Pantoprazole and Bloating: What Users Say

• Pum...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 8, 2021

For GERD "14 months ago, my GI put me on 40mg pantoprazole for GERD and esophagus erosion. My GERD seemed better, but not resolved, however, I continued taking it. Then, one month later, COVID-19 hit. More and more, I felt really sick with bloating, joint pain, severe back pain, extreme tiredness, and no energy, headaches, depression, and anxiety. I also experienced blurry vision and brain fog. I thought it was all due to stress because of COVID. My physical well-being changed so drastically during this time. Now, for the first time, I researched the side effects of this drug, and the realization set in that these are probably all side effects from this drug! I will not take it any longer and hope that I might start feeling better! Often, I thought I was on my deathbed feeling so awful! Could these have been all the side effects of this drug?"

• Pja...
• July 21, 2020

Pantoprazole for GERD "I started taking Protonix 40mg once daily after they took Zantac off the market. I started having a lot of stomach pain, gas, bloating, and watery diarrhea. It took me a while to figure out it was the Protonix. I stopped taking it and replaced it with Pepcid Complete once a day. Almost immediately those symptoms went away. I would be very careful taking this drug."

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2021

For GERD "I've been on Pantoprazole for 5 days. It got rid of my GERD. However, the side effects are bad. I am dizzy and light-headed. I have a poor appetite, anxiety, and brain fog. Water tastes bad. I am bloated, weak, and tired. I don't plan to continue taking the drug."

• Eva...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2020

For Stomach Ulcer "The doctor prescribed this drug to heal my stomach after having nausea and no appetite. After taking this drug, I have experienced really bad side effects which have affected me so much. Depression and extreme crying, anxiety to the point of having chest pains and a tight chest feeling, joint pain, pins and needles, fever, gas and bloating, extreme nausea and no desire to eat, abdominal pain, brain fog, weakness and tiredness, insomnia, headaches. This has made me go to the ER thinking something serious was wrong with me. Being off of this medication for 2 days and symptoms are subsiding but still present. I was finally able to regain some appetite and eat again. I am sharing my story to let others know of the serious side effects of this medication."

• Lat...
• July 4, 2021

For GERD "I have been taking this medication for 3 days. Day 1: severe headache all day. Day 2: anxiety peaked through the roof from a funny feeling, and now Day 3 I am dizzy and feeling sick to my stomach, and of course, anxiety through the roof again because of the weird feeling I have. I did notice stomach pain decreased with eating oatmeal. I think this will be my last day taking medicine. Through this all, I’m still bloated and constantly burping as I was doing prior to taking the meds."

• Ata...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2019

For GERD "I was put on this drug for GERD and gastritis. I wasn’t scoped, then I was just scoped a year later. I have acid reflux worse since starting this med. It gives me severe anxiety. I’m bloated 24/7 and constipated, brutal. My bowels reek foul. I have migraines and a sore chest. My back and abdomen gurgle. I tried getting off, but I get acid rebound so bad you have no choice. I’ve been in bed for 3 months. I’m exhausted from side effects. I wouldn’t take this drug ever again. I can’t even walk, barely nausea, bloating 8/10 24/7."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2019

For GERD "I had been taking OTC Zantac twice daily for GERD. During a medical appointment with PCP, I was prescribed Pantoprazole because my abdomen was tender on palpating. My visit had nothing to do with heartburn, rather for an elevated BP and heart palpitations. I took the Pantoprazole for about 10 days. During that time, my abdomen became horribly bloated. I looked like a pregnant woman with an old face. The sense of pressure and fullness was miserable and made it difficult to discern cardiac symptoms from the discomfort of stomach bloating. It also caused my heart to race even more, despite being placed on a BP medication. That’s when I remembered having been prescribed Pantoprazole last year and stopping it due to a racing heart. I also experienced loss of appetite and a constant bitter taste in my mouth. It did eliminate GERD, but was not worth the side effects, especially those affecting a vital organ like the heart. I will refuse future instructions to take this drug."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2021

For GERD "I thought I was going mad! I started out with bloating, diarrhea, headaches, to feeling complete body pain and racing heartbeat. Then the anxiety full on. My doctor switched me from Nexium, which comes with its own faults, to pantoprazole. Saves him having to make a call for a prescription number, as Nexium in Australia is restricted. I searched online after feeling terrible and found this page. Thank goodness I'm not alone. I hope others heed our warnings."

• Nil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2020

For GERD "Prior to taking this medicine, I had IBS, which had me vomiting daily and had years of diarrhea, gas, bloating, food restrictions, abdominal pain, and swelling. Just an overall feeling of unwellness. Food coming back up my throat when I lay down. Then, after my mom was diagnosed with GERD, my doctor prescribed me this medicine, pantoprazole, it changed my life. I woke up not sick. I felt alive again. My mind was more focused. I could do my job better. My body felt healthier. But if I miss a pill, even by an hour, my gas comes back and indigestion for a day, and then it evens back out again. Take your pills on time. I also take this at 4 PM every day, or try to."

