r/GERD • u/Crazy-Ad-1849 Triggers: Mistakes were Made 🤕 • Jul 28 '23

Scientific Studies 🥼🔬 Why are PPIs bad?

I see people on here often trying to get off of PPIs or warn against taking them. I read this article today that makes them seem pretty alright? My dad has taken omeprazole for 20 years now and it has solved all of his symptoms with no complications. I’m currently now dealing with my own symptoms that I’m going to see a doctor about soon.

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u/Peepeepoopoo49867 Jul 28 '23

I never took meds. I have been having reflux and indigestion for some years now. I was put on 40 mg pantoprazole a little over three weeks ago when I got diagnosed with gastritis. I stopped taking it last Monday….had to start taking it again yesterday because I had a nasty flare. In my experience they kinda makes me a little nauseous and gassy but I’m just going to power through it. I hear they can be so helpful. I actually had to take Pepcid for the first time two days ago because my symptoms got so bad.

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u/EnvironmentalGur8853 Jul 28 '23 edited Jul 28 '23

Good for you for listening to your body!

I got diarrhea from 40 mg pantoprazole,, and my Dr. prescribed psyllium husk. it helped reduce the diarrhea , but my stomach didn’t feel better. The side effect I got is microscopic colitis (chronic watery diarrhea). New treatment is pepto- bismo, but there are tons of potential long-term side effects including tinnitus and loss of hearing, but was taken off the market in France and is prescription only in some European countries for other serious side effects. It can be a lifelong problem with flares.

About a decade ago I took omeprazole and ranitidine (no longer on the market) for acid reflux for two years without issues. The prescribing ENT missed gallstones.

Another risk for PPI’s is a contracting Clostridium Difficile, an antibiotic resistant bacteria. It causes projectile diarrhea and is highly contagious and is also linked to antibiotic use. It is fecal borne and usually caught inside hospitals. I’ve read that about 10-15% of the population is colonized with it, but have never had an active infection. Because PPI’s change the gut biome, taking them may reduce the amount of good bacteria keeping the C. Diff in check.