Omeprazole and Pain: What Users Say

• 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."

• 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."

• PCa...
• January 10, 2021

For GERD "This omeprazole stuff is horrible. Sure, it got rid of the heartburn issues I was having, but the side effects are horrific and scary. Even more scary is they don't include the litany of scary side effects. While on this wretched drug, I had pain in my thighs, slightly swollen lower legs, increased blood pressure, tingling in my hands and feet, lethargic legs, water retention, and a painful right testicle. Of course, none of these side effects, which can be found online on sites, but aren't mentioned on the packaging. So, while taking this dangerous drug, I was having these issues and not realizing it was the drug because these side effects weren't mentioned. I thought I was having some other type of horrible medical condition(s). Luckily, I realized all these conditions cropped up after I started the drug. Once stopped, my conditions all began to improve and go away. Beware of this cursed drug. It can screw you up big time. Never again."

• Roy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2020

For Indigestion "I have had heartburn for years. I was put on this omeprazole medication and it worked well for my heartburn. However, after about 2 months or so, I began to feel symptoms that I couldn't pin to one thing or another. Back aches, light-headedness, fatigue, anxiety, shoulder pain, and my rib cage felt like I got beat up. Also, it felt like a basketball was in my stomach. So, I started chasing down side effects with the meds I take and started to see ALL these side effects tied to this drug. I am now on day 2 of not taking them. I just hope it is not too long before the side effects start to subside."

• Anonymous
• November 7, 2020

For GERD "I went to the ENT doctor because I was having trouble swallowing my saliva. So, she stuck a tube up my nose. After she was done and told me the back of my throat was red, and I have severe acid reflux. Before coming to the ENT doctor, I suffer from anxiety & depression already. Not knowing the drugs she prescribed me would make that worse, I took omeprazole for 6 days. The side effects I couldn't deal with - my anxiety got worse, I got more depressed, my eyes felt dilated, I got a headache, diarrhea, woke up and my arms were slightly aching without me doing anything. Also, having to clear my throat with nothing in my throat to be cleared and loss of appetite. I will never take omeprazole again. I'm going to try the natural way to hopefully leave my system soon."

• loi...
• June 11, 2021

For Gastritis/Duodenitis "I got diagnosed with gastritis and was prescribed omeprazole for 5 weeks. I got the full package of side effects - tingling in my arms and feet, buzzing in my back, buzzing in my left calf, weakness to the point where I was barely able to lift it, extreme anxiety, waking up during the night with my heart racing, pain, and burning on the left under the ribs. I lost 14 kilos in 3 weeks. Today, it has been 3 weeks since I stopped taking it, anxiety lifted 3 days ago and is no longer there, tingling in my arms and feet is gone, burning in my stomach too. The only thing left is slight weakness in my left calf still, but that's improving slowly. I have an appetite, and my weight is going up steadily. If you are reading this, hang in there, stay tough. It takes a while for that poison to wear off, keep yourself hydrated, and take vitamins and electrolytes, probiotics help with anxiety. It gets better. I honestly thought this nightmare would never end. PPI - never again!"

• 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!"

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 30, 2020

Omeprazole for GERD "I've had GERD since 1999 and, in 2016, I was being tested for all sorts of GI conditions because of the symptoms I was experiencing. My GI doc at the time told me to take Prilosec every day to control nausea and acid reflux. I took it for less than a week and had to discontinue because, every time I ate, I felt like I had a brick sitting in my stomach. It felt like the food would just sit there, undigested, and it was very painful. I've done better with other PPIs."

• Bre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 31, 2015

For GERD "I began taking Omeprazole a few years ago due to GERD. Recently, I was diagnosed with IBS with constipation, some cramping, pain. I had an upper GI (EGD), polyps were found in the body of the stomach and fundus, and also gastric polyps were found. Luckily, results were good, not the pre-c type. Doctors should be made to have to give you a warning about this before starting the medication. I'm going to wean myself off of this poison."

• Ani...
• March 30, 2021

For Gastritis/Duodenitis "I was diagnosed with mild gastritis with no H. pylori. Actually, I had severe heartburn. It's all in June 2020. The doctor prescribed me esomeprazole 20 mg. On day 3 of esomeprazole, I started feeling dizziness, bloated stomach, and sharp pain in my back. Felt like my bones were breaking. After 15 days, I went to the doctor to see whether there was anything serious with the medicine. He changed the prescription to pantoprazole 40 mg for 60 days and Duspatalin. After taking pantoprazole, I started having anxiety, heartburn frequently, drowsiness, and started vomiting. But what happened was I couldn't eat, walk-nothing. I had to stop the medicine cold turkey. After that, I had a good diet. I again started with heartburn occasionally. Again, the doctor prescribed me omeprazole. Again, after two weeks, I started having anxiety, shivering, back pain, and jaw pain. Without consulting the doctor, I stopped my medicine. After 8 months, in March 2021, we can cure this naturally."

• sna...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2019

For Gastritis/Duodenitis "Been on this medication, omeprazole, for two months and just went off two weeks ago. Started to get flu-like symptoms. Went to the doctor twice, one time he said that it was allergies, and he gave me a Kenalog 40 shot. Two days later, I went back, and he said now I have a viral sinus infection. I've been off work for a week and I finally went online and did some research, and I found out this is most likely withdrawal symptoms. I've been having heartburn, pain near my belly button, chills, stomach growling, fatigue, sweats, burning in my legs, jaw pain, headaches, diarrhea, and shakiness. My urine color is good, and I am not having bloody stools, so I know that I'm not having major issues. These PPIs are really bad since the side effects are worse than what is supposed to be treating."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2020

For Laryngopharyngeal Reflux "Prescribed omeprazole, 40 mg once per day for silent reflux. After a few days being on it, I started experiencing rib pain...thought I might have strained them. Started having strange spasms lower right ribs with sharp pains at night. After 3 weeks of being on it, I read about the side effects, and rib cage pain is one of them. I went off of it, and by the next day, the pains were gone. Switch to 150 mg ranitidine (had 2 containers from Costco). Taking them even though they were recalled. Not too worried about it. Omeprazole did help a bit for the reflux. Not worth the pain/side effects."

