About Omeprazole Severe Side Effects

Omeprazole is a medication most commonly used to treat conditions such as heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is a proton-pump inhibitor that works by decreasing acid production in the stomach, which helps alleviate the symptoms of heartburn and GERD. Omeprazole is a generic medication that is available under the brand name Prilosec. It used to be a prescription medication in the United States, but it is now available over the counter. Most people who take omeprazole will not experience any side effects, but in some people side effects, sometimes severe, will develop.

Dizziness

• Some people taking omeprazole may become dizzy. In most cases, the dizziness is mild and no cause for concern. However, because dizziness can cause problems while driving or operating machinery, users should be cautious until they know how it will affect them.

Vitamin B-12 Deficiency

• When used over a long period of time, such as three years or more, omeprazole can cause a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Signs of a B-12 deficiency include a sore tongue, unusual and unexplained weakness and numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.

Allergic Reaction

• As with all medications, omeprazole can cause an allergic reaction in rare cases. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in the mouth, face or chest and tightness in the chest. Because people having an allergic reaction can go into shock, it should be treated as a medical emergency.

Other Serious Side Effects

• Other side effects of omeprazole that may indicate a problem include jaundice, darker than usual urine, chest pain, a fever or chills, a sore throat, a fast or irregular heartbeat, sudden weight gain, red, blistered or peeling skin, unusual bruising or bleeding and swelling in the hands, feet or ankles. People experiencing these side effects should report them to a doctor immediately.

Non-Serious Side Effects

• Some side effects of omeprazole are no cause for concern because they are not an indication of a potential problem. These include diarrhea and headaches. If these side effects become bothersome, contact your doctor to discuss other treatment options.