Omeprazole and Imodium... Thoughts?

[MargaritaNiko]

I’ve recently been prescribed 40mg Omeprazole (20mg to be taken twice a day) after experiencing difficulty swallowing. I felt great for 4 days then started to experience difficulties again (for the subsequent 4 days) although not with every meal. At times I’m having to cough my food forward due to fear of choking on it. Bizarrely today my swallowing is completely normal again.

Potentially unrelated - a couple of days ago I found myself needing to take two Imodium as lack of access to a toilet whilst out in nature was making me anxious. I used to regularly take Imodium in this way without incident but have mostly got out of the habit. After being kept awake on the first night, I slept much better last night, and have had two normal bowel movements today. I feel like the Imodium must have moved on but I’m still experiencing discomfort. Eating normally today (thankfully with no swallowing issues) doesn’t seem to have worsened or improved the pain. I almost wondered if it was muscular as when I woke up this morning it only hurt when I rolled over or sat up in bed, when I get into a certain awkward position it alleviates the pain. Obviously I’ll go back to the GP if any of this continues I just wondered if anyone in here had experienced similar as I’m feeling v.fed up. I’m generally on top of my IBS on a day to day basis so finding it hard not to feel disheartened.

[Briggsy0304]

Hey,

The fact you needed Imodium may very well be a side effect of the medication. Have you had a good look through the leaflet to see the common side effects?

[MargaritaNiko in reply to Briggsy0304]

Hello, thanks so much for your reply. I’m afraid it’s actually quite normal for me to need Imodium in a situation where I can’t get to a toilet. I’ve managed to stop taking it before meetings in work etc but on Friday I was going on a Hawk Walk in the woods and my anxiety got the better of me, the fear that there wouldn’t be toilets etc. It was more a preventative measure. I appreciate what you’re saying though, diarrhoea and stomach pain are both listed as side effects. What a minefield!

[FRreedman]

Omeprazole builds up in your digestive system, so the longer you are taking it, the stronger it becomes. Personally, I have been taking it for about 15 years, with no side effects, and I find it really helps with reflux and acid. As far as pain and Imodium use are concerned, you should get yourself checked by your GP. Remember pain is a warning signal (like an alarm bell), it warns you something is wrong, so you should take pain relief, but don't forget to find the cause of the alarm going off.

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Hi, We understand. We are the national charity supporting people living with IBS. Find out more here theibsnetwork.org.

[Kimmiejo]

My husband had the same problem it is rings inside the esophagus that swell up and cause the swallowing problem a friend told my husband to take the omeprazol everyday and it will help and he has been doing that it sure helped him. The acid from the stomach comes up sometimes and erritates the lining of the esophagus and causes the swelling. Our friend says just one a day will help. My husband did that and he swallows now no problem he also has slowed down on the amount to once or twice a week and he is fine.