| Key to ratings for nexium: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
| | F M | | | | ||||
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| 1 | gerd | gained 45 lbs very quickly, depression, pains in chest and back, blurry eyes, anxiety and panic attacks, insomnia, headaches, stomach cramps, rash and hives, nightmares, redness under skin on face and acne, tinnitus, swelling in feet and ankles, jerking movements in jaw, joint pain, incredible tiredness, HAIR LOSS, brain fog, problems thinking, memory loss, speech slurring, dry mouth, feeling hot all the time, excess sweating, numbness and tinkling, cranky, listless, bloating, heart palpitations, extreme Nexium withdrawal rebound heartburn, dizzy, every other side effect on the site, debilitating side effects - very extreme | This poison takes a while before the side effects become debilitating. Get this off the market. I was suicidal from the effects and went to 4 doctors -- all knew I was taking Nexium. I was given numerous tests - all found I was "normal." Then the doctors started treating me like I was just depressed since I am a middle-aged woman. I was prescribed flexiril for the joint and chest and back pain and told I just had anxiety - "typical for women my age." Nevermind I have never had anxiety before Nexium. The doctor perscribed Klonipin. All 4 "doctors" prescribed anti-depressants for my Nexium induced depression and not a single one suggested that Nexium might be causing my problems. One night I was so depressed I began plotting my suicide (nevermind I wasn't depressed before Nexium). I decided I needed to stop thinking like an obedient patient and start thinking like a lawyer again. What's different in my life now that wasn't here before? Nexium. I stopped taking it and had very bad Nexium rebound. Then I went on a low carb diet which really helped. I am feeling human again. Have tried to call the "doctors" and tell them what was wrong - they don't return my calls. I thought if the doctors knew what was going on - they could help people with the same problems. But no. I am taking back my health. I am never behaving like a passive patient again. I don't care if doctors think I act like a know it all and that I refuse to treat them like the | F | 54 | 4 years | 2/5/2010 | 1 | GERD | Long term cracking and painful joints. Please visit us for more victims...http://nexium-vs-joints.com/ Dont be afraid, come forward! | M | 30 | 4 months | 2/5/2010 | 2 | GERD, esophagitis | nerve pain into arms, flu-like sypmtoms, fever feeling(for most of the summer), numbness in L arm, tingling t/o entire body, nerve pain down legs, then most recently, muscle twitching t/o body, severe anxiety, shakiness t/o body, problems with sensation on tongue as well as some difficulty saying 'sp' and 'th' sounds | Worked up for fever this past summer, all negative, then arm numbness and tingling, lip numbness started, worked up for MS/tumors, all negative, back to neurologist, big anxiety! Given Lexapro for this. I have felt awful in this past year, like I have aged YEARS! all because of this drug......thank you for this site! I finally thought to look up Nexium and OMG this can't be true! I am now using herbal/alternative therapies for my reflux and it is slowly improving, my side effects are diminishing, but not fast enough! Oh, yes, had also seen an eye specialist for blurry vvision, normal results there too. Needed to see a urologist for bladder spasms..but was just tired of seeing Dr. so had put that one off! ANGRY!!!! | F | 36 | 10 months | 2/4/2010 | 3 | inflamed stomach | Reflux (which i never had before) if i missed taking it. Terrible dizziness, loss off appetite, increased tiredness. | At first it made all previous symptoms go away, which was great apart from a complete lack of appetite. About 3 weeks on I started to become more & more tired, and the dizziness has increased my nausea. I think i'll take the stomach pain over the dizziness. | F | 24 | 3 weeks | 2/1/2010 | 1 | stomach ulcer | fogginess, cotton wool hearing, disoriented, despressed, pains in upper left quadrant, extreme tiredness, listless, disinterested, anxiety, virtually everything listed on this site!!! | I was prescribed this drug for suspected stomach ulcer. I wanted a test for possible bacterial cause. Initially, noticed a bit of an imporovement. Dosage was reduced from 40mg to 20mg. I fainted one day after a couple of months; luckily my son was here to catch me. I have felt an ever increasing sense of lethargy and tiredness. All around me thought I was just getting older. Almost felt like I was depressed. I had trouble hearing and connecting with people. I found I was becoming increasingly more fatigued and lethargic. Today, I reviewed my medications - what was new? Why was I feeling so bad? I thought of nexium. Stopped taking it today and told my son. He found this site and nearly fell of his chair. Virtually everything listed here has occurred to me over the past few months and it is becoming worse each day to the point I was scared. Two weeks ago, we thought I was having a heart attack. My son was with me and luckily I have my own blood pressure monitor and we could see what was happening to me.l I am absolutely sure that this has been the cause of my problems. I will be seeing my doctor this week and I am unsure how to approach her because of ny anger. I may even change doctors - she did not warn me of these side effects.I know some people think this is all weird or pyschosomatic; let me tell you, we are under no illusion to what this has done. As well, for those who have not havd side effects, they may be the exception rather than the usual patient. | F | 78 | 6 months | 1/31/2010 | 1 | gerd | At first worked amazing at 40mg does a day. In time constant lightheadedness, foggy mind, non-stop gas, weird dreams, late night nausea leading to dry heaving,severe anxiety and irrational fears, major appetite increase,general unsteadiness, sharp pains in head, loss of sensation in my extremities. | Awful results. Try kapidex. | M | 21 | 4 months | 1/27/2010 | 1 | Fatigue, bloating, skin rashes, constipation, thought I was having a heart attack went to ER | DO NOT DO WHAT I DID. This drug is not to be taken longer than 14 days. I took prilosec first, then Nexium. If you start it is next to impossible to get off them. They suppress the hormone gastrin, causing your stomach to pump acid non stop once you stop taking the drug. Homeopathic remedies work, i am now cured. However it took a year to get the PPI out of my system. 7 years of nexium and 3 years of prilosec made my life hell. At first it seemed too good to be real, it is not real. The worst decision I ever made was listening to my doctor about this one, he gave it to me, and I believed in a magic pill. NO such thing exists. | M | 33 | 7 years | 1/18/2010 | 3 | severe heartburn, belching | none | I still get some heartburn, but it is much worse when I stop or miss taking Nexium, | F | 30 | 10 years | 1/10/2010 | 1 | GERD | Anxiety, blood pressure fluctuations, chest pain, 'fogginess' and tingling sensations in my extremities. | Took 20mg dose for 5 days and wound up in the emergency room. Discontinued treatment and 2 days later felt great. Attempted to start the dosage again and within 2 days I was having the same symptoms again. | M | 55 | 2 weeks | 1/7/2010 | 5 | acid reflux | i have been taking nexium for the past 7 years.no problems.no side effects. | thank you nexium | M | 42 | 7 years | 12/30/2009 | 1 | Nexium | continuation from above | Then the doctors thought it was a matter of his heart's conduction but 12- lead ECG and Holter monitor failed to show any evidence of a conduction problem. My dad was admitted for observation but other than hooking him up to a Holter monitor and blood tests, no other treatments/tests/medications were performed or initiated. Whether through ignorance, laziness or incompetence, the nursing staff did not give my dad his Nexium throughout his 3 day hospital stay. Remarkably, he started feeling better; no dizzy/fainting spells, no radiating upper left hand gastric pain; no racing/pounding heart. Generally speaking, just feeling better. Still not making the connection between his symptoms and the Nexium, he started taking it again upon his release from the hospital. The next two doses produced dizzy spells that culminated with him fainting, although neither as dramatic as the one that sent him to hospital. Given the nature of the comments on this site, it seems prudent for him to consult his G.P. before he takes any more Nexium. | M | 70 | 15 days | 12/29/2009 | 1 | Dyspepsia; diffuse abdominal pain | pain starting in the upper left hand quadrant radiating to the middle of the back; feeling of trapped gas in upper gastric region; extreme dizziness; weakness; fatigue; several episodes of fainting; tachycardia; vomiting ( once) | My dad was prescribe Nexium for unremitting abdominal pain of a 6 month duration. Upper and lower endoscopy failed to reveal any significant pathology so treatment took on symptomatic approach. Decrease the acid and