Anyone come off Omeprazole successfully?

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I've been taking Omeprazole for around 4 years. Initially given it to lessen the gallstone issues. Gallbladder removed 18months ago. Whenever I've tried to stop the Omeprazole the acid is bad. I've read it shouldn't be used long term and also more recently that it can increase the risk of dementia.

Has anyone come of this drug and had symptoms go away?

Only taken it short term but I weaned off and only have one per week now. Xx

I'm not taking it anymore. But no I still have the symptoms, I just use an Uber the counter remedy instead.

I've been on it years and managed to reduce it slight but not get rid completely, my symptoms are just too bad. You can try another drug type that does the same thing like ranitadine that does not have the long term side effects of poi's like Omeprazole.

I take Omeprazole and haven't attempted to come off it. I have acid reflux at night and the GP said taking Omeprazole was better than risking Barratt's oesophagus - a form of cancer.

Ranitidine was withdrawn from use in the UK because of contaminants and there is no date set for reintroduction.

This post is a bit inaccurate and alarmist. Barrett's oesophagus is classified as a premalignant condition, that isn't the same thing as cancer.

I used to have to take it every day but then I've lost quite a bit of weight and I don't need to take it at all now.

I took it for years and then just stopped. I supplemented with Gaviscon for a bit and it settled down. Never needed them since - about 7 years now.

I used to take Ranitidine for occasional, unpredictable, but extremely painful, middle of the night, acid reflux.

I was prescribed Omeprazole which I only take as and when required but I actually prefer Ranitidine as for me, it acts more quickly and effectively than Omeprazole.

I’ve now run out of ranitidine and have only just found out that it’s been withdrawn from use (worldwide I think) because of contaminants. As far as I know there is no plan for reintroduction.

So I’m looking for an over the counter, fast acting alternative.

Any recommendations? Tablets preferred (as easier to travel with).

thanks

I’m also on omeprazole daily and have been for years. Would also like to wean off but have horrific acid without.

Out of curiosity does anyone remember Pepcid Acid? You could buy it over the counter. It was the quickest most effective thing for me (omep only works if you have it on an empty stomach hours before) but it was withdrawn years ago and I never found out why.

Yes. I did the sleeping propped up and the GERD diet for a month and re introduced foods to find the most troublesome. If it starts to raise it's head I do the diet again for a couple of weeks.

It's boring and sucks a lot but sometimes we have to put the effort in than just relying on pills. It won't get better otherwise

DH has been on it for about 30 years. Horrendous acid any time he forgets to take it. It hasn't done him any harm. I think the acid would be worse.

You need to work out what sets it off and avoid those foods. Also I take a good probiotic every day.
I haven't taken omeprazole for 2 years if I eat my trigger foods I have gaviscon ready.

Yes I stopped cold turkey and am actually better now. Dennis / gaviscon make me sick.

I would suggest you have a Google of long term side effects. My mum has to have B12 injections regularly and has broken bones in incidents where you wouldn't expect a break. Long term omeprazole user, obviously it could be a coincidence but I'm not risking it, I'd rather change my diet.

@Aworldofmyown unfortunately changing his diet makes no difference. He could have an operation but has been told the likelihood is that it either wont work or will only be a short term fix.

I was on it from 2018 until earlier this year. I've had gastritis and have a hiatus hernia but stopped taking it due to concern about long term use. I'm mostly OK now and use gaviscon advance if necessary.

I didn't take my tablet last night. By 6pm I was feeling the burn and had to take one. I don't know how I'm going to get off it?

Omeprazole is very hard to get off as once you stop taking it you get acid rebound. You have to do 'something' though, be it dietary changes, different medcines, etc. It's very trial and error. I wouldn't just come off it and do nothing. You can try gaviscon advance after meals but it doesn't last all night if nighttime reflux is your issue.
There's also famotidine (Pepcid), but only on prescription here. GPs aren't very willing to prescribe it, but my friend bought me some back from the US where you get behind the counter. It's not as strong as PPIs but useful if you're weaning off.

DH is coming off it after reading the dementia article, he's been on it for a year and said it helps his acid stomach loads but the thought of dementia has really worried him.

Good luck to those of you coming off, hopefully weaning will work.

Aren't you supposed to take a B12 supplement if you're on it long term? That's what DDad was advised by hospital consultant

I took it in my 20s but then completely stopped caffeine, cut back on alcohol, stopped smoking, and didn't need it. I've become more reliant on gaviscon lately as I've gained weight, and my diet is shit.

I've been taking it during chemo and I'm supposed to take it for four months after. Chemo kills fast growing cells in the oesophagus.

Anyone else taken it for chemo symptoms but been able to come off it?

I’ve taken it since 2016 after nasty bouts. of gastritis. I also have pernicious anaemia b12 deficiency treated with an injection every 12 weeks. The B12 deficiency was diagnosed before I started omeprezole though so not sure it would be worth coming off them.

How exactly is he coming off it?

I've been off with no burning to my pleasant surprise!

1. Switched to famotidine after expressing worries to gp

1. Took 1 tablet a day instead of the prescribed 2. Gaviston to cover the rest of the time

1. Lost belly fat by eating up to 80% full and not a bite more. Listen to stomach not mouth! This showed i was eating about 2x what my body wants/can handle

1. Avoid all UPF

1. Drink matcha, has a very soothing effect on stomach

Still take gaviston sometimes but positive so far. Fingers crossed.
I've even eaten tomatoes and onions again and felt ok 👍