, especially in the mornings when I wake up, and only start to function in the late afternoon after pushing myself to exercise, even with extreme fatigue, so that I felt better afterwards as my body would produce endorphins and serotonins. My GP prescribed me antidepressant drugs also. I still feel horrible now writing this review. :( THANK YOU to all of you for your reviews."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2017

For GERD "Please read my review, it may help you. I was on ranitidine 150 mg x 2 per day for four months that failed to work. It was the most awful drug I think anyone could have taken. At first, my acid reflux at the time was so bad it was giving me sinusitis, panic attacks, sweaty palms, headaches, heart palpitations. When someone says acid reflux does not give you the above, they are talking rubbish, it does, and here's how I know. Ranitidine gave me insomnia and anxiety, it was evil, to put it politely. In desperation, I went to A&E and to the walk-in clinic. They said I must have a problem with my heart as it was beating so fast. Omeprazole works, and the best brand is LORAC, it is blue and white. Google it and specifically ask for it. xx"

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2011

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm about halfway through H. Pylori treatment on this medication, have noticed trouble sleeping, fatigue, and dizziness. Also, be very careful if you take benzodiazepines with this medication; it can greatly increase the side effects of sedatives like that."

• dxb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2022

For GERD "Was prescribed 40 mg of Omeprazole for 'possible' GERD. A few hours after the first dose, I felt hot flashes. Over the next few days, the hot flashes/face flushing with tingles and sweats ramped up, followed by severe anxiety. On day 4, I had a massive panic attack out of nowhere that lasted 2 hours. I normally don't get anxious, so this feeling was definitely not me. By day 5, I was having anxiety, panic attacks, sweats, hot flashes with face tingles, but add in complete loss of appetite and bad insomnia with night sweats. I really thought something very serious was going on with me. I went to the emergency room, and they ran several tests that all came back fine?!? They said it was general anxiety disorder. A week before I consumed this poison, I was a totally normal happy person. I took it for 3 more days, not making a connection until I Googled Omeprazole and was blown away by all the people having very similar reactions. I have been off it a week. Anxiety has subsided, but symptoms still remain."

• Geo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 8, 2022

For GERD "Do NOT take this medication! I've been on it on and off for a while, but recently I've been on it full-time due to having to take antibiotics and other medication which affected my GERD. They do work for GERD, but at what cost? I've got awful insomnia, dizziness, muscle cramps, feel shaky, and extremely anxious. It's no coincidence. I mentioned to my GP about bone fractures and long-term use as I have osteoporosis, she just said, well, people are on them long-term! What an answer. They don't care. My mother was also on omeprazole and kept getting pneumonia, I again mentioned it to her GP about the connection with PPIs and pneumonia. He said he had never heard of it, but she can stop them. She did and never got pneumonia again! Slippery Elm is very good and a natural herb, try it, guys, what have you got to lose? We have to manage our own health, I'm afraid. Doctors are too busy. I have given it two as it did help with GERD, but it also comes back when you stop it, never again."

• Her...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2021

For GERD "Wow, this thread shocked me. My fiancé and I have been frantically trying to figure out what’s wrong with me. I wake up nauseous, and I’ve even thrown up on occasion. It also causes horrible pains in the upper left side of my stomach right below my ribs. I felt so bloated, and I could not have a normal stool for the life of me. Constant constipation, constant misery, sleepless nights, and this all happened after just 8 days of taking it. I’m done with it, I recommend anyone else who’s taking this to do the same."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2021

For Indigestion "I was prescribed this pill for heartburn/acid reflux I experienced as a result of food poisoning. I took this pill yesterday afternoon and experienced stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, acid reflux, insomnia, anxiety, and heart racing. I will not be continuing this pill! I take Pepcid or natural alternatives like baking soda, ACV, and aloe vera juice. This medicine also states that it does not provide immediate relief for heartburn. This was not a good experience for me."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Given omeprazole 20 mg (mostly 2 x day) when I had some painful burning sensation in the upper part of my stomach. I was with that for about 2 months while they found the root cause of my problem (I was having tests and scans and all were normal). The problem was that it all took so long (COVID-related delays). But then, I found out I had H. pylori. So I got the antibiotics treatment plus PPI (30 mg twice a day) for a week. The doctor did not guide me on whether I should or should not continue with omeprazole (and nothing at all on the side effects). So I stopped it after the H. pylori treatment, and then I had a horrible rebound of the acidity (and terrible back pain, constipation, dizziness that took me to A&E, lack of sleep, nervousness, fatigue, shortness of breath). I had these effects on and off also while taking omeprazole. So back to omeprazole. In total, I had omeprazole for 9 weeks. Now, day 7 after stopping it and feeling better but now dealing with rebound symptoms. CAUTION SHOULD BE GIVEN BEFORE TAKING THIS MED!!!"

• Del...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 11, 2021

For Gastritis/Duodenitis "I was prescribed omeprazole after being diagnosed with gastritis, and over many years I have suffered with palpitations, terrible tightening in my stomach, night sweats with insomnia, aches and pains, and nausea. I also had the paramedics out one evening and an overnight stay at the hospital, as they thought I was suffering a heart attack. Every time that I have seen the doctor and said these symptoms were worse than the gastritis and not helping at all, I have been told to carry on taking them in case the gastritis changed into an ulcer or cancer! This has left me in a dilemma, as I have already had my kidney removed (16 years ago) due to cancer. I have pondered over the years why I have been having these awful symptoms but was always told it was stress and anxiety! Having read these, I now realize that it isn't just me that's suffering, and it helps a great deal knowing that omeprazole is causing my problems - definitely not curing them."

• Ler...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2022

For GERD "I have suffered from GERD for a long time. I've tried everything under the sun with limited help. Lansoprazole works but at a high dose, but then came omeprazole. It worked. Holy smokes, my acid reflux was better. My sore throat and phlegm were decreasing, then at the 10-day mark, the side effects kicked in. Oh man, they're terrible. Dizzy, exhaustion, sleepless nights, anxiety, and sour stomach. I feel like garbage. Yeah, it's made my GERD better, but at what cost? I quit them 2 days ago, and hopefully soon these symptoms will go away. Horrible, horrible drug."

• Kat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 12, 2022

For GERD "Started a PPI in 2014. Was misdiagnosed, then had wrong meds for misdiagnosis. Then put on omeprazole in 2016 for the GERD and hiatal hernia. I also take Klonopin. But the side effects of the omeprazole are anxiety, panic, unable to sleep, don't want to be around people. Feel terrible all the time. Sometimes, it feels like my stomach is pushing my ribs through my skin. I'm still looking for help in getting off these meds and taking my life back. The last 8 years have been awful! Do not take this rubbish!!!!! Does anyone have the answer? I really need help, and trust no doctors at this time of COVID, and going for tests at any hospital."