the pain will decrease was the operation definition. After taking the first dose, he experienced a very small reduction in abdominal pain. The doctor started him on a daily dose of 40 mg. Almost immediately the nature and position of his abdominal pain changed. While he still had the diffuse abdominal pain, he now had sharp, focal pain in the region under the left side of his rib cage which radiated to the middle of his back. He also had a feeling of trapped gas in his stomach and upper gastric region that went unabated with belching. Approximately 1 week into taking the Nexium, he had his first dizzy spell and fainted. He went very pale and weak; his pulse was racing and his pounding but he recovered within 5 minutes. Because his is a Type II Diabetic, it was thought that the fainting spell was probably due to low blood sugar ( my dad had not been eating very much b/c of his abdominal pain ). The second fainting episode sent him to E.R. During this event, besides becoming very weak, pale and tachycardic, he had an extreme drop in blood pressure and a mild and short-lived seizure. Initially the E.R. doctors thought it was a heart attack but blood test showed no evidence of an M.I. | M | 70 | 15 days | 12/29/2009 | 1 | GERD/reflux | muscle/joint pain; back spasms; fullness in throat; esophageal spasms & worst of all...bladder/urethral pain spasm & occ.incontinence. Chiropractor, physical therapy & antibiotics did little to help anything, however stopping this poison did help within a day. Most symptoms disappeared in 24 hrs. It did help relieve the GERD & reflux. | F | 75 | 12/21/2009 | 5 | ACID REFLUX and ULCERS | No side effects. | My acid reflux had damaged my throat, esophagus, stomach and colon. I had holes from one end to the other. The pain in my stomach, back and arm became unbearable and I ended up in the ER, then was admitted into the hospital for a few days. My Doctor prescribed 40 mg Nexium once a day upon release from hospital. Have had 2 endoscopic procedures and 2 colonoscopys during the last 4 years since taking Nexium. No problems from the NEXIUM so far and no more holes(ulcers). I changed my diet and even gave up my beloved Bud Light but this change still did not stop the acid reflux. For me the only thing on the market that works is Nexium. I have tried many over the counter drugs in between refilling my prescription for Nexium and within a week I am feeling ill again. As our bodies react differently to medications, we need to find what works for us, this just happens to be my WONDER drug. I will continue allowing my Doctor to monitor my health and for any side effects from taking the Nexium. | F | 45 | 4 years | 12/9/2009 | 5 | GERD | I rate Nexium as a 5, with one VERY BIG exception. While it has completely controlled my gerd, it has depleted my bone calcium and I now have osteoporosis. | I've been on 40 mg Nexium, daily, for about 10 years. Unfortunately there is a trade off. It has escalated the onset of osteoporosis. I've tried to stop taking it, but the rebound effect is unbearable. I almost wish I had never started taking it. Nothing else works. | F | 66 | 10 years | 12/7/2009 | 1 | Stomach ulcers and inflammation | Bloating, significant facial and neck swelling, constipation, stomach pain, joint pain (severe shoulder, mild knee), nausea, vomiting, "brain fog", sweating, shortness of breath, general listnessness. | I was prescribed Nexium b/c of stomach ulcers that I didn't even know I had. As soon as I began taking this drug, I felt horrid. My face looked like a Cabbage Patch Kid doll, I had no collarbone, no energy, I could not climb a flight of stairs without feeling totally exhausted (and I am relatively fit), experienced shooting pains in my shoulders constantly, had problems going to the bathroom (both functions), and generally felt really rundown. The ulcers were discovered during an in-patient hospital visit due to anemia and I attributed the above symptoms to "recovering" for a good while even though I felt fantastic in hospital after the blood transfusions (before I took Nexium). However, a week after being discharged and starting this drug, I started getting stabbing pains in my stomach bad enough to wake me up in the middle of the night. Once I discontinued my use of Nexium EVERY SINGLE ONE of these symptoms disappeared within one week. If the ulcer happens to act up, I take a swig of Maalox before bed and I'm fine. I am sure not everyone will have the terrible reaction to this drug that I did, but buyer beware!!!! | F | 30 | 7 days | 12/7/2009 | 1 | stomach ulcer | heart palpatations, "foggy" thinking, unusual hunger, vivid weird nightmares, anxious feelings, hip and lower back pain | Dr. gave me 10 days of 40mg, scheduled for upper and lower GI in another 3 days. Second day after starting this medication, started having a racing heart type of thing, woke up with killer headache. Now my hips feel dislocated....as soon as I can, I am off this medication! I hate taking any medication and am goint to natural herbs and modify my diet. Why trade one issue for about half a dozen? | F | 52 | 5 days | 12/4/2009 | 3 | GERD | Palpitations and heart flutter | Nexium gave me immediate relief of my mild heartburn and asthma-like symptoms. I was prescribed Nexium after an endoscopy that confirmed GERD but showed no alarming damage. Palpitations began almost immediately. I was confused, as my research indicated that palpitations could be side effects of Nexium or symptoms of GERD. I finally went off Nexium after 10 months and sought help from Dr. Richard Ash(NY) after hearing him field a question on GERD and Nexium. He stated that someone should not be eating foods that are the equivalent of ingesting glass while masking the effects with Nexium. I saw Ash 3 weeks ago and began his diet and supplement program. I have been absolutely totally symptom free for the past 2 weeks. Palpitations gone and I am breathing freely through my nose which I was never able to do. This guy is the real deal, nothing short of a genius. I am in shock over the total relief that I have gotten from taking his advice. Seek help from someone other than a lazy prescription dispensing clerk. | M | 51 | 10 months | 12/3/2009 | 4 | Acid Reflux | Dry mouth | Seems to work the best of a variety of different drugs for acid reflux. I do get a dry mouth especially at night. | F | 49 | 3 years | 12/2/2009 | 4 | reflux | pain of leg and back . difficulty of swalling my salliva that bring me to panic attack. burning on my chest like a hard attack | just stop yesterday thanks to my specialist who told me that side effects are possible . contrary to the generalist who told me to continue... let see in a week. | F | 58 | 10 days | 11/26/2009 | 1 | antral gastritis/ esophagitis | dizzy, headache, nausea, dry heaving, mild fever, feel hot and slightly itchy, cloudy head/confusion, faint | this is the last day I am going to take this. Never taken medication for this before. I don't have heart burn, I don't have acid reflux or stomach pain....not sure why I am taking it. | M | 30 | 2 days | 11/26/2009 | 5 | stomach ulcer | NONE | I'm sorry but I so have to disagree with just about everything said on this site. Some are so ridiculous, one person saying they had a fever and muscle ache, really? Think it could have just been the flu? I mean seriously, I think most of these comments are all in the persons head as this drug is my God send! I've tried everything else and this is my drug of choice. Now if I could only get the insurance to cover it I would be the happiest person in the world! | F | 35 | 1 years | 11/25/2009 | 2 | H Pylori | Head aches that fell like my ears are blocked, frequent urination, light headednes, crackling bones,severe stomach bloating,lower abdominal cramps, you name it I got it | After taking Clarithromicin, Metronidazole and Nexium for H Pylori and can only describe the last month as hell. The side effects were numerous. Now I am on Lansoprazole 30mg in the morning and Nexium 40mg at night and I am still having a minature hell. The bloating, headaches and frequent urination is driving me nuts. I am going to see my doctor this week and ask her to take me off both these drugs. | M | 37 | 25 days | 11/22/2009 | 1 | acid reflux, hiatal hernia | My 7-year-old daughter, within 20 minutes of first dose, had almost a psychotic reaction to this drug. I believe it is causing me worsening fibro, fatigue, neck pain, back pain, blurry vision, anemia, and hair loss | My daughter's GI specialist put her on Nexium for severe stomach pain. I gave her the first sample as we were leaving the doctor's office. About 20 minutes later, she started screaming in the car that she didn't feel right, something was wrong. In the rearview mirror, I could see my daughter's terrified face was white as a ghost and she was screaming in fear that she thought she was going to die. We ended up in the ER and they treated her as if it was an allergic reaction. The ER doctor said although it wasn't an allergy, she definitely should NEVER take the medicine again. Her GI doctor told me "it can't