Omeprazole and Panic Attacks: What Users Say

• Pre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2019

Omeprazole for GERD "DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE!!!!! This medicine has ripped the life out from inside me. I went from being my totally normal happy self to having serious panic attacks, constant anxiety/depression, and a general feeling of hopelessness. The symptoms started on my 12th day, and I stopped taking the pill on my 13th day. It is a week later, and the panic attacks, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness still remain. This drug is poison to me and many others!!!"

• 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."

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2021

For GERD "My daughter was put on these for 14 days. I’ve never seen someone change so dramatically. By her last day of taking them, she was pacing her room saying she felt like she was going to die and that something bad was going to happen. She has never suffered with anxiety before or panic attacks. Brain fog, shooting pains in her head, can't stop crying. It’s been 4 weeks since she stopped these, and she is really struggling. She is taking extra vitamins and eating but is desperate to know how long this is going to last. She has gone from being an outgoing girl to not leaving the house. Any advice appreciated. Her doctor has prescribed antidepressants, but she’s reluctant to take these as she has never needed them before."

• 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."

• H-A...
• March 29, 2023

For GERD "It ruined my life. I don't even have the strength to narrate what it did to me. But it surely ruined my life. The panic attacks and anxiety. I had to be given anti-depressants only to find that this medication caused all this. I feel like crying when I think of it."

• Rac...
• March 27, 2023

For GERD "I can second all the other anxiety-related issues to this drug. I was a perfectly happy and healthy 28-year-old. Started taking omeprazole for some nasty silent reflux symptoms, and anxiety came out of nowhere. I had never in my life experienced anxiety, depression, or panic attacks until I started taking this awful drug. After 2 months, I started deep diving into the research and quit taking them. Instantly felt better and started recovering, started taking supplements to restore the acid in my stomach that this drug had depleted, along with many other vitamins it prohibits your body from absorbing!!! I'm on my road to recovery now and encourage you to do your own research before taking."

• 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."

• 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!!!!"

• 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."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2021

For Indigestion "I was prescribed this for indigestion and a mild concentric ring on the esophagus. Was advised it was safe. I don't take any other medications and am healthy. Took for less than 4 months and the side effects started in the 4th month - tinnitus, depression, anxiety, panic. Never knew what these were until I took this. Stopped it straight away after researching this. The withdrawals were horrendous. Depression, anxiety, kidney problems - 2 antibiotics to treat. Lost over 2 stone in weight the first few weeks as I couldn't eat. Appetite returned after about 6 weeks. Went to see a functional medicine practitioner and am taking natural remedies that are helping hugely. I was glad to find this site and some others to know that this is what was causing all this. I am over 3 months out now and things are lifting. I read most people's recovery takes 3 to 6 months. I will never take this again, and I will research anything I am ever advised to take with a degree of intense analysis."

• 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!"

• TTT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2021

For GERD "Worst experience, only been 8 days, and I feel breathless all day! I’ve had so many panic attacks, which I think are because of the breathlessness. It has made me constantly anxious about it, then causing panic attacks. I have the worst headache, and my eyes just feel strange, only on 20 mg in the morning! And I’m stopping it straight away! I’m sure it works well for some, but it’s a no from me! My doctor told me to up it to 40 mg as it’s just my GERD, but I know it’s not!"

• Ulc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2020

For Stomach Ulcer "I was prescribed 20 mg of omeprazole for what I was diagnosed with last week as stomach ulcers. Within 4 hours, I had searing back pain. I’m talking labor pains strong. I thought my kidneys were having a bad reaction, so I drank and drank and drank water as much as possible. Another 4 hours later, it was 50% better, but then the panic and anxiety attacks set in. I thought I was crazy until I started doing research. If something seems odd, look up the side effects, as there are MANY!"

• 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."

• Lan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2019

For GERD "I’ve been on this medication for 3 weeks, and it helped a lot with my acid reflux symptoms (lump in throat feeling). However, during the second week, I started noticing my mood changing and becoming more anxious/paranoid. Then, in the third week, I had muscle aches and panic attacks. I stopped taking this 2 days ago and am still feeling dizzy, anxious, and nauseous. Anxiety/Depression sufferers, beware of this medication, as it definitely heightens them. I will now look for more natural solutions to GERD, such as a healthier diet and smaller portions. This medication is not worth the side effects, in my opinion."

