- These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT
be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An indi
vidual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
[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.