• pt ...
• February 26, 2023

For GERD "My doctor prescribed omeprazole to help with my esophagus. I took one 40 mg capsule for 9 days. The side effects included swollen feet, painful legs, puffy face, raised B/P, problems breathing, and horrible bloat. It was nearly impossible to get comfortable in bed with the bloat. I eventually fell asleep and woke up 3 hours later, gasping for air. That's when I put that miserable prescription away. It's been 4 days since I've been off of it and still have bloat and difficulty breathing. I sure hope one day I can return to normal."

• pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2018

For GERD "Started taking because of side effects from another medication that caused pain and dryness in the throat. My pain in my stomach and abdomen got worse, and so did headaches. The dizziness came back that I had in the first place. Never had heartburn, but now I do. I'm just wondering how long it will take to get rid of the damage this omeprazole has done. I'm only on 2 other meds, and they have nothing to do with my stomach or intestines. I know 2 other people that have the same side effects that I have, and some other people got off it."

• Sun...
• January 5, 2017

Omeprazole for Stomach Ulcer "I was told to take this after what turns out to only have been a nasty stomach virus. Hospital thought it was an ulcer. By day four of a 14-day course, I developed severe gum pain, and it hurt to chew. I had a horrible taste in my mouth that wouldn't go away, throat gurgles that kept me awake, and shoulder pain. A quick internet search prompted me to quit this drug."

• Sin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2021

For Hiatal Hernia "Was worse off. Doctors were surprised that it caused depression and pain. Subsequent review by another doctor identified that omeprazole depletes the magnesium levels, and as a result, one may experience depression. Since I've stopped taking it, I do not feel that way. I now take digestive drops, which help with the reflux. I understand that as we age, our bodies may produce less acid, which may lead to some of the same ailments. Digestive drops are to produce acid for digestion. I am pretty okay now, but still have the hernia pain, not indigestion."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2019

For GERD "A few years back, I was having my first acid attack where I was nonstop belching and experiencing chest pressure relieved by burping. The doctor prescribed me a 2-week dose of 20 mg omeprazole. It worked like a charm, and I was able to go back to eating normal things. It’s been a few years, and for whatever reason, I had an attack again. I self-medicated my 2-week dose, as it had helped last time. Unfortunately, I only had a week of relief until the lump in my throat came back. This time I’ve been experiencing major anxiety as well as arm pain and constipation. Reading these other comments helped me realize I wasn’t crazy and that this is affecting me. I was also very nauseous one night. I am about 1 week into another 2-week course as instructed by my doctor due to the return of symptoms. I’m thinking I will stick it out due to the relief of my reflux."

• Rob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2020

Omeprazole for GERD "I was prescribed Prilosec 20 mg/day for dysphagia. I took it for one week. The dysphagia was alleviated, but I began to experience bad knee pain. After two sleepless nights, I discontinued it. Knee pain has subsided."

• Lei...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 11, 2020

For Stomach Ulcer "I took this med for about three years for what the Dr. thought was a peptic ulcer. Worked for two years, then I developed severe duodenum pain. Endoscopies and tests ensued. They kept telling me to take it. I stopped on my own, and six months' worth of pain, bloating, etc. stopped."

• Shr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 14, 2021

For GERD "I was diagnosed with GERD and LPR. I started taking 20 mg omeprazole once a day since December 2020. I’m currently still on it. Since then, it has helped with the acid, but it has caused significant weight gain, bloating, body pains specifically in my bones, and swollen toes. I need to get off this medication, but I’m worried about what will happen when I stop. Has anyone else experienced these side effects?"

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2019

For Stomach Ulcer "I was prescribed this drug as I was suffering from stomach pain while taking ibuprofen for a dental abscess. I took 3 doses over 3 days and then stopped it, as I was suffering from chest, shoulder, and arm pain, anxiety, tearfulness, raised blood pressure and pulse, and extreme heartburn, which I do not usually suffer from. I also felt extremely unwell. One week later, I am beginning to feel better, although still suffering from heartburn. This drug obviously does not suit me."

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2019

For Stomach Ulcer "I was prescribed this drug as I was suffering from stomach pain while taking ibuprofen for a dental abscess. I took 3 doses over 3 days and then stopped it, as I was suffering from chest, shoulder, and arm pain, anxiety, tearfulness, raised blood pressure and pulse, and extreme heartburn, which I do not usually suffer from. I also felt extremely unwell. One week later, I am beginning to feel better, although still suffering from heartburn. This drug obviously does not suit me."

• Rhe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2021

For GERD "I started taking omeprazole 20 mg over the counter 4 days ago for reflux that I could feel in my throat. Upon starting the first dose, I immediately became lightheaded, dizzy, nauseated, gassy, bloated, and had a bubbly stomach. I also developed pelvic pain, constipation, and omeprazole seems to have “blunted” my need to “go.” I feel like my insides are inflamed and not working correctly. Yesterday, on my third day of using it, I ended up in the ER because I thought I was going to pass out. I was driving and got lightheaded, dizzy, and severely ill. The ER ran all sorts of labs and tests and said I was fine. I stopped the omeprazole because I’m 100% sure it is that! Now waiting for these horrible effects to go away!!!"

• 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."

• 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."