be from the Nexium. I've never had anyone react that way before." In the postmarketing results in the manufacturer's own info, hallucinations are definitely a side effect! It was horrific! After reading through the entries on this site, I now think many of the weird symptoms I've been having may be because of my Nexium...I've been taking 80 mg a day for YEARS!! I have swelling at the base of my neck, joint and muscle pain, severe fatigue, increased appetite, weight gain, vertigo, hair loss, and recently diagnosed anemia! I am stopping the medication tonight and I pray I will see a reversal as so many others have! | F | 42 | 6 years | 11/14/2009 | 3 | GERD | abdominal cramps and pains, fever, muscle aches, general weakness | As I wrote in my previous post here, I was thinking of discountinuing Nexium after having gotten bad abdominal cramps and pains on day 10. On day 12 I got a fever of 101 F and felt like a crap. The fever went down in the evening and on day 13 it was 99.7F,and it went down by itself too. I also started having bad muscle aches. On day 14 (3 days after having stopped taking Nexium) I still have muscle aches but no abdominal cramps or fever. I hope I could feel better soon. Terrible side effects. | F | 34 | 11 days | 11/12/2009 | 3 | GERD | I have been on Nexium 20 mg once a day for 11 days now. It started to work after a week and initially, I didn't experience any side effects. However, I started having strong abdominal cramps and pain yesterday. I'd had the same problems with Omeprazole and Pantoprazole. I think I should stop it :-( | F | 34 | 11 days | 11/8/2009 | 1 | GERD | Bloating, gas, stomach pain, dizziness, headache, vitamin deficiencies. | According to reports in the news and medical journals, Nexium creates excess acid when stopped. The specialist recommended I take Zantac for a few weeks after stopping Nexium. It worked!Also, please take the time to go to the FDA website and give feedback on the side effects. Takes a few minutes but at least the information is going to the proper agency. | F | 65 | 7 weeks | 11/8/2009 | 3 | GERD | I have been taking Nexium now for about 10 years, 40mg now and twice a day. Just recently have been experiencing palpitations, racing heart, sweating during the night, back ache, anxiety and tingling sensastions in my back, left arm, left leg and sometimes across my upper chest. Never had these side afftects until I started taking twice a day. Have had upper endoscopy just recently, everything fine, and have gone to doctor about tingling and back ache. He suggested that I get an MRI of my head could be the onset of MS even though he said this begins when you are young and I am not young unfortunately, 62 years old. Tried going off Nexium and did for several days but heartburn returned and went back to Nexium again and heartburn went away. So today I am still on it, really don't have a chose | M | 62 | 10 years | 11/6/2009 | 1 | acid reflux | I believe that this medication cannot be stopped. When I stop this medication the heartburn comes back greater than it was when I first started taking it. No other proton pump inhibitor effectively works as a replacement. I experience episodes of nausea, vomiting, dry heaves and esophageal pain after the medication is stopped and then as a result severe anxiety. My skin starts burning and itching. Once the medication is started again the above symptoms go away. Re: "nexium addiction" "nexium dependency" "nexium withdrawal" "proton pump addiction" "proton pump dependency" "proton pump withdrawal" | F | 44 | 5 years | 11/6/2009 | 1 | Peptic Ulcer | Bloating in my stomach and abdominal area to the point of it being uncomfortable to sit upright even for just a few minutes. Bloating created pressure under the rib cage. I had to continuously lean back to stretch the area in my stomach to get some relief. Lying down was the only comfortable position. The discomfort I was experiencing was far worse than the nausea and sharp pain I initially sought treatment for. | I was prescribed Nexium, along with two other drugs, Sucralfate and Ranitidine. It seemed to work almost immediately, relieving the nausea and sharp pain I was experiencing in my stomach. However, about 10 days later I returned to the doctor for a check-up and was having extreme bloating in my stomach and abdominal area. I was advised to see a specialist for tests and to continue taking the medication for 4 more weeks. The tests were all negative, so I stopped taking the medicine when I came across a website www.GreatTasteNoPain.com and am now on the mend after only one week. And, I have lost 4 lbs and am never hungry. I have no more Acid Reflux and the Bloating is now going away. I am eating what I want, but just in a different way. Check it out. I will never take this medicine again. It's apparently all about what we eat and when. Mixing certain foods always cause acid reflux and gas. Good luck! | F | 63 | 30 days | 11/6/2009 | 5 | Reflux | None | Nexium has greatly improved my quality of life. | M | 39 | 2 years | 11/2/2009 | 1 | pain in lower right rib area | (1) Hives (small, itchy, red bumps), some in circular patterns, mostly occurred on ears, neck, fingers and arms, and a few scattered around rest of body. (2) Pain on right foot, started with ball of foot and in a few days encompassed entire foot. | The only good thing I noticed was I didn't seem as bloated in my stomach while taking it, but that was not the reason for it being prescribed. The reason was to try to treat a pain in my lower right rib, which was not affected by the medicine. | F | 36 | 4 days | 11/1/2009 | 1 | GERD - Post Esophageal Surgery | Severe deficiency in Vitamins B-12, D, Folic Acid, pounding heart, headache, constipation, confusion, extreme dizziness, swollen throat. | Took this following a redo of a fundiplication -- the first one was done incorrectely. Had taken Prilosec 8 years ago for about 6 weeks with similar side effects. ENT familiar with problems associated with Nexium but, with surgeon, felt that if I could stay on it 3 months, healing would be better. Made it 6 weeks when the vitamin defeiciences were so severe everyone agreed I had to stop. Internist doesn't believe Nexium is a problem. Understand that there is some suspicion that PPI's may contribute to stomach cancer and research started. Get blood tests testing Vitamins and minerals frequently. Getting vitamins back in balance takes months. | F | 64 | 8 weeks | 11/1/2009 | 1 | GERD | I had very few side effects, but the major one was sleepwalking. It is not well-known that Nexium can cause sleepwalking. If you have ever had a history of sleepwalking, do not take Nexium. | F | 19 | 4 months | 10/31/2009 | 1 | duodenal ulcer | body pain, fever, headache and less active | i usually use omeprazol , till doctor mention me to use nexium 40 twice a day. i will back to the omeprazol. people take care of using this medication | M | 33 | 6 days | 10/27/2009 | 3 | Reflux | I initially started taking my wife's nexium every couple of days for heartburn, however, was then instructed by an ent specialist to take nexium daily for a voice disorder. Have now been taking nexium regularly for just over a week and have already started noticing side effects. Although, it must be acknowledged that it does stop heartburn and reflux. The negative side effects have included palpatations and a 'shakiness' in my chest and arms. Not sure if anyone else knows what I'm talking about? Also, have been experiencing a gastro feeling- nausea,bowel movements, etc. Have also experienced twitching muscles - all over. I am a relatively healthy person, so I assumed it must be the nexium and googled the side effects and found this site...frankly, I am shocked! I know my father has been using this stuff for years now and he swears by it but this site alone proves there is something not right about this drug...surely, something has to be done! What would be worse is if the medicos kno | M | 38 | 8 days | 10/25/2009 | 3 | Hiatial hernia, reflux, | HORRIBLE headaches at times with a "burning type" sensation on the top of my head, chest pain, racing heart beat, nausea, bloating, fullness, anxiety, "fullness" of throat making it hard to swallow at times, spacey feeling and couldn't concentrate,tingling sensations in my feet and hands, joint pain, depression, very dizzy at times, very tired. | I was having BAD reflux had an upper endoscopy done. It was discovered that I also had a hiatial hernia. I was put on 40 mg of Nexium and w/i a couple of weeks my stomach seemed to get a little better. After being on Nexium for about a month/month and a half TONS of other "symptoms" began to present theirself little by little. Because of the increased abdominal pain my doc then recommended I up my Nexium to 80mg a day!. I ended up in the ER on 3 sepreate occasions with chest pains, rapid heart rate, and SEVERE abdominal pain. I had every blood test done imaginable, CTs, EKGs, and MRIs... All coming back normal!! FInally at the end of my rope I began to look up stuff online. Once I found this blog I felt like I had FINALLY