• Gra...
• July 20, 2019

For Laryngopharyngeal Reflux "Was on pantoprazole 40 mg for 6 months, as per my pulmonologist, for silent reflux. My esophagus was torched when I started taking it. Has helped wonders on healing that, but I get terrible weekly stomach pains that could last hours or overnight even. Could never know when I would get the pain or what I ate that even caused it. Yesterday I did not take the pill. Could feel the acid in my chest slightly in the night. Feel like I can breathe better and have even been able to pass gas. That medicine is rubbish. Would bloat me so bad I even felt like my bladder was hanging late in the day. I did not know it was a short-term drug. I will go back to Prilosec till I see my Dr. for the follow-up appointment."

• Mis...
• March 12, 2019

For Gastritis/Duodenitis "Took pantoprazole for 2 weeks. It helped the gastritis somewhat, but the side effects were not worth it. Bloated, gassy, constipated, and just plain miserable. Everywhere I went smelled like fart. Not like normal fart, but super mega supreme farts. My couch smelled, my bed smelled, and I even heard a couple complaints in the grocery store! My butt was constantly leaking rank farts beyond my control. At first, I had to use coffee to be able to go #2, but then I wasn't able to go at all. I even tried Miralax, which normally helps with occasional constipation, but even that didn't work, just caused fluid to get stuck in my bowel. You could press on my lower abdomen and hear squelching, but I could still barely go at all! 2 days after stopping this medication, my bowels finally released. It's been about 5 days now, and I've lost about 5 lbs from pooping. I weigh just under 130 lbs, so 5 lbs of crap is a lot on my small frame. I seriously looked prego. I'm going back to Pepcid."

• Fif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2019

For Erosive Esophagitis "After day 2 of taking this drug, I started with bad gas, bloating, stomach cramps, and then watery, nasty-smelling diarrhea. I've had it now several times a day for over a week. Stopped taking meds yesterday and still have the same symptoms. Does help the acid, though, but too harsh on stomach and bowels. Waiting on a call back from the doctor's office."

• Mar...
• October 29, 2008

Pantoprazole for GERD "I loved this drug-until my insurance company said it was the 'same' as another less expensive drug. I've been miserable ever since. The acid reflux is returning, I am bloated and bowels are always a surprise. My surgeon is thinking a second surgery might be needed - if only I could afford the Protonix, it could be avoided."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2018

For GERD "20 mg worked really well with heartburn/reflux symptoms, but unfortunately this gave me terrible bloating, constipation, and horrific-smelling wind (literally had to open windows and put a fan on to air out ONE small room, and even then it still stank and lingered - talk about embarrassing and unpleasant). Not to mention I looked like a combination of 6 months pregnant/a fat overstuffed sausage around my lower stomach, which was very distressing and made me even more self-conscious - (I'm a very petite woman and it was so bad it was showing through even my loosest t-shirts) like the awful wind wasn't enough! Perhaps it will work for you, but I cannot say I'd recommend it as it was awful. As soon as I stopped, the digestive issues began to ease off, literally 24+ hours after the last dose I was already getting relief from the constipation and bloating. It's a no from me."

• Tru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2023

For GERD "This med is horrible. Not once, but twice I took this, and it put my system into a nosedive. I have acid reflux and most likely a hiatal hernia. My GP said, here, take this, and in three days you will be good as new. Well, not hardly… within three days I was bloated and could not poop if my life were on the line, and it felt like it was. This ruined my life for three weeks, twice. It took me twice to realize this little pink tablet will shut down the digestive system quicker than carnival food. Three weeks and a couple of bottles of Milk of Magnesia later, maybe you will have your life back. If your doctor suggests this crap, run!"

• Nur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2023

For Laryngopharyngeal Reflux "Horrible medication. A pulmonologist ordered this because he suspected reflux, and it made me feel fatigued and bloated, made me retain so much water, as well as caused anxiety and depression. I took it for three weeks, and my symptoms got worse. Within three days of stopping, all of these adverse side effects went away. Will not be using this again."

• pan...
• August 14, 2023

For GERD "Well, since I took this medicine, my symptoms I get are bloating, increased hunger, weight loss, just really feeling worse than I did before I took this medication. I don’t recommend it, and I think it should be pulled off the shelf. The gas pains are horrible, and the bloating for some reason, all in my left side, and I feel so nauseous too. So I will stick to Pepsid one a day, I’d rather have a little heartburn than to feel like crap."

• Dev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2021

For GERD "I started taking this once daily for GERD for a total of 30 days. On day 1, I felt like the room was spinning, but that got better after the first day. Every other day since then, I’ve experienced very low energy, brain fog, and exhaustion from the smallest physical activity (and I’m a very active and fit person); these sensations have led to panic and anxiety. I went to my doctor, and a blood test came back normal; the doctor said the symptoms I was describing weren’t related to this medication, but I didn’t remember feeling this way prior to taking these meds. I’ve experienced ringing in my ears, a bloated belly, and sugar cravings. My GERD is gone, but if it comes back, I will ask my doctor for an alternative option for treatment."

