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Suggest Ways To Wean Off From Omeprazole

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Posted on Thu, 7 Jul 2016
Question: Hello Doctor

I have been on and of Omeprazole 20mg for 4 years. I have started to find new ways, so I'm trying to totally withdraw omeprazole.

But I'm afraid of this and I demand answer:

Is taking omeprazole 20mg for 4 years damaging ? , can I expect parmanent damage to my body/organs; which I will see later on ?
or do you think this is totally safe ?

sincerely XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Omeprazole does not cause damage to any organ

Detailed Answer:
hi.
thank you for posting query.

firstly, why was you prescribed "omeprazole"?
you did not mention your medical history.

secondly, if you intend to withhold medication now; it will NOT be harmful unless you suffer from a chronic stomach disease and/or long-standing GERD.
omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor.
in simple words, it decreases acid production in stomach to combat dyspepsia and other symptoms related to stomach or esophagus disease.
so withholding the medication may result in normal to high acid production. therefore, you may discuss with your treating physician before you decide to stop the medication.
hope to answer your concern.
any further questions are welcomed.

regards,
Dr Malik
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Tayyab Malik (6 hours later)
I head from a doctor that taking omeprazole for prolong time; like in my case 4 years can cause serius side-effects.

> Some of them include:
- Low Calcium Levels and Magnesium Deficiency.
- Vitamin B12 Malabsorption.
- Intestinal infections with C.difficile.

- Do you think I have taking parmanent damage of anything like this ?
or is this very unlikely ?

how is the best way to withdraw ? immediately or over time reducing the dose ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
One may STOP omeprazole immediately. NO need to taper it down.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr XXXXXXX
Thank you for getting back to me.

The side effects you mentioned, may occur; but do "not" certainly occur in all individuals.
Secondly, you may have a check of your serum calcium levels and complete blood cell count (CBC) as a precautionary measure.

Anemia (low hemoglobin) is usually present in vit B12 deficiency so CBC may reflect B12 levels.
persistent Tingling around lips and bone pain is usually a sign of low calcium.

If you do not have any symptoms so the tests are advised to rule out deficiencies as a precautionary measure.

Lastly, NO need to taper down the dose of medicine.
You can stop omeprazole immediately. however, your advised to discuss with treating physician.

Health professionals aim to diagnose properly and manage patients according to their limited knowledge. Cure is blessed by the ONE who Created us, whose power and knowledge is unlimited .

Wish you good and sound health.

Any further questions are welcomed.
If no further questions, kindly leave a review and close the dialogue box.
thank you.
regards,
Dr Tayyab Malik
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Tayyab Malik

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 819 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Wean Off From Omeprazole

Brief Answer: Omeprazole does not cause damage to any organ Detailed Answer: hi. thank you for posting query. firstly, why was you prescribed "omeprazole"? you did not mention your medical history. secondly, if you intend to withhold medication now; it will NOT be harmful unless you suffer from a chronic stomach disease and/or long-standing GERD. omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. in simple words, it decreases acid production in stomach to combat dyspepsia and other symptoms related to stomach or esophagus disease. so withholding the medication may result in normal to high acid production. therefore, you may discuss with your treating physician before you decide to stop the medication. hope to answer your concern. any further questions are welcomed. regards, Dr Malik