gotten the answers I had been looking for! I have since stopped taking Nexium and have slowly began to feel better. Still have somewhat of a headache but ALL my other symptoms have completely gone away :) | F | 30 | 6 months | 10/21/2009 | 3 | acid reflux, severe stage 2 of dama | At first in heaven, cured the acid reflux, felt so much better, Doc was not supervising treatment, allowed me to refill 4 years. When I finally questioned they did tell me to give it a break, then I noticed allthe problems I had. Gall bladder removed because of the constant pain, 5 visits to emergency room for heart palpitations, and pain. Swelling to feet, neck, hands, I would wake up with my feet totally asleep, weight gain, I was taking 40 MG daily. I slowly stopped taking, I am doing so much better, I do have heart burn but I can attibute to eating things that are not good for me, and eating late. I am eating small meals, try to eat before 6 PM, use over the counter meds and I am doing 85% better. I do think Nexium healed in the beginning any erosion I had to my esophougas, but I think I took to long. | I have seen Doctor and basically he stands by Nexium, he will not admitt to any knowledge of side effects, but I understand his opinions. If you have damage the nexium would be the med to take, just watch the time you take, change your lifestyle, Nexium is the best alternative for those who either suffer the disease of acid reflux, and risk cancer of other damages. I have to say I would put up with side effects if I knew this is what would eliminate any cancers. | F | 40 | 5 years | 10/18/2009 | 3 | Hiatal Hernia and GERD | Racing heart beat, heightened anxiety leading to panic attacks, fullness of throat, a spacey feeling, sweating, nausea that woke me up in the middle of the night, numbness and tingling sensations down my right arm and into my hand and two fingers, also the bottom of my left foot........A couple of times I was sure I was having a heartache or something else serious was presenting itself - I went to the emergency unit at my local hospital a couple of times as I felt absolutely dreadful. | I began Nexium in May and stopped taking it last week after reading this site and putting the pieces together. I was taking 40mg and only had one week in that time period of not taking it. I will be honest and say that it did provide me with relief initially but in recent weeks I have had several of the symptoms described by others here (see symptoms) A couple of times I was sure I was having a heartache or something else serious was presenting itself. I felt absolutely dreadful. Now that I have stopped taking Nexium for this past week, I cannot begin to tell you how good I feel. The GERD symptoms are only slightly noticeable and I have elevated my bed. I am also taking apple cider vingar/honey and it is also helping the acidity. I was not aware of the dangers of taking it for too long - I remember my pharmacist mentioning that some people are on this drug long term. People taking this drug need to be monitored much more diligently I feel and I hope that the drug company producing it, is more aware of the prevalence of these side effects. | F | 50 | 5 months | 10/16/2009 | 2 | acid reflux | heart pains, edema,bloatness, tired, very tired, swollen abdomen | stopped taking In July, things have been okay, taking over the counter pepcid, mylanta when needed. There is life after this. | M | 46 | 8 years | 10/15/2009 | 4 | Acid Reflux | Took care of reflux but after being on for 4 months I realized that the weight gain, severe bloating, constipation, shortness of breath, occasionally light headed, heart palpitations all started about 4 to 6 weeks after starting it. 40 mg once a day. Stopped taking 12days ago. Bloating gone, light headedness gone, still having heart palpitations but not as often. Only problem reflux seems to be coming back somewhat so will watch diet better and maybe try Prilosec and Malox antacid-gas. Feel better than I did on it though!! How long does it take to leave your system?? | They started me on samples of Protonix but insurance would'nt cover when they wrote script. So Gastro. said Nexium. Gave me 11 months of script and never said see you in a few months to see how you're doing. Have nurse friend that said he should have followed up. Don't have much faith in Drs. They just want to push the pills on you. The pharm. companies see to that. They don't even pay attention to the other medicine they have you on and if they're compatible!! | F | 59 | 4 months | 10/14/2009 | 4 | Acid Reflux | None | I think the same crazy people are posting over and over again on here about "side effects" they are imagining in their head. I've been on this stuff for years with no problems. I definitely don't think it's causing all the "brain fog" and what not people on here are reporting; it's been an ok drug so far for me, and it's much better than having heartburn all the time. | M | 29 | 4 years | 10/13/2009 | 2 | nausea | GERD is a generic diagnosis for all because doctors don't know any better. Half of the cases are cased by H.Pylori, which has to be managed, not killed. read about it here. http://www.siberiantigernaturals.com/evpofaq.htm#o5 Nausea is one of the symptoms of overgrown HP | M | 43 | 7 days | 10/10/2009 | 1 | Gastric ulcer | Numerous. Debilitating side effects. Leg pain, sweats, terible epigastric pain, intolerance to some foods no apetite, brain fog, depression, anxiety, chest pains, strangles in throat. | Been taking them 20 months, burnt them today. | M | 50 | 20 months | 10/10/2009 | 1 | nexium | side effects from stopping nexium, discontinuing nexium. nausea, vomiting, burning sensations in eyes, face, tongue, and body. severe anxiety | Have tried to stop taking nexium several times. Other proton pump inhibitors do not work in its place. Anxiety and burning and nausea. Something in this medication has made me dependent upon it. It makes me sick when I stop taking it and also after I am taking it for a while. Nexium addiction Nexium dependency Nexium withdrawal Is there any way to stop taking nexium? Is there any way to discontinue nexium? | M | 35 | 5 years | 10/6/2009 | 1 | heartburn | esophageal spasms, breakthrough heartburn, nausea | 40 mg nexium once per day worked for a while then it started to not work the entire day. Doctor increased it to twice a day. Too strong at twice a day and got stomach pains and spasms. Reduced it to once a day and heartburn worse. Tried H2 receptors not working. I suspect that they have created a monster medication that is causing the body to create more acid to compensate. | M | 50 | 8 years | 10/6/2009 | 3 | acid reflux | severe palpitations, loss of sleep, depression, fatigue, legs muscle pain, thickness in the throat. | I had been on Nexium (40mg) on and off for about 2 years. Very efficient in suppressing acid reflux. This summer, I began salivating a lot and having a thick throat. GP ran major blood tests, all normal. So GI doctor put me on twice the does (Nexium 80mg), and then all hell broke loose. Huge fatigue kicked in and leg muscle pain. Muscle twitching. Palpitations and racing heart so severe that I was put on carry-on cardiac monitor! Loss of sleep led to anxiety and depression, I became unable to work, ended crying of despair. I had more bloods tests again, scans of my throat and nose, antibiotic runs, nothing work, and not one doctor made a connection to side effect. I researched, discovered this site among others, and once I stopped Nexium, muscle pain, fatigue, and palpitations ended in 48 hours, I can sleep again, and I'm back to work. Nexium maybe efficient against acid reflux, but it is DANGEROUS. And doctors who prescribe it should follow up with patients. Washington DC. Sept. 2009 | M | 52 | 2 years | 9/30/2009 | 1 | barrets, hiatal hernia, reflux | Initially felt nausea,dizziness, sore lips...its now the 01/10 and i have been taking them for 10 days now...nausea is back, im feeling lethargic and have chest pain, stomach pain and the occasional back pain...loss of appetite | I dont want to take these pills anymore, depression is doin my head in as well as the nause causing loss of appetite. I stopped taking the little pills this morning and have re-booked to see my GP. | M | 36 | 10 days | 9/30/2009 | 1 | Numerous symptoms of GERD | Muscle pain in back and chest, labored breathing. | Today is Monday. On Friday I found this blog and found many suggestions to take 2 tsp. of organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar and 2 tsp. honey in 8 oz. of water. I immediately stopped the Nexium and started this regimen, taking it 3 times a day. It worked immediately. I haven't had any GERD symptoms and I no longer suffer from Nexium side effects. I was taking Nexium, Omeprazole and Zantac every day at the direction of my doctor. Now, I don't need any of these medications. I am convinced that doctors do nothing but prescribe medications...they don't listen to you, they don't consider alternative methods of correcting a problem...they just want to give you a prescription. | F | 67 | 25 days | 