Should I still be taking Omeprazole when the ... - Pain Concern

Pain Concern

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Should I still be taking Omeprazole when the only pain killer I now take is paracetamol?

dezi profile image
dezi
31 Replies

Good afternoon,

Not posted before but have been thinking about reviewing my medication and am still on omeprazole as was taking NSAIDs for chronic back and neck pain. I have been unable to take NSAIDs since being diagnosed with AF in 2017 so wonder if I need to take them I take maybe 4 a day now as exercise keeps my back and neck pain in check. I am not without pain just learning to live with it. Anyone any experience? Don’t know when I am going to be able to discuss this with my GP as they are hiding away using Covid as an excuse when I manage to get to see a physio and see a nurse for bloods etc! Difficult for me to have a telephone consultation as hard of hearing abs even though I can twin my hearing aids with my phone I find a rely a lot on lip reading.

Take care one and all.

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dezi
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31 Replies
Fatabelly profile image
Fatabelly

I wouldn't have thought that you needed to take it any more? Omeprazole is usually taken to protect your gut whilst taking NSAID Meds. But maybe check with your Doctor or Pharmacist first. Good luck ;-)

dezi profile image
dezi in reply to Fatabelly

Just what I thought but no one has said anything whereas they have just stopped my lidocaine patches because of cost, you would have thought that they would have looked to see what else they could take me off. Thanks

Fatabelly profile image
Fatabelly in reply to dezi

Haha no surprise there...I've heard before that Patches do cost a lot? But there are definitely other alternative meds you could take. I used to use Fentanyl Morphine Patches a few years ago, and was once told that they were very expensive... around £50 each or something like that?

These days I'm taking Zomorph tablets, alongside Oramorph, Gabapentin, Naproxen, Paracetamol and Omeprazole.

But the Zomorph has just been reduced thanks to my wonderful GP! I was taking 80mg twice a day and she kindly dropped my dose to 60mg twice a day!... I think pressure from Medical Councils are forcing the hand of many GP's, and they have been told to wean people down on their opiate intake??

dezi profile image
dezi in reply to Fatabelly

I can no longer take Naproxen because of heart medication. To be honest the ones that worked best were diclofenac and co-proxamol ( the reason I was put on omeprazole). Diclofenac was stopped I believe for all men over 65 some time ago because it seemed to cause problems and people were overdosing inadvertantly (how could you do that?) and co - proxamol was stopped for some reason but they managed to keep me on them for a couple of years but then stopped because they said that it was costing them £500 a month to prescribe me 60 tablets. Though when I had prostate cancer a few years ago the oncologist said that was untrue.

Fatabelly profile image
Fatabelly in reply to dezi

Wow!...you have certainly been through the ringer! So sorry you've been treated so badly. But the comment about some people overdosing is crackers!... Anyone could overdose on any Meds if they wanted to do themselves in! And the cost thing is rubbish too imho...No way does it cost that much for Co-proxamol. I understand about being taken off your co-proxamol though for a different reason, as I had a similar situation too. I remember being on Co-Codamol a few years ago, but was dropped to normal Paracetamol...Because the Codeine in Co-Codamol is an opiate, the doctor didn't want me on it alongside the Zomorph I was taking.

I also remember being on Diclofenac too in the early days. I tried Diclofenac, Tramadol and other similar Meds for my Scheurrmans Disease. But eventually I was put on the Zomorph, Naproxen and Gabapentin. I have also been on Duloxeteine in the past too...which is an Antidepressant and Pain Killer for Neuro type pain.

So yeah I've pretty much tried them all over the years lol.

Anyhoo enough of my waffling... I really hope that you can get the help and/or Meds that you need. I can only hope you have better days ahead.

Good luck and take care fella :-)

dezi profile image
dezi in reply to Fatabelly

Gosh you too have been through it. I think I am just learning to live with pain but it’s the itching snd crawling sensations that are worse - sounds odd but it is. Anyway off to sort out a prescription they’ve got wrong. Called the surgery called me yesterday to say it was in to be delivered so I asked about dosage as I have a bad reaction to the higher dose if this med so told her I needed the 62.5 - which actually us the dose someone my age should be on when you read about the medication, it comes this morning as 125. So that’s a wasted pack tablets that will be binned when I take them back! When I called the surgery the receptionist looked up my notes and said yes you are on 62.5 you’ll have to call and speak to the Dr on Monday at 8 - you mean you can’t do that and get another prescription abs why was I not told that yesterday so I could have called this morning!! Nuts

Fatabelly profile image
Fatabelly in reply to dezi

Haha yeah it's been a very bumpy ride for sure. I've struggled for years with pain and exhaustion. And to put a cherry on the cake, only last month I was diagnosed with IBS, which is really crap...and I mean that literally! Lol. But to make things EVEN WORSE following the Colonoscopy and CT Scan I had to try diagnose what was wrong with my stomach/bowels...they also discovered that I have Pulmonary Emphysema!?? And I only found this out after receiving a copy of the letter to my GP that came in the post!...what a great and thoughtful way to find out eh!?? I didn't have a consultation or even a phone call to tell me about the Emphysema! So now I've had to stop smoking, which actually helped with the pain and discomfort...and it's torture! Lol. I stopped on Monday and I'm currently using E-cigs to help keep off the fags.

As for the itching and crawling sensation you are having, I can kind of understand what you are going through. I often suffer with Restless Legs Syndrome, and that can cause a horrible itchy crawly prickling sensation. It can get so bad that I could cut my own legs off sometimes. So I really do feel for you with what you're going through.

But I've seen so many Doctors and specialists/Consultants over the years, and tried so many different Meds, treatments and therapies. I've tried Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy, Acupuncture and even had a two hour Lidocaine Infusion! And NONE of them helped me with pain. So like yourself, I'm just dealing with pain the best I can. I do use some holistic methods too which can actually help more than Meds... I use Wheatbags, Tiger Balm & Dog Oil.

I'm currently trying a Magnesium Spray that the wife kindly bought for me, and also Magnesium Shower Gel and Deodorant. We shall see how it goes and only hope it helps.

Good luck with the Doctors too... I can totally empathize with you and your experience with Doctors Receptionists. They really are a law unto themselves. They often act like they know everything or are just plain rude and damn awkward!

All the best good sir... It's been a pleasure to meet and talk to you. Take care of yourself and good luck.

dezi profile image
dezi in reply to Fatabelly

You have been through it. You take care of yourself. All the best.

Emma2017 profile image
Emma2017 in reply to dezi

Oh I know what you mean about the itching/crawling sensation. After 4 spine ops that feeling has gone from the back of the leg to the front. Whereas I have pain also that crawly feeling drives me absolutely insane at night.My husband took omeprazole but only as protection for his stomach against nsaids. The minute he stopped taking the nsaids he just stopped taking the omezaprole which are only to protect your stomach.

dezi profile image
dezi in reply to Emma2017

The lidocaine patches helped get relief from those sensations, especially at night. I’m wondering about going private and getting a prescription worth it as don’t use them everyday and only use half a one at a time. Just need one when I get these sensations for days and nights I end to give me a few nights rest.

Emma2017 profile image
Emma2017 in reply to dezi

Thanks, not tried those Just have pregabalin for the referred pain etc and dihydrocodeine for the pain but am trying to reduce as I don’t want to be on them forever.

dezi profile image
dezi in reply to Emma2017

Yea that’s the alternatives the physio has suggested but don’t want more tablets.

Jessen profile image
Jessen in reply to dezi

Ask your doctor to prescribe Shortech oxycontin 5mg tablets. They are safe and extremely good at reducing pain and you only need to take them when required. They very quickly. Lidocaine is a hypnotic drug and will make you sleepy. If you need any more advice, just ask.

dezi profile image
dezi in reply to Jessen

Lidocaine didn’t make me sleepy.

Yorkie27 profile image
Yorkie27 in reply to Fatabelly

Hi, I know what you mean I also had Fentanyl Patches and then ended up on Zomorph together with Gabapentin, Oramorph, Lansoprazole, Hydroxychloroquine, Levothyroxine, Amlodipine, Sulfasalazine, Rivaroxaban, Topiramate and Vit D. Thing is I moved house (and GP) and they are in the process of reducing my Zomorph from 120mg twice daily to zero, I can appreciate that they are just not working too well any more but I'm also worried that no-one has mentioned any back-up plan my only hope at the moment is that I have a Rheumatology Appointment on 6th August so maybe they will come up with something.

dezi profile image
dezi in reply to Yorkie27

That will be good to see a consultant rheumatologist. GP’s probably don’t have an in depth knowledge.I asked to speak to my GP about this this morning and they said the practice pharmacist will ring us back. My dispensing pharmacist wouldn’t make a decision and said to ring the Doctor.

Evonne02 profile image
Evonne02 in reply to dezi

Hi dezi,

Are they tablets or caplets? If they're tablets, can you not cut them in half or ask someone to do it for you? 😍

dezi profile image
dezi in reply to Evonne02

Good idea.

Bevvy profile image
Bevvy

Maybe discuss with your pharmacist first. They know most about different medications and would be able to give you advice. Then if wanted you can talk to gp. Can someone else phone for you and insist on face to face appointment because of your hearing loss. Under equality act they must take your needs into account. If no joy with receptionist (which is likely) go to practice manager re appointment.

dezi profile image
dezi in reply to Bevvy

Yes you are right about the receptionist 😆. Yes I shall ask the pharmacist. I need to call for a repeat prescription anyway so will do both together.

PainGo1 profile image
PainGo1

Hi Dezi, I take Paracetamol for persistent pain in my right leg, having come off Naproxen and have been told by all the health professionals that you don't need stomach lining tablets, they are not like Ibroprofen, Neurofen etc. and less harmful.

dezi profile image
dezi in reply to PainGo1

That’s what I thought so can’t understand why even with a few repeat prescription reviews since I came off NSAID’s in 2017 they still kept me on them.

PainGo1 profile image
PainGo1 in reply to dezi

are you in the US or UK?

dezi profile image
dezi in reply to PainGo1

I am in the UK

cyberbarn profile image
cyberbarn

As others have said, you don't need to be on them for paracetamol, but you will need to manage how you come off them. you can get rebound reflux (heart burn). i was on PPIs and was initially on two a day, then dropped to one a day, then when I stopped I used Gaviscon Advance which has alginates in it which results in a barrier stopping the extra acid causing problems. So definitely discuss it with your chemist and ask how to avoid rebound.

Jessen profile image
Jessen

Absolutely you should continue to take your omeprazole. It is a very safe drug and prevents excess acid building up in your stomach.

KidneyCoach profile image
KidneyCoach

We do not prescribe here. I'm sorry. This is definitely a question for your Healthcare provider. Blessings

Evonne02 profile image
Evonne02

Hi dezi

Like you I take Omerprazole at 20mg once a day. This is a proton pump inhibitor, which means it controls the end of your esophagus by trying to keep it closed. As ours cannot stay closed when needed, this is what Omerprazole does 100% or as much as possible depending on your body type, diet, dosage and other things. If we didn't take this medication then acid, etc would come back up or into your esophagus causing a lot of pain, burning, reflux, etc, or worse. Have a good talk to your GP about the pro's and cons of stopping this medication. Please don't just stop taking it. Hope this helps as it's what I understand about Omerprazole from reading the information within the box. 😍

dezi profile image
dezi in reply to Evonne02

Thanks.

PainGo1 profile image
PainGo1

Does anyone know the difference between chronic pain and a CRPS diagnosis? I have had pain for 2 years now but who would give me a proper diagnosis of whether it is now CRPS?

PainGo1 profile image
PainGo1

Also can anyone recommend a group to join with other people suffering with chronic pain as I need the support of people who understand what I am dealing with in a way that family and friends cannot.

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