| 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 | |
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| 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 1 | GERD, Esophageal Erosion | Tightness and tingling in lower jaw, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue | It was great the first day, but the second day was a real struggle. My symptoms were fairly well controlled with Prilosec. I will definitely return to using that... | M | 25 | 2 days | 6/23/2009 | 1 | Acid Reflux | For a few days, burning stomach pain. Then, gradually I noticed rapid irregular heartbeat, fatigue, muscle weakness - felt like my legs were made of rubber! Feeling discomfort between my shoulder blades and sometimes slight trouble breathing. General overall feeling awful all the time and thinking I might have a heart condition. | Yes, it helped the reflux, but at what a cost in my lifestyle. I would never take this again. I only tried it because my new health insurance would not approve my continuing to take Prevacid (which I had for 5 years and it worked great - no side effects) They insisted that I try Prilosec and Nexium (which were on the formulary). Prilosec made me feel like I was totally spaced out, and you see above what Nexium did! I have requested the doctor request again to get Prevacid approved. | F | 62 | 80 days | 6/23/2009 | 1 | Inflamed spot on stomach lining. | Elbow pain, lower back pain, severe knee joint pain in both knees, pain in leg muscles, pain in ankle joints, hip joint. I also had diarrhea in the beginning. | After three months of this medication and learning what was causing all my severe pain I am stopping it now. Looks like as expensive as it is it would work somewhat better. I will never take it again and hope this site helps others as it has helped me. My joint, muscle pain is so severe I have to actually crawl up my steps to my house. How insane is this? My joints never hurt before taking this medication. Im just concerned how long it will take to get out of my system so my pain will go away. Thank you so much for this site and thank every one that is posting here. | F | 58 | 3 months | 6/22/2009 | 2 | GERD Barrett's Esophagus | Extremely dry itchy eyes, some blurred vision, knees hurt when I try to bend or run. | Nexium does seem to help with the acid reflux, but I will not continue with it b/c of the side effects | F | 55 | 1 months | 6/8/2009 | 2 | Suspected Ulcer or Gastritis | Vomiting, Very sore stomach, Anxiety, light headedness, tearful, very sore lower back. | Thankyou to everyone on this site. I was prescibed nexium from a suspected ulcer or gastritis. During the last 3 weeks I have been very unwell. I suspect i have caught my daughters vomiting bug, but now I'm not so sure. I have been so down, and don't want to leave the house. From reading all your other opinions I now know that the NEXIUM may actually be the cause. I am stopping it now! If i do have an ulcer I'll deal with it by eating the right foods. I have had CT scans and xrays. Can't get the camera down the throat for 3 mths (great hospital system we have in the outback of Australia. All CT and xrays clear and I don't have h.p. to cause the ulcer. So thanks again. I am going to see how I go with out it. | F | 28 | 3 weeks | 6/7/2009 | 4 | acid reflux | pain in stomach fatigue | been having grds for over 6 years,used to eat tums like crazy also tried prilosec that was effective but too many side effects finally went to see a doc about a year ago and she prescribed nexium, i went from taking 1 a day to 1 a week in less than 2 months. now just take when symptoms come back side effects were minimal stomach cramps,constipation and fatigue were what i had to deal with but compaired to acid reflux this is heaven. | M | 30 | 6/4/2009 | 2 | Gerd | Panic, anxiety. Pain under left rib to the back,hip pain,pain to the right side in stomach area,chest pain, nausea, arthritis symtoms,lack of energy all with higher dose of 40mg/20mg at dinnertime. Also had numbness in cheek and burning sensation in rib area. | I went to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack.I had one in 2000 so I DO know what it feels like.Had stress test,CT Scan,Sonogram to check gallbladder ALL WERE NEGATIVE. CT Scan even checked pelvic area/also neg. I also had a Endosopy and colonoscopy also negative. Benign polyps found in