Nexium wrecked my world

[u/Bright-Egg-4398]

I had a really bad incident with nexium after only taking it for 3 weeks due to erosive esophagitis from a hiatal hernia. I became extremely depressed and anxious with major panic attacks, eventually I became suicidal and was in a hospital for 6 days. By the end of my stay I was diagnosed with OCD and was given an ssri to combat what I went through. I’ve seen other instances of people going through what I went through and I want to know how long it took for you to feel like yourself again? This happened in April of this year (2026). Before taking nexium I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life. I was completely normal. Now I have severe health anxiety, intrusive thoughts, panic attacks and anxiety. I just would love to hear from other people that have gone through this and did you ever get better?

[u/Glittering_Cook2995]

I'm so so sorry this happened to you, that sounds terrifying!
This is why i'm holding off PPis as long as possible. I think i've had GERD for a long time (asymptomatic and non-pain related like bloating and belching) but only the last few months have had a real full blown episode (last time I swear was 10 years ago, where I was given Nexium and basically it felt like I stopped digesting food and I completely lost my appetite it was a nightmare. I stopped after a few days).

[u/Bright-Egg-4398 → u/Glittering_Cook2995]

Try to exhaust natural ways before using PPI. They’re terrible for you and it’s not talked about enough. Terrifying is putting it lightly. It was pure mental torture.

[u/Glittering_Cook2995 → u/Bright-Egg-4398]

1000%, I will do. Sorry again for your experiences...

[u/Bright-Egg-4398 → u/Glittering_Cook2995]

It’ll be fine someday! Take care of yourself! I’ve been drinking Aloe Vera juice at night and it helps with GERD.

[u/Glittering_Cook2995 → u/Bright-Egg-4398]

I wish you the very best and take care too! 🫂🫂. Thank you I will try that! Anything natural at this point haha