9/28/2009 | 2 | GERD | Been on it for 6 months.I am tired all the time, my back is in constant pain from my neck to my butt. Lots of cramps and joint pain. I am quitting tomorrow, I hope the pain goes away! | M | 45 | 6 months | 9/27/2009 | 1 | extreme acid reflux | On the third day after taking Nexium I experienced "THE RUNS" accompanied by some "Dry Heeves" which was brought on by stomach spasm... SPENT ENTIRE MORNING IN THE BATHROOM! NOT FUN...LOTS OF TOILET PAPER FLUSHED DOWN THE DRAIN. | FOR ME IT WAS AMAZING AT HALTING MY HEARTBURN, TOTALLY, FOR 3 DAYS, BUT WHAT CAME AFTERWARDS MADE ME GLAD I DID NOT FILL THE PRESCRIPTION THE DR. PRESCRIBED... I won't even go near the samples he gave me. I'M wondering how may people NEXIUM actually helps WITHOUT ANY ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS? MAYBE IT'S JUST ME, BUT I THINK THE DRUG INDUSTRY LIES! (alot) | M | 58 | 3 days | 9/26/2009 | 1 | acid reflux | nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, depression | I posted an alert in August this year when my GI specialist told me to come off Nexium as that could be responsible for my feeling so bad after one year on the drug. Took a good 6 weeks to get out of my system and I can safely say I am now feeling my old normal self again. And I have had no reflux returning so I was taking Nexium unnecessarily all that time. It was originally meant to be taken for short periods but Dr's a now prescribing it long term. How long before they all get the message this is a dangerous drug long term? | F | 59 | 1 years | 9/26/2009 | 3 | Acid reflux | Edema (swelling) to lower neck, where it meets the shoulders. Tingling and slight swelling of hands. | Wasn't sure if these side effects were the Nexium or not, but when I found this board, I became convince they were. The one that concerned me most was the swelling of the neck where it meets the collarbone. I was a little reassured by the fact that the swelling is almost certainly not a lymph node, because I can't feel a node, hard or soft. It's more of a larger swelling that seems to be an accumulation of fluid. Of course, one can never prove that the side effects are from the drug, but in this case, I feel confident that Nexium caused it. Unfortunate, because the drug was working perfectly for me as far as reducing the reflux and heartburn. But the swelling concerns me too much to continue taking Nexium. | M | 45 | 9 weeks | 9/25/2009 | 1 | Acid Reflux | Leg pain, nerve pain in feet, fatigue | 2 yrs ago, my legs and feet started getting numb. Went to 6 different doc's, all said nothing was wrong with my feet and that I had Neuropathy.(sick nerves) Don't have Diabetes, which is common with. Starting taking pain pills, the pain was severe. Starting looking up Nexium side effects and this was one of them. It was rare, but it does exist. Stopped 5 days ago and my legs/feet feel better,not the same yet. I can only hope! Dont know if perm damage has been made yet. Funny thing is I never had heartburn before taking this drug. I was given for stomach aches. If you exercise and eat right, you can get over heartburn. This drug will give you heartburn if you try to quit. I eat 2 rolaids at night before bed. No heartburn yet! Nexium is #1 drug in the US prescribed, think about it! | F | 49 | 8 years | 9/24/2009 | 3 | barretts,reflux,hiatal hernia | Nausea, dizzy, floating sensations, small headaches, abdominal pain, feeling depressed, sore on the inside of my lips...all this in only 3 days of taking it...40mg dose each day | This is the 3rd night now, i feel the nausea and the rawness inside my lips are settling down a bit, hoping that my body is getting used to this foreign substance. I been having honey just after meals and mostly red apples for daytime snacks and it helps. Feels like i have a bruised stomach though... I'll see what happens after a few weeks. | M | 36 | 3 days | 9/23/2009 | 3 | Stomach Acid | I have just come out in a horrible itching rash on my chest which doesn't look very nice and notice that I'm starting to itch is other parts of my body, back arms and fingers. Is this normal? | I am pleased that the stomach acid has almost gone away, I've been taking Nexium for just over two weeks now | F | 46 | 2 weeks | 9/22/2009 | 3 | acid reflux | below my knees are killing me ive been off for about 8 days feeling some what better at times been on nexium for about 4 years if you go to purplepill.com go to bottom theres some words in purple that says important product information click on it and than on the left click on 6 adverse reaction and it tells just about all the bad thing nexium causes | F | 46 | 4 days | 9/21/2009 | 3 | gerd | horrible itching all over my body. No rash but red splotches. Constipation. I had the same reaction to protonix five years ago. The OTC stuff works but not nearly as well. My gerd has been great for the three days I have been taking the nexium but I just cant deal with the itching. I may just take it PRN. | F | 41 | 4 days | 9/19/2009 | 1 | gerd | joint pain, muscle pain, weakness, eye twitching and pain, tmj, severe breast pain, depression | Nexium controlled my acid reflux but caused a tremendous decline in my general wellbeing. I suffered so much pain throughout my body that I suspected that I had cancer or heart problems. The pain in my breast and right arm so so severe that I could barely function normally. After having my doctor run blood tests and after having a mammogram which both reported normal results, I finally began suspected that the Nexium had to be the cause. I discontinued my Nexium and felt better within days. If my reflux becomes unbearable, I sometimes turn back to Nexium for a day, but I can immediately feel side effects. This is a dangerous drug. | F | 45 | 12 months | 9/19/2009 | 3 | GERD/Acid reflux induced asthma | Dry, cracking nails, B-12 loss, heart palpitations (taking potassium now), diarrhea, joint paint and increase in appetite, vision seems blurry on occasions. | Used to use Prilosec, but it seemed to quit working, so switched to Nexium. Works great on the reflux 99% of the time. Developed swelling in throat affecting breathing, told to take 40mg 2X daily. I have gained weight which alone is enough to make me look for a replacement med, but combined with the knee/elbow and foot pain, it's too much. Am trying generic rantidine. | F | 43 | 2 years | 9/18/2009 | 1 | GERD | anxiety, GERD, dizziness, panic, indigestion, itching, throat closing | My fiance is an active guy who started taking nexium several months ago (off and on for 6-8 months now) for GERD. He started with 20 mgs then unknowingly upped to 40mg. He recognized recently that it seemed to be causing anxiety, brain fog and almost a hallucinating-type sensation and he stopped taking nexium about a week ago. By the third day he had extreme shortness of breath – it is hard to get upstairs or get the mail. Also have been extreme panic attacks, throat closing, and unable to eat anything beyond plain yogurt. A few months back we went to the ER thinking this was a heart attack but the blood test and EKG came back normal. It is hard for him to move around much let alone exercise due to the shortness of breath and fear of another panic attack. We would welcome feedback from others who have quit "cold turkey" and if they have experienced anything similar and how long these symptoms will last. Thank you! | M | 54 | 6 months | 9/17/2009 | 2 | GERD | eye pain, headaches, nausea | Have gastritis and GERD since Dec 2007. Have been using Omeprazole. Switched to Nexium because a doctor told me it was "better". Tried Nexium for 3.5 weeks; initially headaches and nausea, then eye pain which got worse in intensity. Back on Omeprazole now. | F | 41 | 3.5 weeks | 9/16/2009 | 1 | acid reflux | Very painful leg, hip, knee, foot, bone pain. Heart racing. My legs would thump with nerve pain all night. nerve pain down the sides of my legs. | I started on Nexium after my brother was diagonosed with cancer from acid reflux. I didn't realize unti I typed in nexium and leg pain that the Nexium was causing the severe pain in my hips, legs bones etc. I thought I had bone cancer the pain was so severe. I had been to doctor after doctor and physical thearpy for the pain. All tests came back fine. I read the postings on this site and was shocked. I read it on a Saturday night and stopped taking in on the following Monday. by Wednesday the pain subsided in my legs 50% and by Saturday, I'm walking up and down the steps like a champ. I feel like it was a miricle. This site gave my my life back. Although the heartburn is back 10 fold. I've been eating Tums and I just took Pepsid but my stomach is on fire. I have slept for the first time in a year without nerve pain running down my legs and thumping all night. Thank you all for your entries. | F | 51 | 11 months | 9/13/2009 | 1 | GERD Heartburn | I took Nexium after my doctor attributed my 2 week old sore throat to GERD. I took it for one week and started itching all over. Its been two weeks since I stopped taking it and I am scratching all over and getting hives. Today