• can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2017

For Stomach Ulcer "Hopefully, it will cure the ulcers and torn-up stomach caused by antibiotics due to infection from a kitten bite. The side effects are awful: tired, burps, insomnia, fever, headaches, loss of appetite, belching, bloated, fatigue, drowsiness, tired feeling, and stomach upset. I'm on other medications, and my depression is worse, but not sleeping or feeling well adds to it. Not sure if it's connected, but I have so many canker sores on my tongue, my throat hurts."

• Lee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 24, 2022

For Stomach Ulcer "Been taking pantoprazole since 2018. I've had nothing but bad depression, anxiety, sore stomach, bone aches, weird pain on my left side all the time. Doctors don't know what's causing it. The chest pains, pins and needles, headaches, brain fog, blurry vision, diarrhea, bloating, loss of appetite, nausea, and insomnia. I did stop taking them for about 3 weeks and felt great, but that yuk acidy taste came back, so I thought I'd take them again. Now feeling like rubbish again. Now I'll stop taking them for good."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2022

For Erosive Esophagitis "After an endoscopy revealed mild erosive esophagitis, I was prescribed this pill. I was told it was silent reflux. My only symptoms were severe GI gas and bloat. I have been on it 2 weeks today. I was taking 40 mg once a day every morning before meals. This only made my condition much worse, originally I had bloat and dry mouth, and this medication made it worse. I'm giving up my coffee and making sure I don't eat foods that will cause the esophagitis. This medication only made my bloat worse, with bad back pain and constipation, since I'm only on it 2 weeks. I'm taking it every other day for a few days and coming off of it. I am going to try natural ways to help. I believe my problem is from my hernia. I will make sure to eat small meals and replace my morning cup of coffee with chamomile tea. I'm sorry for the people who have had side effects as I have. When you take a medication and the side effects are not worth it, especially since it made the existing gas and bloating worse and caused constipation. What do I do?"

• Sad...
• March 23, 2021

For GERD "Was having issues with GERD. Come to find out it’s really common in my family. My grandmother has been on pantoprazole for years and swore by it. I made an appointment to see my doctor to get some. First couple of weeks were great. I could eat what I want, I could sleep laying flat again, etc. After my 30-day supply ran out, my symptoms started returning. After reaching out to my doctor for a refill, she recommended that I see a GI doctor instead of continuing the drug. Meanwhile, my grandmother had gotten a new prescription and gave me a bunch to get me by until I could get in to see him. This is when I started becoming very constipated and experiencing excess gas that made me constantly feel bloated and in pain. It’s been 4 days since I stopped taking it, and I’m still experiencing side effects."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2022

For Gastritis/Duodenitis "40 (F), diagnosed with celiac disease and duodenum damage worsened by long COVID. Prescribed 40mg pantoprazole for suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding (I have stinky black tarry stools, no appetite, and have lost 15% body weight in 6 weeks, I'm now underweight) while waiting to see my gastroenterologist. Stopped taking after 2 days. Urinary retention, kidney pain, severe nightmares, night sweats, disturbed sleeping pattern, and it actually *worsened* the trapped gas, flatulence, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Only positive effect is slightly firmed loose stool, but I think it is because I'm dehydrated despite drinking lots of water and electrolytes. Furthermore, it has made me severely depressed and hopeless-feeling. I can't stop crying at random things or motivate myself to want to do anything. I hope it gets out of my system soon. I have mental health issues (stabilized and medicated), but this was a shock. Do not recommend at all - discuss other options with your PCP/GI."

• Sue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2021

For GERD "I can't understand all the reviews with horrible side effects. I have taken Prilosec, Pepcid, Dexilant, and now Pantoprazole. I am in disbelief. I have suffered with horrible bloating, constipation, reflux, pain, indigestion, you name it. My bloating was so bad it was interfering with my blood flow and causing fluid retention. My feet and ankles were constantly swollen and my stomach looked like I was 6 months pregnant. I have suffered with this for almost 2 years. All of a sudden my stomach has gone down, my feet and ankles aren't swollen, no pain (slight if I don't have a BM), even my energy level has increased. The only thing different I have done is take this medicine. I have had no side effects to speak of. It could be I might have had mild side effects and didn't notice because I was miserable and now I feel great so I don't know. All I know is I rarely did anything because any exertion would cause pain. It's gone. I have a life again. A miracle to me!!"

• Lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2017

For Stomach Ulcer "It only worked for a week properly. Although I don’t have heartburn anymore, I feel nauseous, bloated, and gassy constantly. During the second week, I developed pneumonia in one lung and pleurisy in the other. After being on antibiotics for 10 days, the effect of pantoprazole seemed to wear off. Would antibiotics cause this to happen?"