• 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"

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2022

For GERD "I am so happy to know that I’m not as crazy as I thought I was. I started this medication in hopes that it would help alleviate some stomach issues I was having, it did just that and more. As the months went on, I started getting dry mouth, and I developed erythema nodosum. I continued to take this per my doctor as I was going on vacation, and she didn’t want things to change for me. Afterwards, I started to taper off, and I began to become anxious/nervous and panicky. Once I was fully off of the medication, things got worse for me. I am only just over a month off of this medication, and I’m still having a heck of a time. I have never been on any medications, and I have never dealt with anxiety like this. I haven’t wanted to leave the house, and I’m just hoping the symptoms subside soon because I can’t stand to feel like this while trying to care for my children."

• Nig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2022

For Gastritis/Duodenitis "This drug gave me some of the worst experiences of my life. I was prescribed this drug (15 mg twice a day) for mild acid reflux/gastritis symptoms. The side effects of this medicine are awful. Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, chest and back pain, shaking, burning sensation in arms and back. My vision went blurry, and I had severe brain fog. I felt like I was about to die pretty much the entire time with chest racing and strong heartbeats. I couldn't sleep and would wake up pretty much as soon as I fell asleep. I stopped taking these tablets 3 weeks ago, and still I am not right. I can feel the cloud of these tablets slowly lifting. I would not take these tablets again."

• Use...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2021

For GERD "Started this medication for my IBS a couple of months ago, and it was great, no stomach issues, I was digesting easily, etc. One week, I started having an immense amount of panic attacks, sadness, irritability, you name it. It impacted my relationship, it was just awful. I stopped taking it for two weeks, and I didn’t have any panic attacks, but the side effects did not go away. Took it one more time just to be sure it was the medication, and sure enough, I had a panic attack and I could not stand, breathe, and I felt like death. Please avoid this if you can!"

• La ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 1, 2020

For Stomach Ulcer "I was prescribed omeprazole following treatment for a stomach ulcer, worked like a charm almost instantly with no more stomach pain, acid reflux, and indigestion, fantastic! I thought, however, as time has gone on (9 months), I feel absolutely rubbish!! My head feels 'dead' with feelings of dizziness, I get tingling sensations in my arms and legs, very lethargic, every bone in my body seems to ache, bloated stomach, nausea, and I am in an almost constant state of anxiety with mild bouts of depression and panic attacks, wish I had never taken it and waiting to speak to my doctor to come off it. It was great for my stomach at the time, but the longer I have used it, the worse my well-being has been."

• Ald...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2022

For Gastritis/Duodenitis "Honestly, guys, worst experience ever. Was given this pill, 20 mg daily. Took it for around 1 and a half months. Yeah, it took the pain away in my stomach. But let me tell you this: I would have that pain any day over what I have been through the last 4 weeks. I stopped the omeprazole as I was feeling much better, no pain. After stopping the meds, I have been in A&E, thinking I'm struggling to breathe. My anxiety is through the roof, constant feeling I need air in my lungs, panic attacks thinking, Am I unable to get enough air? All hospital checks came back clear. I am now on anxiety meds and depression meds. I was so confused as to what caused this, as everything in my life was going well: no worries, good job, happy family, etc. Then boom, I am still struggling nearly 5 weeks later. I can 100% put this down to omeprazole, after reading reviews, I am convinced it's this horrible tab. Never ever again will I take this med."

• 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."

• jad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 24, 2020

For Stomach Ulcer "I was prescribed omeprazole in the past, and it worked wonders. However, this time I have no end of bad side effects. I was having panic attacks for no reason at all. I was having night sweats, extremely dry mouth, no appetite whatsoever, and lost 16 pounds in 11 days. I also had a constant headache alongside dizziness and couldn't even drink sips of water. I decided to stop taking the medication, and three days off it now, I haven't had any of these symptoms, and I am starting to eat small amounts and feeling a lot better but not yet 100%."

• 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."

• Kai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2020

For Laryngopharyngeal Reflux "I had issues with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) about 4 years ago. Took Prilosec OTC and was fine... well, I have it again, and like usual, bought Prilosec, and I also have anxiety/panic disorder. This medicine is horrible! I've had dizziness, brain fog, palpitations, panic attack. I literally just came home from the ER because I thought I was having a stroke! After reading these reviews, I'm convinced it is Prilosec doing this. I had 4 more to go, and I threw all of them in the trash. I'll take Gaviscon until my appointment with the GI doctor. I'll never use that medicine again. The dizziness is unbearable!"