The common Omeprazole side effects observed in an individual who is taking the drug would include changes in bowel movement. Some people complain of having an increased frequency of defecation or diarrhea, and others experience periods of not being able to pass feces for days or constipation – it depends on the response on the body. Nausea and vomiting may also be experienced by the individual depending on how the body is able to cope with the blockage of ion in the gastric area.
Other common Omeprazole side effects are the collection of gas in the stomach, and belching or passing of flatus, which is the way of the body to excrete and remove these gases from the stomach to avoid abdominal pain. This side effect results from the interaction of the chemicals and ions in the stomach, thus, a relief for this problem would be to reduce the intake of gas forming foods such as spicy foods and sodas.
One of the most bothersome and serious Omeprazole side effects would be hypomagnesemia or the low concentration of magnesium in the body. This happens because magnesium plays a role in controlling and maintaining the acid base balance in the body. The initial and mild manifestations of this problem would be easy fatigability, dizziness, increased reactivity and sensitivity of muscles, numbness and cramping. But if the decreased magnesium levels are not corrected promptly, the individual may suffer life threatening complications from severe spasms of the muscles, seizures to abnormal heart rhythm that may impair blood flow throughout the body.
The Omeprazole side effects which are serious but rarely seen among people taking the medication include severe allergic reaction manifested by itchiness, shortness and difficulty of breathing, rashes, swelling of different body parts, sudden and unusual hoarseness of voice; and chest tightness. Sudden, intense pain in the upper abdomen may point out to an untoward reaction of stomach acids, while presence of fever, chills, sudden weight gain, changes in vision and yellowing of the skin are indicative of other metabolic problems in the body.
Most Omeprazole side effects are very manageable and do not pose a serious threat to the individual. However, consulting the health care provider and complying with the prescribed regimen is advised to prevent these untoward effects.
