zegerid side effects

hey roy ---

are you taking Nexium or Zegerid on an empty stomach? This is a critical part of the dosing which many patients overlook. Taking either drug with food decreases the action by almost 70-80%.

Zegerid is comprised of Omeprazole & Sodium Bicarbonate. This is a carefully constructed use of an old drug. Once Prilosec lost it's patent protection - the molecule was taken from it's original manufacturer and coupled with Sodium Bicarbonate (the same material that you use to make fake volcano's out of as a kid) and patented as Zegerid. Long term safety of the product would be established by the Prilosec data (whichi is very conclusive).

Hope this helps!
ckgMD

I've had some problems getting enough air to finsh a sentence. Never occurred to me it could be related to any medication. I was on Nexium when it was at it's worst. On Zegerid last couple months and it hasn't been as bad. Actually I went off all reflux med for last couple weeks because of side effects and stories. I went back on Zegerid today because of pain in my throat and hoarseness. Zegerid does seem to work a bit better than Nexium and Protonix.

I, too, am experiencing problems with Zegerid, but it seems to be working for the most part.  The heaviness in the chest is a bit frightening.  I am seeing doc this week, but wondered what others are feeling similar sensations with this drug, and what were their choices.  Thank you. muggy1

Thanks for reply.  I started with Prilosec over a year ago for a short term following prolonged use of an antibiotic for lyme. It really messed up my stomach.  I'm very nervous about prolonged use of these meds for acid reflus/indigestion.

Thanks, Tammy, I agree. I also am fearful of so many side effects listed for Zegerid. I have also been getting leg cramps and assumed it was because of so much car and plane travel lately, but I now find out that leg cramps are also on list of side effects. Oh, I am also experiencing some intermittant stomach pain - little zaps. Have you or anyone out there experienced same or heard of same with Zegerid? Muggy

I took zegerid for a few months.  It works the best for me out of all the PPIs...literally I never had one second of breakthrough acid.  I thought it was a miracle drug.  haha  Then I realized I was having these zaps of what felt like gas shooting through my stomach.  I know...sounds silly and sort of wierd.  I think it was from the addition of the SB.  I did an experiement where I drank a glass of water with baking soda in it to see if it did the same thing to my stomach and sure enough...gas bubbles started zipping through my stomach.  So miracle drug for symptoms?  Yes.  Side affects?  Cant live with it.  Oh well.  Too bad....We cant have everything.  haha 

I finally saw Doc this week. Told her about Zegerid side effects. She did agree the chest tightness and feeling of acid in chest and throat, subdued sensation, was a common complaint. She suggested I continue for a couple more weeks, but take it before dinner time, versus a.m., first thing. If things don't change, she recommended going back to Prilosec, lower dose, one a.m. and one p.m. I am to call her if symptoms don't change.

I found this site and wanted to contribute. I was just released from the hospital after a 4 day stay. I have been having heart/chest problems for weeks and they have been getting increasingly worse. All of my tests came back pretty normal, yet the palpatations continue and are increasing in frequency. The only thing left for me to believe at this point is that it is being caused by the Zegerid. I have been on it for 3 months now and I am feeling worse and worse as time goes on.  I am here to tell you that I have never had a heart issue, or any other health issue in my life until I found out I had the Gerd and started with the Zegerid. I truly believe that it causes heart problems and am looking for another medication. After reading that others have had chest issues, this makes me believe even more in my theory. I hope that others who experience this will quit taking it right away. THey have no research on anyone who has taken it for longer than 14 days.

I found this sight looking for side effects of Zegerid.  I have been taking Zegerid for almost 3 weeks and have had NO chest pains or shortness of breath.  I take this med before I go to bed on an empty stomach.  This pill has made me feel sooooooooooo much better than before.  I'm looking to see if anyone has experienced sleeplessness from Zegerid.

 Last year my so called gastro specialist switched me from one acid reflux med to another and nothing seemed to work. Within about 1 mo. i lost 15lbs. Zegerid was the last I was on. i had every test that could be done to my digestive system, from 24hr acid test to endoscopy to colonoscopy. i also had barium swallow, gastric emptying scan, etc.  i was referred to Wake Forest medical center and all that was found was that my esophagus contracts too hard and gastric atrophy.  within the year i lost 30lbs. There are not many foods that i can eat without lots of pain, gas, and bloating.  i took myself off the acid meds and felt somewhat better overall.  Over a year later i am still suffering with gut issues and no one seems to know how to help.  My gut issues where not this bad until the docs started to play science experiment with the meds. My advice to all, learn about side effects of meds before taking 1st one.  Give time in between before switching meds so you know how they make you feel.

Good Morning Allisonc78

This is Kitt. Atypical symptoms include noncardiac substernal chest pain, eprgastric discomfort, coughing, or wheezing.  The respiration symptoms of GERD can mimic those of asthm; pain symptoms can mimic angina, because the same nerve complex serves both the heart and the esophagus.  Pain arising from either area may  be indistinguishable. 

My own pain is an upward-moving heartburn. I also have the regurgitation of fluid or food particles particularly at night.

I do not eat after a certain time in the evening.

As for just stopping your meds I would ask you to please consult your GI Doc. I know how frustrating this disorder is.  I do take med once a day. I was on twice a day but do well on once a day now.  We are each individuals with unique sx that belong just to us.

Hope to get to know you better.
Kitt

Spage,

Hello and Welcome to the GERD/Heartburn forum. T-Bird has not posted but the one post however he may be reading.

I have no experience with Zegerid but I am sure other members will respond.

WE have a welcome forum for new members if you would like to post a note in there.

Again a warm welcome to HealingWell.

Kitt