I felt very dizzy and weak with mild nausea. How long do the side effects last? | M | 43 | 7 days | 9/9/2009 | 1 | Reflux | I am a Dentist with mild reflux. I presented with pain in my throat (above my hyoid bone) explained to me as a result of reflux. Endoscopy was all clear. Both my Enterologist and my ENT specialists prescribed Nexium and were adamant that I should take it. I had no idea of these side effects, neither specialist alerted me to any issues. After 3-4 months sporadically on the drug (as I am not very disciplined with taking tablets), I have severe dizziness, lack concentration, feel tired and bloated, am enduring muscle weakness and strange joint pains, and have been getting some heart palpitations. I am grateful for this site, and will stop the tablets effective immediately and consult my naturopath for more natural remedies. I just have to wait for the head fuzziness and dizziness to stop before I can think clearly as to whether I should take the matter further through legal channels. | STOP TAKING IT NOW - DR KP (Melbourne Dentist) | M | 40 | 4 months | 9/8/2009 | 1 | acid reflux disease | depression,red skin , extended stomach,aches and pains,anxiety,tiredness, exhaustion, constipating weight gain. | I have stop using Nexium 6 days ago and am now have hip pain,back pain and of course reflux, How long will these symptoms last for ? How long does this drug to get out of ones system and whats the alternative. | F | 46 | 5 days | 9/6/2009 | 2 | Gerd as a result of hiatal hernia | Dizziness, Brain fog, anxiety, depression, back pain,chest pain. | Check out this relationship between Protonix & Nexium, both in similar drug families. In 1998 I was diagnosed with Duodenal ulcer caused by H.Pylori. Ulcer was cured but 1 year later developed GERD as a result of mild hiatal hernia. Dr. precribed Protonix for 2 weeks,it worked but, heartburn kept returning. went on Protonix full time. after 3 years started having chest pain, anxiety,dizziness. Assumed it was stress and changed jobs and eating habits. I stopped the Protonix for 2 years and symptoms went away. In 2006 GERD pain returned, I had Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Endo showed mild irritaion as a result of previous H.Pylori complicated by hiatal hernia. Started back on protonix but did not help. In 2007 started Nexium. worked great for a year then started having all the bad symptoms described above. When I tried to refill my prescription a note from the pharmacy said my Dr. wanted me to make a appointment.Dr. said thatnew reasearch showed that Nexium can complicate heart disease treatments as they relate to lowering cholestol and aspirin therapy and that it could increase the platlet levels in the blood. We decide to try something different in my research I found this site. What a relevation, I had no idea this was the cause of my problems. I am off Nexium for 3 days now and just this knowlege alone has made me feel better. I'll keep posting my progress. I welcome any correspondence. | M | 56 | 6 years | 9/3/2009 | 3 | GERD | sleep disorder, breathing trouble while trying to sleep, racing heart | This medication stops heartburn, but gives severe sideeffects - depression, anxiety, sleep disorder, sleep apnea, among others... | M | 32 | 9/2/2009 | 2 | gerd | chest tightness, headache, stomach pain'nausea, possibly related fever, edema and possibly anxiety and confusion | okay so i have to take this because i cannot afford aciphex and i had trouble on prilosec--- the reflux seems worse again than on both prilosec and aciphex--- my throat is getting hoarse again-- also ---now i do have anxiety issues from other causes--and also-- have vitamin deficiencies that had made me pretty foggy -----but i have been taking vitamins and my regular other meds---- and the only thing changed was the nexium--i started to feel sick the other day and have a low-grade fever-that i think may be med related--- and i not only blanked out ---but i am in college and i feel really stupid-- the last two days-- i kept forgetting my points about articles/subjects i know--- had my first panic attack in months --- and today-- i flat out could not remember my zipcode-- now i know i am add and have anxiety issues ---but this seems extra odd-even for me--- i dont feel depressed or anything--as i have never had major depression issues--- but the memory thing is bothering me--- the only time i have blanked out like this was from some medication--like protonix- but other than this site-- i cannot find any info relating nexium to major brainfog -and increased anxiety--- so i was afraid to ask the doctor--in case it is just me going crazy-----and i will need to take this stuff for a few days more til i can talk to someone because right now the gerd is really bad --but as sorry as i am that anyone else feels this way--- i am glad that people are sharing it--- because to me it is a d | F | 29 | 12 days | 9/2/2009 | 1 | Reflux | dizzy, chest pain, anixety. gas pain, belching | I have taken prilosec for about a year. I had a bad reflux attack. The Dr. gave me nexium. It worked for the reflux but I started having sudden dizzy spells and pain in my chest. I had not had a panic attack in 3 years. Just 7 days on nexium, I felt like I needed a padded room. I did not take it yesterday and hopefully the side effects will be over soon. | F | 40 | 7 days | 8/30/2009 | 4 | GERD, severe heartburn | Initially: dry mouth, mild nausea, gas - these symptoms went away after a few days. Only side effect remaining is mild episodes of gas. | The 20 mg dose daily has virtually cured my GERD and severe heartburn. It has worked better than any other medicine of this type. | M | 57 | 90 days | 8/25/2009 | 1 | acid reflux | dizzy nausea weight loss panic attacks depression anxiety | I have had every test in the book done ...all coming back negative. CT scans/ENT checks/ GP treating me for anxiety even though I have never been an anxious person. Acid stomach is fixed but the side-effects are too severe. My quality of life was rapidly deteriorating. Do not take this drug!! | F | 59 | 1 years | 8/25/2009 | 1 | GERD | SEVERE ANXIETY, PANIC ATTACKS, DIZZINESS, DRY MOUTH, POOR MEMORY, CHEST PAINS, NO APPETITIE AT ALL, BURNING EYES, NOSE AND MOUTH, GAS | Back in June, I went to the doctor for acid reflux..he prescribed me omeprazole for the reflux. Right after I started, I experience my very first panic attack and didn't know what it was. Well, 2 weeks ago, I thought I was having a heart attack. went to the ER and they prescribed Nexium 20mg, once a day. I started the meds. The first day, I knew something wasn't right, but they told me it takes 3-4 weeks before they work. I was a little dizzy the first day, nothing major. The second day is when all hell broke loose. I woke up, and felt like I was in another world. I had really bad gas symptoms behind my heart and burped a lot. By the 3rd day, I couldnt get off my couch and the anxiety and panic attacks were non stop!! I really thought I was losing my mind. I was dizzy and couldnt even drive my car. I was depressed, but that was just due to the way I was feeling. I ended back at the ER and they gave me Zantac 150 at night and told me to keep taking the nexium and gave me klonopin for the anxiety. I didn't take the Klonopin. I continued to the Nexium for a few more days until today. I ended up at the ER again!! The doctor said she didnt like the PPI's...so she gave me Zantac 150 again. Well, I did a google search and found this site, and looked up Omeprazole and Zantac...guess what? same symptoms. I thought I was losing my mind!!!! how could they not put these symptoms so the the public can read them? look at how many people are suffering and going on oth | M | 38 | 5 days | 8/23/2009 | 2 | Anorexia due to severe nausea | Constant belching. | I've never belched so much in my entire life. I've only been on the pill for two days. My doctor seems to think it will help with the nausea. I haven't noticed any difference yet, but I was able to keep down half of the tostada I ate yesterday... but only half. | F | 32 | 2 days | 8/21/2009 | 2 | Acid Reflux | Dizzy, Nauseous, blurred vision, hard concentrating, very tired, chest pain, heart rate increase, earaches, congestion, joint pain, bloating.. I even fainted one day | Very disapointed. Didn't realize my symptoms were from nexium until I had all these symptoms severe. Hopefully they will go away in a couple days after stopping the medication. | F | 21 | 5 weeks | 8/19/2009 | 3 | Gastric | Bloating, Gas, Weight Gain | Starting taking Nexium about 3 years ago. Starting off working fine but now, I am getting bloating and gas which can be quite annoying. I am trying to lose weight but I seem to vary by a kilo or two by day. If I miss a day and take it the next day, the bloating gets worse. | M | 28 | 3 years | 8/18/2009 | 3 | GERD - Erosive Esophagitis | Worked great at first. Didn't realize the side effects until the 8th month on. Anxiety, joint pain, muscle weakness, bloating, insomnia, dark thoughts, chest pain, stomach pain. | I didn't realize what was wrong until I found this website. Have been checked out and paid thousands to numerous doctors. Nothing ever wrong with me. Said Nexium could not cause these problems. Lo and behold, off four days and the symptoms have disappeared. Am now taking Kapidex. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this stuff doesn't do to me what Nexium did!!!! | F | 50 | 8 months | 8/18/2009 | 4 | Severe heartburn and slight reflux | None. | Found out I had C-Dif and hadn't taken antiobiotics since 4 months prior. Now researchers have found that taking Nexium over a prolonged period of time (years) can cause C-Dif. | F | 73 | 5 years | 8/16/2009 | 3 | Acid Reflux/GERD | Pain between shoulder blades, back pain, tired, just feeling run down. | I'm not sure if its the medicine, but it sure is coincidental that all of these symptoms have emerged since I doubled up on my dosage 3 weeks ago. I think it's helping with the acid reflux, but I feel terrible. Not sure if its worth taking it anymore. | F | 40 | 7 weeks | 8/11/2009 | 1 | Acid Reflux | Extreme Dizzness, Headaches, Muscle Fatigue, Extreme Anxiety, Chest Pains, Racing Heart Rate, Flu Like Symptoms, Always Hot when I use to be always Cold. | I did not realize that all the symptoms that I had were also effecting others. I have now been off Nexium for two days and have not had as many chest pains. I thought I was going crazy and so does my DR. The DR. solution to my chest pains and anxiety is to perscribe anti depression medician which I did not take and will not take. I hope that I can go back to feeling normal soon as I do not like to feel dizzy. I can only pray that I and hopefully all of you feel better soon. Thank you so much for contributing to this site with your experiences. | M | 44 | 5 months | 8/11/2009 | 3 | acid reflux | headache in entire frontal lobe area | When I switched to Protonix, the headache went away! | F | 45 | 15 days | 8/9/2009 | 1 | hiatal hernia..acid reflex | been taking the drug for 4 years or so...worked fine in the beginning..about a month or so ago..things went crazy...lighthead...headaches..neck pain...bone scan showed bone loss...i was taking great calcium and magnesium supplements along with vit d3...it made me feel sick to my stomach...just plsin lousy...never been a real study for more than a year..so they themselves..the people who make nexium no the long term affects..and the dr's don't either..people taking this drug for along time should be afraid..even though they say they don't have any side effects..wait it creeps upon you so fast you won't know it you...getting barrett and cancer are scary but there are natuarl ways to stop acid reflex...like extra virgin coconut oil... active manuka honey...look these remedies up and you will be surprised what god's gift are right here and now without putting chemicals in your body that will eventually destroy you...there are so many ways to go without taking ppi..investigate .. you be you | nexuim and all the other ppi are dangerous..they may work at first but eventually destroy you. | F | 63 | 5 years | 8/4/2009 | 3 | nausea, gerd, suspected ulcers | extreme dizziness, head fog, blurred vision, severe muscle fatigue and bone ache, depression, occasional severe gas pains, anxiety, diarrhea, occasional itching mainly on throat, | I ignored the reviews that I had read about Nexium and decided to try it as my stomach pain had become unbearable. My partner has also had great results with Nexium (besides weight gain and headaches, and recently hives). I wasn't too bad for the first four days and but soon severe dizziness and blurred vision set in. I haven't left the house in a week and didn't realise that it was the meds until I came across this review site. The amount of muscle fatigue and bone pain was incredible. I took strong pain killers all day once and it didn't relieve the discomfort. I have also been depressed which I hope will go away now that I have stopped taking this drug. I'm quite upset that I have suffered such severe side effects as it DID work for me - my stomach pain (sometimes reached a 9/10) has disappeared, I have had minimal reflux and my nausea went as of the second day of taking the pill. Although the side effects are severe with me, it was still a hard decision to come off Nexium as I was in so much pain beforehand. I'm going overseas this week though and can't risk passing out in a foreign country so it's back to otc meds for me until my return. It's also too hard dealing with the amount of fatigue and bone pain when I have two small children to look after - I haven't been able to get off the sofa in a week. Nexium did work spectacularly for my immense stomach pain and nausea and I'd maybe put up with the horrid effects if I had a high chance of recovery within 3 months. | F | 26 | 8 days | 8/2/2009 | 3 | mild acid reflux, mouth and throat | Fractured 8th rib of unknown cause (calcium loss?) from Med? Now sore all over. Dry mouth. Trouble sleeping. | Due to feeling horrible (recent back and right hip pain) decided to look up my meds to check any other side effects except those listed. Wow, after reading the comments, I could have written many of these myself!!! I am going to stop the Nexium to see if any of my symptoms improve. My doctors know I have throat and dry mouth issues and osteo so why would they give me a medication that could possibly aggravate my symptoms??? I had started on Protonox but Ins refused to pay so was switched to Nexium, which I'v taken on and off for the past two years or so. GI doc just reduced it to once a day instead of twice a day. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I am going to stop the Nexium and see if I notice an improvement and, if so, how long it takes. Doc has also added low dose Amytriptaline, which can cause dry mouth and throat. Maybe it is the Nexium that is causing my queezy stomach. | F | 59 | 2 years | 7/31/2009 | 1 | Acid Reflux, Constant Heartburn | Severe pain in chest and sternum, pain between shoulder blades--particularly the right side, dry mouth, headaches, heavy abdominal sensation, shortness of breath, gas, bloating, loud bowel sounds & churning, feeling of indigestion and a sensation of having a "full throat", anxiety, panic attacks, bizarre dreams, general exhaustion. I feel as if I'm going crazy, am very depressed. | I was taking Prevacid for about 11 years but recently developed bad symptoms. An EKG and full blood workup were not connected to any illness. My PCP switched me to Nexium, 40mg in am. I took it for 5 days: the first 3 days I felt okay but day 4 and 5 were dreadful; I feel and fear as if I'm suffering from a terminal disease. On day 5, I saw a gastroenterologist who scheduled me for an endoscopy in 3 weeks, said there isn't much difference between Prevacid & Nexium--nor did he think my symptoms were side effects of either. It is possible that some of my symptoms are from long-term use of Prevacid, but when I stopped it, I did feel better. Then came Nexium! I think I'm losing my mind and wonder if anyone has had similar symptoms or an experience like mine. I took Pepcid Complete (OTC) today, but fear acid reflux and heartburn will get very bad without a ppi. I'm taking Ativan for the extreme anxiety (which only partially helps) and Rolaids throughout the day. Although I eat well, avoid all the usual GERD suspects, I find myself afraid to eat ANYTHING because eating seems to make things worse; I take probiotic caps daily, essential supplements, sleep with my head raised. Sometimes even sitting up. Please let me hear from anyone who can share or suggest! I'm terrified and desperate. | F | 61 | 5 days | 7/30/2009 | 5 | Barrets, hiatal hernia, acid reflux | Diarrhea sometimes | My barret's esophagus is gone, I can eat everything I want, of course I try to eat healthy. Swelling on my esophagus even gave me what i thought it was hearth palpitations but it was (hearth skipping a beat) This problem is gone too. I recommend eat papaya (this is like a moisturizer for your esophagus and stomach, RAW HONEY (heals tissue) and drinking Natural(blended in your home) apple Juice. For the diarrhea produced by the lack of acid that kills bacteria in your stomach i recommend probiotics. I hope there is no long long time side effects because so far i'm ok. | M | 33 | 10 years | 7/24/2009 | 1 | Acid Reflux | Numbness all down left leg, pain under right 10th rib (breast area) radiating around to my back and down my back, made excema/rash worse, confusion/forgetfulness, chest pain, abdominal pain and spasms, bloating, diarrhea. | Going off this drug immediately. Went to doctor just three days ago to get checked out for what I thought was gall bladder pain. She examined me and did the "Murphy's" maneuver and everything checked out. I'm going to change my diet completely including no coffee and no alcohol. I have never had such trouble with side effects! Not worth it. | F | 38 | 14 days | 7/24/2009 | 2 | acid reflux severe erosion of esoph | FATIGUE, TIREDNESS, EDEMA TO ANKLES, EDEMA TO NECK, WEIGHT GAIN. I HAVE TRIED TO STOP TAKING THE NEXIUM AND THE