Is Omeprazole Safe To Take For Twenty Years?

Posted on Sat, 10 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 10 Mar 2018 Answered on

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been taking Omeprazole for about 20 years. About 10 years ago the dosage was increased from 20 to 40 mg daily. I take this dosage each morning 30 minutes before breakfast. For the pass 10 days I have had acid indigestion in the evening and cannot sleep. I take some Mylanta and sit in the recliner. It takes hours before the Mylanta to work or maybe it does not work. I have occasionally have had this issue but a change in diet and routine took care of it. Is their an over the counter med I can take to remedy this condition? There are so many I thought I would ask you. Thanks XXXXXXX Hxxxxxx xxxxxxx XXXXXXX CO

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:

Have you seen a gastroenterologist?

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Omeprazole for 20years is too long a time. This means this problem is just being suppressed but not fully treated.

I have a strong feeling there is an anatomical defect which needs to be fixed surgically to take you off this medication.

I will recommend you see a gastroenterologist and get this reviewed and addressed fully.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Ivo Ditah, Internal Medicine Specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (21 hours later)

Yes I saw a gastroenterologist in 2015 and had a colonoscopy. I asked her about a endoscopy but she said that it was not necessary.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:

I will request that he does one!

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I will strongly push for one. I will want him to say there is nothing wrong than believe one is not really needed at this time. 20years on ant acid medications is no joke and i recommend thorough evaluation.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Ivo Ditah, Internal Medicine Specialist

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar