Nexium increases the risk of developing cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). People with either disease may see their condition worsen if they take Nexium. The drug also increases the likelihood of developing bone fractures.
And taking PPIs long term—for a year or longer—has been linked to an increased risk for bone fractures, and depleted magnesium levels, which can trigger muscle spasms, an irregular heartbeat, and convulsions.
Prolonged use can also reduce the absorption of magnesium and B12, and increase the risk of intestinal infections, such as those caused by Clostridium difficile, leading to severe diarrhea.
Your doctor may suggest taking esomeprazole only when you have symptoms. This means you will not have to take it every day. Once you feel better, you can stop taking it, often after a few days or weeks. Taking esomeprazole for a short time to treat symptoms is not suitable for everyone.
Antacids are among the safest drugs for acid reflux and side effects are rare. Depending on the antacid's ingredients, side effects may include diarrhea, constipation, calcium loss and kidney stones.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): baking soda is alkaline, and is generally safe to consume, which makes it a good candidate for neutralizing acidity. It makes sense that people reach for this common household item to treat heartburn.
These are medications with brand names like Nexium or Losec and reduce acid in the stomach to very low levels and can be very effective at combating the burning sensation in the chest. Trouble is, long-term use of PPIs can be harmful.
The most common side effects reported include headache, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Reports of more serious side effects include kidney disease, fractures, infections and vitamin deficiencies, but these are very rare and are generally associated with long-term use (using these products for more than a year).
Stopping Nexium or Other PPIs:
First, never stop suddenly! Rebound hyperacidity can cause unbearable heartburn. We know this because of a Danish study (Gastroenterology, July 2009).
Yes, Nexium and other heartburn drugs may cause weight gain — as can other drugs, such as certain antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antihistamines. You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication so you understand all the potential side effects of any drug you take.
Slowly taper off the PPI over 2-4 weeks (the higher the dose, the longer the taper). While the taper is being completed, use the following for bridge therapy to reduce the symptoms of rebound hyperacidity. Encourage regular aerobic exercise. Encourage a relaxation technique such as deep breathing.
Long term side effects
If you take esomeprazole for more than 3 months, the levels of magnesium in your blood may fall. Low magnesium can make you feel tired, confused, dizzy and cause muscle twitches, shakiness and an irregular heartbeat. If you get any of these symptoms, tell your doctor.
"People who have been using Nexium for a long time may suffer serious Nexium withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Symptoms include heartburn, indigestion and regurgitation. Nexium or PPI withdrawal is called rebound acid hypersecretion (RAH)." — Nexium: https://www.drugwatch.com/proton-pump-inhibitors/nexium/.
A widely-used medicine for heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux can cause serious liver damage, researchers at UC San Diego Medical Center have discovered. More than 30 million Americans take Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, or generic versions of those over-the-counter medications.
Catnip, fennel, marshmallow root, and papaya tea have all been said to aid in digestion and stop heartburn. Some people eat fresh papaya as a digestive aid. Others swear by raw potato juice three times a day.
Tolerance and safety were good and comparable in both groups. Conclusion Gaviscon® was non-inferior to omeprazole in achieving a 24-h heartburn-free period in moderate episodic heartburn, and is a relevant effective alternative treatment in moderate GERD in primary care.
Whole grains such as oatmeal, couscous and brown rice. Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and beets. Green vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli and green beans.
“To prevent recurrence and further damage to the esophagus, people may have to stay on the drugs for years, even for life.” The risks of repeated episodes of GERD are clearly undesirable; but, are there any risks to staying on GERD medications over the long-term? Simply put, yes.
Yes, drinking a glass of cow's milk can help control acid reflux symptoms and may immediately relieve heartburn. This is because milk can temporarily buffer stomach acid. However, the fat in milk can trigger acid production and make heartburn worse.