Omeprazole Side Effects

All medicines have some, or no side effects. Also, some of us might experience the side effects, and some, just won't. Omeprazole is used for treating stomach ulcers and infections that are caused in the stomach. It is also used for healing the damage caused to the esophagus by the stomach acids. Generally, it takes almost 6 to 8 weeks to treat stomach ulcers. This is something that most of us are not aware of, and so, we happen to use it for a long time. Now, what happens is, using this medication for a long time, has side effects. Of course this might apply to all the medicines that have long term use and might have side effects too. But continuous use of omeprazole has many side effects.

Side Effects of Omeprazole

The most common side effects are diarrhea and vomiting. Also, the gastrointestinal system has the most of its side effects. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux acid diseases or other conditions that are caused due to excess production of stomach acid, is treated with omeprazole. The drug raises the production of gastrin which results in increased pH levels of the stomach. But this occurs in people who are treated with a 20 to 40 mg dosage of omeprazole on a daily basis.

In rare cases, the side effects are more than just vomiting and diarrhea. They continue to affect the other systems of our body too. Very rarely, the cardiovascular system is affected and can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Let us take a look at some other side effects which affect other body systems.

On Digestive System
Side effects include problems that might damage the liver, gastrointestinal infections, nausea, stomach pain, metabolic problems and flatulence, which is a condition of excess gas present in the alimentary canal as also jaundice erythema multiforme.

On Muscles and Joints
Regular consumption of this drug can also cause joint pain. It might cause muscle weakness that can lead to muscle pain and eventually to arthritis.

On Skin
Omeprazole overdose might irritate the skin and cause various skin conditions like itching, dermatitis, excessive sweating, skin rashes, and swelling of the extremities. Urticaria, which is a skin disorder where weals having pale interiors are formed and paraesthesia characterized have abnormal skin sensations like tingling and tickling of the skin, or burning and itching are some of the other side effects.

On Mood
Sometimes this medication can have a few side effects like mood swings. It is strange but true that omeprazole can lead to mood changes. Some of the mood swings are feeling agitated, aggressive behavior, feeling weak and irritated, etc.

On Eyesight
Vision also gets damaged due to the prolonged use or over dosage of this medication. Blurred vision, strained and weak eyes, etc. are a few of these side effects. If you experience any of these side effects, seek immediate medical attention as the eyes are a very fragile part of our body.

On Weight
Putting on weight suddenly, is something abnormal. Though less than 1% of the people who use omeprazole have weight gain as a side effect, it can be a really serious and dangerous one. If you are taking some amount of it and if you experience this sudden weight gain as side effect, seek immediate medical attention. Swelling is not weight gain though it might look like that. Taking the drug might lead to swelling and bloating mostly in the ankles, legs and the face. Thus, the water that has retained in the body and caused swelling, might look like weight gain. There can be other undesired effects such as constipation, hair loss, etc.

Other Side Effects
Over dosage of omeprazole can cause various ailments leading to headaches, dizziness, depression, fainting, general feeling of being unwell, light-headedness, vertigo, and even hallucinations. Other side effects include impotence, inflammation of the mouth, difficulty in sleeping or too much sleepiness, blood and bone marrow problems, hypersensitivity reactions such as taste changes, anaphylactic (related to hypersensitivity) shock, bronchospasm (which makes exhalation difficult), and fever.

An Important Advice

If you are taking prescribed omeprazole for treating ulcers or reflux diseases, DO NOT recommend it on your own to anyone else who might have these symptoms. Instead, ask them to consult a doctor, and to take the drug under prescription of a medical professional. Keep these medications away from children. DO NOT use it for any other health conditions.

These were some side effects of this medication. If you notice any of them, I repeat, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Take care!