stomach. Still having pain in left side going to right side under rib cage. Now thinking I may have Costocontritis (inflamation of cartlidge in rib area). Now being treated with 100mg Celebrix for inflamation and pain. I have only taken Celebrix for 2 days. Still have slight pain in rib area. I have not had any Nexium for 3 days now. I am starting to feel the pain go away. No more in my back and just slightly in stomach area.I have resumed taking Acidolphus Pro-biotics which are helping. Nexium seems to kill the good bacteria along with the bad bacteria. I am going to try to stay off the Nexium and replace with natural remedys.Not sure what just yet. I would like to have any suggestions !!! I have lost weight because I was worried that I really had something more serious. Only test left to get is a bone-scan which my GP doesn't think is necessary yet. I will probably NOT have it especially if symtoms go away. Nexium worked for the first few years I took it.But I do agree that it should NOT be given long-term. I will definately stay off of it for at least a few weeks to see what the symtoms do. Then I will tell my doctors !!! | F | 69 | 8 years | 6/4/2009 | 1 | gerd; chronic heartburn | After six and a half years, have tenderness and pain in the stomach area, still have some reflux problems, mild intermittent nausea, occasional vomiting, insomnia and weight gain. Recent upper GI scoping found dozens of polyps caused by the Nexium according to my gastroenterologist. They were biopsied and were benign (thank God). He doubled my dose a few weeks before the scoping to 80 mgs a day, and my dry mouth and dry eyes got so much worse, I couldn't sleep. My digestion also slowed down so I had to stop eating for a day or two. I stopped the double dose after 4 days. | When I first started Nexium it was like a miracle. I was taking 40 mg a day, and after three days, was without symptoms. My life became normal after years of hearburn, reflux, gastritis, etc. The upper GI I had done shortly after starting Nexium revealed one gastric polyp. Recently, after another scoping, I had so many polyps the doc could only remove 12 for biopsy. Over 6 and a half years, I developed dry mouth and dry eyes that greatly interfered with my quality of life and work (I had to read a lot at work). I have been weaning myself from Nexium (primarily due to the polyps) for the last week (with otc prilosec 20 mg.) Last night I took nothing and had the best night's sleep I've had in years. The dryness was not as bad, and now I wonder if that was from the Nexium all along, and not from an autoimmune disease (docs not sure). The docs never seem to relate any symptoms to the drugs you are taking. You would think it would be the first thing they would rule out. I have changed my diet and follow the rules (no food 3 hours before bed) and hope to be off Nexium forever. It did, however, get me through a difficult time when those aspects of my life were not under control (I also had little knowledge) of triggers, etc. I have also lost weight which helps with the hiatal hernia. | F | 54 | 6 years | 6/2/2009 | 2 | Acid Reflux,Heartburn | Anxiety,Brain fog,Palpitations,Depression,Bloating,Heat intolerance. | I have been suffering with all these symptoms for a long time now.Thought I was on deaths door.Felt like I have been in a trance these last few years.Brain fog,light headidness,and just feeling miserable and lethargic.My chest is tight and an ache radiates through to my upper back.After a meal I feel so bloated and tired.I use to love the sun but now I have to avoid it as I just feel totally drained and my head sweats as though i have a fever.I see alot of similar symptoms here and I feel we have been let down badly with this terrible drug.The problem is trying to get off it as it becomes addictive and aday or two missed and my reflux hits hard.However I am determined to get my life back and give nexium the boot. | M | 46 | 8 years | 6/1/2009 | 4 | gerd | i have acid reflux for a few years at least, but i have also been suffering from constant bloating and gas, anxiety/really stressed out all the time, sore neck and upper back, and in the last year weight gain. | I figured that the "stress and anxiety" was the culprit for the stomache bloating/gas and neck and shoulder stiffness, that's what my doctor pinned it on. she was even going to put me on an antidepressant for my stomache! i never would have thought to put the nexium and those symptoms together since it really did the job of curing the gerd well. i quit smoking a year ago and surprisingly the gerd got worse so i took more nexium, and in the last year my symptoms have gotten worse and iv'e started to gain weight (not because i ate to compensate, i didnt eat any more or less than i always have). im going to stop taking it and see if my symptoms go away. ill get back to everyone soon! | F | 24 | 5 years | 5/31/2009 | 4 | GERD | Severe lower back pain extending down to thighs and knees. Has become increasing painful and difficult to walk, esp. after a period of sitting or sleeping. | Excellent for GERD symptoms, but if the leg pain is a side effect, it it not worth it. | F | 55 | 3 months | 5/31/2009 | 3 | hiatal hernia/acid reflux | i started taking nexium 5 yrs ago. After some time they found out I had anxiety, so i'm taking xanax. All the side effects everybody mentioned i have, i thought i had heart problems or even cancer. Now i know is the nexium, OMG! I'm just crying, don't know what to do, it helps in a way and I'm addictive to it. On Wednesday I'll have my 4th endoscopy.... I need to do something about it. Ihave anxiety, joint pains, cramps, abdominal pains, cack pains, gain 30 lbs, chest pains, also sometimes I feel like my esophagus is a Stick and I can't sit straight, chronic bronchitis,,,,,I'll definetely will have a talk with my doctor. | M | 39 | 5 years | 5/30/2009 | 1 | EE | Weight gain, metalic taste in mouth, blurry vision. | Does anyone know if you lose the weight gain when you stop taking Nexium? | F | 66 | 4 weeks | 5/27/2009 | 2 | ACID REFLUX / ULCER | SEVERE STOMACH PAIN,ABDOMINAL PAIN,HEADACHES,STOOL COLOUR CHANGE(ALMOST WHITE),DIARRHEA,BOWEL HABIT CHANGES, | FIRSTLY,DELIGHTED TO FIND THIS SITE,AS I WAS CONVINCED I HAD CANCER OF BOWEL.HAD TAKEN NEXIUM FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS FOR ACID REFLUX,HAD TO COME OFF IT THEN TO GO FOR BREATH TEST FOR HY POLARI. WENT BACK ON NEXIUM AFTER TEST (WHICH WAS NEGATIVE)AND WITHIN TWO DAYS HAD CHRONIC PAIN AROUND NAVAL AREA.THIS WENT ON DAY AND NIGHT FOR WEEKS.ALSO HAD A COMPLETE CHANGE OF BOWEL HABITS(I'LL SPARE YOU THE DETAILS) WENT OFF TABLETS AFTER FINDING THIS SITE AND CONSULTING MY DOCTOR.AFTER ONE WEEK I WENT BACK TO MY DOCTOR AS MY STOMACH WAS EXTREMELY SORE AND ALSO VERY TENDER IN MY LOWER ABDOMINAL REGION.ACTULLY SORE TO THE TOUCH,BUT NOT ALL THE TIME.WAS PUT ON PRILOSEC (LOSAMEL IN IRELAND) AT A LOWER DOSAGE AND AM NOW MUCH BETTER.STOMACH PAIN ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE AND ACIDITY UNDER CONTROL.THE BEST RESULT IS THAT MY MIND IS AT EASE. | M | 44 | 12 weeks | 5/25/2009 | 3 | post-surgery scrip for acid reflux | Loose stools, hives | Worked well at controlling the acid reflux, but the hives drove me nuts. I was to take the drug only for 15 days. I stopped at day 14 when I realized that the hives was probably due to the Nexium, and lo and behold, the hives immediately stopped. | F | 53 | 14 days | 5/22/2009 | 4 | Acid Reflux/Heartburn | Mild abdominal pain, mild leg twiching more noticable when laying down, slight headache comes and goes (could be a result of less sleep) | Appears to be doing its job, I feel a lot better. Had burning sensation in chest, acidy throat/burning when swallowing, bloating and gas. Kept a clean light diet and avoided all triggering foods and it seems to be working so far. | M | 30 | 6 days | 5/16/2009 | 3 | GERD, Barrett's esophagus | Initially prescribed 40mg; bad headache first few days, reduced to twenty. Dose has been increased to 40mg again and headache has not returned. | I have had painful reflux for about ten years, which has resulted in Barrett's epithelium. I also have a hiatus hernia (I am 25). I was originally prescribed Zantac, which proved partially effective; the same stands for both the Pariet and Nexium I have been prescribed; they seem to reduce the frequency of my heartburn a bit, but it is still just as painful whilst I am engaged in the year-long wait for stomach surgery. The prospect of facing another year with heartburn that is not controlled by Nexium- the only medication I take for this condition-is distressing(and painful). | F | 25 | 7 months | 5/16/2009 | 1 | peptic ulcer | after 2 days back pain started. on the