ACID HAS COME BACK WITH A VENGENCE. | When i was first given Nexium I was feeling great, I had the diareah and headaches but just happy that the heartburn stopped and was giving me a chance to heal. Since that first year, I have had gallbladder removed, I have had at least 3 visits to emergency room with pain to my left side under my breast, I thought I was having a heart attack. Anxiety, and heart burn would return once in a while. I felt like something was on my throat or difficulty swallowing. I have been to a cardiologist to rule out heart problems my heart is okay, it has to be this. Getting a second opion on my reflux, and I am trying to stop on my own, wish me luck this week has been he**. I have every over the counter antacid liquids, pills, powders. I am reading the over production of acid last for awhile so I hope I can make it. | F | 44 | 5 years | 7/22/2009 | 1 | acid reflux | Very bad lower neck ach on and off for the last 2 years. Feeling of pressure in the abdominal area, pressing up into my chest. Itching on arms and upper body (on and off). pounding heart while lying down. Muscle twitching all over my body, but starting with my upper left arm. symptoms of MS. aching in my left arm (like tendonits). Tingleing in the finger tips and numbness in the fingertips of left hand (very minor). Bones began to seem dry and crackley (back, neck, fingers). Feeling of a vibration coming from my neck and back when I would try to sleep. Aching on left and right side of chest under arms- lymph system. (Possible urinary / prostate symptoms related) left knee pain after running. issues seemed to be mainley on the left side | Best medication I have ever taken for heartburn! I have taken Nexium for just over 8 years until last week. I have had a neck ache for several years but thought it must be an old football injury. Sep 08 I noticed a light twiching on my upper left arm that came and went about twice a day for 5 min at a time. then left arme started aching at elbow, then thoughout entire arm. As the weeks went on I noticed my fore-arms started to itch, then my back, stomach etc. I suspected it was soap, laundry detergent, allergies etc. Went to see a dr. He told me it was probably tendonits and gave me meds. Came back several weeks later with more symptoms and he ordered blood and urine tests, and MRI brain scane. Results came back negative. Muscle twiching got worse and seemed to work accross my back and up to my neck over several months mainley on the left side. Muscle and bones such as shoulder blade, lower edge of rib cage were sore to the touch and sore spots between ribs that ached and felt like a bruse. Went to a different Dr. New Dr. very concerned with symptoms ordered every test he could think of. x-rays of face, neck, upper body and MRI. Blood work came back great. Sent me to Neurology specialist. After some simple tests Neurologist said he had ruled out all the "bad stuff" and that I needed to relax, that it was probably stress. I started to think I have some rare or unknown condition that no one will ever figure out and it was going to kill me. Nexium is the | M | 38 | 8 years | 7/18/2009 | 1 | Continued from previous post (ran out of space) | Nexium is the only prescription drug I have taken for years. I can't believe I was so stupid to not suspect this "wonderful drug" could cause all this. And after all this time. I remembered reading something negative about nexium in a mag about 5 years ago and decided to look up the side effects. When I read what others were saying, I about fell over! What I am finding out is this Poison can deplete your body of vitamine B-1,B-12, Calcium and possibly others. I suspect everyone has different levels of these in their bodies based on what and how they eat and react differently. I hope this damage will heal and wonder what unseen damage has been done. | M | 38 | 8 years | 7/18/2009 | 1 | Gerd and Hiatal Hernia & Crohnes | PAIN and More PAIN Artritis Joint Pain ending in a Bone Scan....Severe Anxiety! Upper rib Pain.....U name it......My son had it!!! Thought he was going ABSOLUTLEY NUTS!!!!! | This medication and it's "family" PPI's Prilosec Etc Etc are the worse for most people! Some can take it Some don't even know they are falling apart and it is the PPI ( proton pump inbibitor) they are on, causing it!!!!!! WHY DON'T THEY KNOW? Because there is NO warning for ALL the Symptoms you are having!!!!!!And 90% of the Drs out there don't know it either, nor do Pharmacist! What U have to do is PRINT this site and SHOW your Dr!!!! Let him/her read the Postings that everyone is writing in here!! YES this medication needs to be BANN!!!! BUT NO ONE seems to get it! NO ONE seems to realize alot of Gastro Patients are seeing Rheumatologist for Arthritis, Joint pain, etc etc.... and it's ALL DUE TO NEXIUM and other PPI's I do think Nexium is the worse of them all!!!! BE SO AWARE and Report these symptoms to your Dr and SHOW THEM THESE POSTINGS, by printing it!! PLEASE!~ | F | 59 | 4 months | 7/17/2009 | 1 | GERD | It is a horrible medicine. I had taken in 2006, and still have side effects which are joint and muscular pain including cracking joints. Please visit my site [ www.nexium-vs-joints.com ] to raise your voice regarding this med. | They must ban this med. | M | 30 | 4 months | 7/11/2009 | 5 | GERD | None | It's the only medication out there that helps, and believe me, I've tried them all. | F | 42 | 4 years | 7/9/2009 | 4 | gastric ulcer | some constipation and abdominal cramps | I am really surprised at all the comments about nexium as I thought the side effects were next to none. I have never experienced anxiety, rapid heartbeat, muscle weakness or joint pain. Not even sure if that's listed on the side effects. I have a number of friends taking this drug, and it generally is very well tolerated. To me, the benefits outweigh any risk, but will certainly pay attention to any possible side effects and adjust dosage accordingly. | M | 47 | 1 years | 7/8/2009 | 1 | Acid & suspected ulcer | Severe "Thunderclap" coital & exertion headaches, followed by tightening and numbness in my left jaw and cheek, strange "looseness" in both arms as if they don't quite belong to my body. | Took the drug because SAMBA (warning: Do NOT use this insurer!) thought it would be a cheaper substitute for AciPhex. AciPhex had worked perfectly for the two months I was able to take it until insurer switched me. Started getting severe coital headaches. I never have headaches (except when hung over ;-). These I had now are headaches that last only a minute or so, and are the most painful headaches imaginable - there is no kidding when the description on the web says "worse headache ever in your life" - this is what I was getting. Started to suspect bleeding aneurysm - doctor ordered MRI, but things got worse quicker with the numbness in the face. Went to emergency room - CAT scan and spinal tap were clean, i.e. there was nothing seriously wrong with me. Had flash idea when returning home - started counting pills. Turns out headaches started as I switched from AciPhex to Nexium. Discontinued Nexium - headaches stopped, jaw feels fine, arms feel normal. | M | 43 | 12 days | 7/8/2009 | 4 | GERD | Joint pain, tinnitus | This is the only medicine that works for me. Without it my life is truly miserable because I got to point where I couldn't eat anything and even talking was painful. It doesn't cure all but it helps me have a better life. I'm glad that Nexium is available. | F | 51 | 5 years | 7/5/2009 | 3 | Barrets, Constant Belching, GERD | I don't think I have had any serious side effects. Just can't get rid of the constant belching, difficulty getting a full breath, and pressure just under my right ribcage. Anyone else out there have the same problems? What helped you? | It has pretty much controlled the acid reflux but the other ANNOYING symptoms persist. Increasing dosage hasn't helped much. Spent a ton of $$$ on scopes, scans, drugs. Had gallbladder removed. Problems still exist. Beginning to wonder if there are any doctors out there who can diagnose symptoms properly? Losing faith in doctors and this drug rapidly. Any ideas??? (Doctors welcome to respond) | M | 53 | 1 years | 6/25/2009 | 2 | GERD | Anxiety. | Experienced several of the side effects described by others but the anxiety was the worst. It controlled the GERD but I don't want to deal with the side effects anymore so I stopped taking it. | M | 2 years | 6/25/2009 | 1 | acid reflux | itchy rash on arms, legs and abdomen. weight gain, dry mouth, joint pains, swelling of face and eyelids | took 2 months to figure out that it was nexium, thank you to all who took the time to submit your symptons on this website. i have been to so many professionals and spent so much money on creams lotions and prescription to help and nobody could help me. | F | 49 | 68 days | 6/25/2009 | 3 | Heartburn | diarrhea, constipation | It did help the heartburn, but I can't stand the alternating diarrhea and constipation. | F | 19 | 1 years | 6/23/2009 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |