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Long term use of omeprazole may result in low magnesium and vitamin B-12 levels in some individuals, leading to energy deficit, weight gain and stomach discomfort.
Omeprazole belongs to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It works by decreasing how much acid your stomach produces and thus helping to soothe symptoms of acid reflux disease.
Does Omeprazole Cause Weight Gain?
Omeprazole’s impact on weight gain is unclear. Some studies suggest long-term use may raise weight gain risk in GERD patients. Clinical trials did not report weight gain with omeprazole capsules or tablets.
Nausea and severe diarrhea, common side effects, can reduce appetite and lead to weight loss. Improvement in your condition with omeprazole may boost appetite and cause weight gain. Sudden or unusual weight gain is rare but dangerous; seek medical attention if experienced.
Omeprazole may cause swelling in the face, legs, or ankles, resembling weight gain. This side effect is mild and usually does not need medical attention. Consult your doctor if you’re concerned about weight changes with omeprazole for more guidance.
Swelling or bloating
If you are taking omeprazole, take it at the same time each day, approximately an hour before meals. You can choose either delayed-release capsules or oral suspension; for those using feeding tubes, omeprazole can also be reconstituted into liquid form and given through their tube.
Prescription omeprazole is used to treat or prevent acid reflux in adults. Additionally, it may help heal ulcers in the stomach or intestine caused by Helicobacter pylori infection in combination with other medications. Treatment usually lasts 14 days at a time but may be repeated every 4 months if necessary.
Prilosec belongs to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Some studies have demonstrated that PPIs, like Prilosec, may increase your risk for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), an infection which can cause severe diarrhea. If this side effect develops for you while taking this medicine, seek medical advice immediately and contact your physician immediately.
Increased appetite
Many medications can affect appetite and how much you eat, leading to weight gain or loss.
Omeprazole, also known as proton pump inhibitors, are medications designed to relieve symptoms associated with acid reflux and digestive diseases such as acid indigestion or heartburn. Omeprazole belongs to this class of drugs by blocking enzymes in your stomach that produce acid; typically taken orally before meals as capsules, tablets or liquid forms; not recommended when drinking alcohol at the same time or it may interact+ with rilpivirine (Edurant), clopidogrel (Plavix) or rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane).
Long-term use of omeprazole can decrease calcium absorption in your body, increasing osteoporosis risk and risk of bone fractures. Furthermore, this medication increases your chances of slow-growing tumors forming in your duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).
Weight gain
Omeprazole can reduce stomach acid to treat conditions that cause heartburn or other symptoms, including peptic ulcers (open sores in your stomach or intestine) or chronic acid reflux into your esophagus. Furthermore, this medication belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors and may help heal damaged areas in your esophagus caused by acid damage.
Long-term use of this medication may increase your risk of atrophic gastritis cancer, according to a 2019 review article. This side effect occurs because many conditions that omeprazole treats can produce symptoms like ongoing heartburn that disguise undiagnosed stomach cancer cells.
As it’s essential to inform your doctor of all medications you take – both prescription and over-the-counter ones, vitamins, herbs, and supplements – this includes over-the-counter ones as well. Notifying them could affect how omeprazole works or cause side effects; for instance if you take rilpivirine (Edurant) or clopidogrel (Plavix), taking both may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising due to interactions.
Fat gain
Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It works by decreasing stomach acid production to help facilitate food digestion and reduce symptoms like heartburn. Omeprazole can be obtained both with a valid prescription as well as over-the-counter (OTC).
Adults using Omeprazole for treatments of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) such as erosive esophagitis caused by GERD as well as stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori and to heal damaged esophages from their damaged state.
Omeprazole may cause weight gain over time in certain people who take long-term doses with foods that stimulate stomach acid production too much, including fatty or spicy foods/drinks and caffeine products.
While this side effect is rare, prolonged usage could potentially increase fat gain. It is especially likely to occur if taken alongside foods that overstimulated the production of stomach acid such as fatty foods, spicy beverages or beverages or caffeine products.
Long term use of omeprazole can increase your risk of bone fractures, particularly among women. This is because it inhibits calcium absorption from your digestive system; thus forcing your body to draw calcium out from bones instead. Your doctor may advise treatment options to strengthen and decrease fracture risk.
What Are Other Potential Side Effects of Omeprazole
Omeprazole is a medication used to treat conditions characterized by excessive stomach acid. Although generally safe and well-tolerated, like any medication, it can have side effects. Commonly reported side effects of omeprazole include headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Other possible side effects during its use may involve back, leg, or stomach pain; bleeding or crusting sores on the lips; blisters; bloody or cloudy urine; chills; continuing ulcers or sores in the mouth; difficult, burning, or painful urination; fever; frequent urge to urinate; general feeling of discomfort or illness; itching; skin rash; joint pain; loss of appetite; muscle aches or cramps; pain and redness in the eyes.
In some cases, patients may experience minor side effects that usually subside as their body adjusts to the medicine. These might include body aches or pains and episodes of diarrhea.
While rare, serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur with omeprazole usage. Additionally, long-term utilization of this medication may elevate the risk for bone fractures and low magnesium levels. Symptoms associated with low magnesium levels include fatigue, confusion, dizziness, muscle twitches,
shakiness, and irregular heartbeat.
If any of these symptoms are experienced while using omeprazole, it is crucial to inform your doctor immediately.
How Long Does It Take for Omeprazole to Start Working
Omeprazole’s effects become noticeable in 2 to 3 days, reaching full efficacy within about 4 weeks. Typically, its antisecretory impact starts within an hour, peaking around 2 hours after intake. With daily dosing, omeprazole’s inhibition of acid secretion strengthens, reaching a plateau after four days and lasting up to 72 hours.
When omeprazole is discontinued, normal stomach acid secretion returns after 3 to 5 days. It’s important to note that the inhibitory effect of omeprazole on acid secretion levels off after four days of repeated daily dosing.
Are There Any Lifestyle Changes That Can Help With Gerd Symptoms
Several lifestyle changes can help with GERD symptoms:
- Weight loss reduces stomach pressure and eases symptoms.
- Avoid trigger foods like chocolate, coffee, fried, peppermint, spicy foods, and carbonated drinks. A food
- diary helps identify triggers.
- Opt for smaller, frequent meals to ease digestive load and prevent reflux.
- Avoid lying down after meals to utilize gravity in controlling reflux.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes to reduce stomach pressure.
- Stay away from alcohol and tobacco, as they worsen GERD.
- Elevate the head of the bed to prevent nighttime heartburn.
While these changes can be beneficial, complete symptom relief might require additional treatment. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
