[posted 08/15/1999]
Question: For years I have had exteme heartburn and have had difficultiy hold food down. My doctor receintly gave me prilosec to try. It was effective beyone belief. My medical provider provided me with a subsitute drug named prevacid. When I questioned this they indicated it was an equivlant medication cleared by my doctor (I quess they forgot to include me in their discussion).
My question: After taking the prevacid, I noticed that I am experiencing craps, and dirhera. I am often very tired, feeling worn out. Are these side effects of the medication? If so, are they the same with Prilosec? Is there a way to balance both the heartburn and dirhera?
Thank you.
Answer: Either of these drugs can cause diarrhea, probably the most common complaint of patients. If one does and the other doesn't, I'll go with the one without the diarrhea. However, I suspect you'll have it with either. Fiber helps in some cases and occasionally Immodium or Lomotil is necessary.
[posted 08/11/1999]
Question: is stomic acid acidic
Answer: Yes.
[posted 08/5/1999]
Question: I have been taking Prevacid for 6-8 months and wondering
of the long term side-affects or risks in taking this
medication indefinetly. Would it typically be effective
if I went to taking it once every other day? How about a
smaller dose? I am concerned that morning stomach cramps
and morning diarea that I have been having the last several
weeks might be from the long term use of the Prevacid.
Thankyou
Answer: Don't appear to be any long term side effects found to date. Using it every other day would markedly decrease the effectiveness on the off day, using a smaller dosage would be a better option. The diarrhea is probably due to the Prevacid, but will go away when you stop the drug.
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