third day severe neck/back pain - unable to do anything - even get out of bed. I thought I had done something to my back & sought help from my chiropractor. after 10 days I was suffering severe pain between the shoulder blades & in the chest and shortness of breath. This was in addition to the neck pain. extremely thirsty for all this time Stopped taking the medication & relief after two days | I was in absolute agony for the time I was taking this medication. We didn't even think about the drug causing these side effects as there was nothing on the info sheet. It was only after my husband looked it up on the internet that we realized what was going on. We were angry that none of these symptoms, which appear to be quite common, are not on the information sheet | F | 56 | 10 days | 5/16/2009 | 1 | 6 days | Depression, anxiety, feeling sick, dizziness, pain in jaw. | I have stop taking nexium 38 hours ago.. come on anxiety go away. Today I felt really good until about 5.00pm and now the anxiety is back. This is the worst drug in the world, I have taken a week off work, because I just couldn't cope.. this is not me at all. I really hope this drug wears off. I will post back .. look for me Jane. | F | 31 | 6 days | 5/14/2009 | 1 | Acid reflux | Neck & shoulder muscle pain, upper back pain, upper right abdominal pain, loose stools, nausea, weakness, anxiety. | All symptoms began after starting Protonix and advancing to Nexium 2x/day @ 40 mg. Symptoms progressively got worse. Heat and ibuprofen not helpful. Quality of life degraded immensely with use of PPI. Cardiac ruled out. Have discontinued this drug on my own. | F | 61 | 6 months | 5/14/2009 | 2 | Barrett's/Acid Reflux | Abdominal pain, bloating, dizziness, dry mouth. | I am a healthy 62. Nine years ago, an endoscopy revealed a miniscule amount of Barrett's, and my GI doc and GP both insisted I take a pump inhibitor. Aciphex doubled me over in pain and Nexium was advised. I was told I would need to take it the rest of my life to prevent the Barrett's from getting any worse. The thought of esophageal cancer was enough motivation to take the drug. The second endoscopy, three years later, showed no change in the Barrett's. Another three years has passed, and I'm due for a third. In the meantime, I believe the Nexium is making me miserable. All my docs insist that not taking it will increase the potential of getting something awful. They also insist that symptoms reported in this group, and the symptoms I've reported to them, just don't make sense. To make matters more confusing, a recent barium swallow test revealed that I don't have acid reflux. I'm really confused. Thank you for listening, and thank you all for this group. | M | 62 | 5/6/2009 | 5 | Acid Reflux and start of an ulcer | Absolutely NO side effects, I've been feeling fantastic ever since I started this medication. | I believe a lot of people are very sensitive to medication. I also think a lot of of people have phobias or fears about medications and let these fears run away with them. Worrying about taking a new medication in it's self can cause most of the anxiety and other symptoms that have been described by most people here. I should know I have created more anxiety with new medicines than the original illness I was treated for. Trust your doctors! They wouldn't give you a medicine that would intentionally harm you. It takes more than a few days to see the full results of your medication. The cramps could just be the excess acid your stomach was building in the first place being cleaned out of your system. Give it time to do what it is intended to do. I've taken this medication for 15 years or more and have had no side effects. In fact I feel fantastic. But I do remember in the beginning not feeling so great. I stuck with it and about 30 days later I felt everything balancing out and feeling great. Again, the cramps, diarrhea may just be the excess acid cleaning out of your system. | F | 46 | 15 years | 5/5/2009 | 3 | Acid Reflux | Works great but gave a me a constant headache. I went off the drug and too 2 Prilosec a day and that did the same job but no headaches | Works great but gave a me a constant headache. I went off the drug and too 2 Prilosec a day and that did the same job but no headaches | M | 38 | 2 weeks | 5/4/2009 |
| 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. |
