Skip to main content

Esomeprazole and Pain: What Users Say

Brand names: Nexium, Nexium 24HR, Nexium IV

Pain: mentioned by 15 users (5.5%)

Based on user experiences from 274 Esomeprazole reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

anxiety 12.8%
diarrhea 9.9%
nausea 9.9%
headaches 9.1%
fatigue 6.9%
dizziness 6.2%
pain 5.5%
heart palpitations 5.1%
tremors 5.1%
chest pain 4.7%

Reviews for Esomeprazole

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • And...
  • April 2, 2016

Esomeprazole for GERD "Wake up people. Google Nexium deaths for a real eye-opener. I admit I took Nexium too long, over a year. The bad side effects came along gradually and worsened as time went on. That is the only daily pharmaceutical drug I took. I did take vitamins frequently. First, pressure to go to the bathroom was noticed. I was checked for a UTI which was negative. I developed screaming migraine headaches which, at 64, I had never had. When acute mouth dryness occurred, I thought I was diabetic for sure. I developed both dull pain in the kidney areas, and an aching under the shoulder blades. Bowel movements were slow and difficult. I developed puffy spots under the eyes, and several doctors told me it was allergies which was frustrating. It was Nexium."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
114 Report
  • Elf...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 16, 2016

Esomeprazole for Duodenal Ulcer Prophylaxis "I was prescribed Nexium 40 mg approximately 2 years ago at our local hospital after being diagnosed as having a quantity of small duodenal ulcers. No side effects were evident for the first week or so, but then I started to feel aches and pains all too easily, later developing mood swings, quite extreme at times. I informed my doctor, who dismissed my claims. (I do not lie!) After just under two years of taking Nexium, I decided to take things into my own hands. I discovered Slippery Elm capsules. I am now into my fifth month of taking only one capsule a day, having weaned myself off the Nexium, interspersed with Slippery Elm in the first week. I now have no side effects, and with care have little or no acid indigestion."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
22 Report
  • Xer...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 22, 2019

For GERD "This medicine is toxic. After weeks of stopping my medication, I now have: 1. Muscle twitching 2. Nerve problems 3. Back, leg, and shoulder pains (although my leg and shoulder pain have decreased) 4. Weight loss (I managed to recover my lost weight) 5. Vision problems (although I think it has something to do with a wrong prescription for glasses) 6. Anxiety/Panic Attacks. I do not recommend taking this drug. If you want to reduce your stomach acid, I recommend Gaviscon and other antacids. NEVER USE PPIs."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Xer...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 22, 2019

For GERD "This medicine is toxic. After weeks of stopping my medication, I now have: 1. Muscle twitching 2. Nerve problems 3. Back, leg, and shoulder pains (although my leg and shoulder pain have decreased) 4. Weight loss (I managed to recover my lost weight) 5. Vision problems (although I think it has something to do with a wrong prescription for glasses) 6. Anxiety/Panic Attacks. I do not recommend taking this drug. If you want to reduce your stomach acid, I recommend Gaviscon and other antacids. NEVER USE PPIs."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report
  • Anx...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 12, 2021

Esomeprazole for GERD "After having heartburn, my doctor just automatically prescribed this to me. Let me tell you something! This is the worst thing I could’ve put in my mouth. My anxiety was off the roof! I ended up in the ER because I thought I was having a heart attack. I’ve always suffered from anxiety, but this time it’s worse. Burning palm sensation, weird sensations in my brain along with pressure. My vision feels foggy and blurry, and I have arm and leg pain, and depersonalization. The list goes on. It’s been almost a month, and I’m still suffering. I feel terrible. I wanted to quit my job and stay in bed! Although this may work for others, it can have bad effects on some. Use with caution!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Anx...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 12, 2021

Esomeprazole for GERD "After having heartburn, my doctor just automatically prescribed this to me. Let me tell you something! This is the worst thing I could’ve put in my mouth. My anxiety was off the roof! I ended up in the ER because I thought I was having a heart attack. I’ve always suffered from anxiety, but this time it’s worse. Burning palm sensation, weird sensations in my brain along with pressure. My vision feels foggy and blurry, and I have arm and leg pain, and depersonalization. The list goes on. It’s been almost a month, and I’m still suffering. I feel terrible. I wanted to quit my job and stay in bed! Although this may work for others, it can have bad effects on some. Use with caution!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Mis...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 15, 2020

Esomeprazole for Erosive Esophagitis "I was given Nexium 40 mg two years ago after a diagnosis of mild esophagitis. Since then, I've been taking it on and off when symptoms return (mainly at the turn of the season). Sure, it does help with the acid, but at what price! I'm just 27 and have always been a sporty guy, but since taking the drug, I have developed chronic back pain, shoulder pain, and various tendinitis that are taking ages to heal. I don't know if the PPI has caused all these issues or if it's the gastritis, but after doing some research, I believe there is a connection with the drug. In addition, I'm getting constantly sick (flu, sore throat, cold), like my immune system has gone crazy..."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Sho...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 12, 2021

Esomeprazole for Erosive Esophagitis "Worst medicine ever!! I took this for gastritis for 6 days as prescribed by my medical specialist and only felt worse. I had a very mild discomfort in my upper abdomen before and after taking it, I felt as if my entire abdomen was tight and knotted and in pain. But the worst part of it was that it made me feel depressed and had really dark suicidal thoughts, and that feeling I can never forget. It scared me to the core. And then I realized it was this medicine that made me so mentally upset as well as physically in pain. I would not recommend this to anyone. Please use something else, but not this."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • Anonymous
  • November 9, 2020

For GERD "I was prescribed esomeprazole for acid reflux. I've taken 1, and my stomach feels as if it's being pulled out. Burning and aching all night. Headache and just feeling really rough. Worst drug I've ever taken. Will never take it again, I'd sooner have reflux than the pain and discomfort of that drug."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 15, 2010

Esomeprazole for GERD "I have taken Nexium for about 10 years. It works so well! Though the last 6 months I have used Tums also. But the insurance says it isn't for acid reflux and won't let me have any more. Having a lot of trouble finding something that works! I want my Nexium back, it hurts so bad all of the time, even just a glass of water makes me hurt."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • Ari...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 14, 2022

For Gastritis/Duodenitis "Like anyone experiencing these symptoms would think they were having a heart attack or something, and so I did. I went straight to the ER and my ECG was totally normal. I did a battery of tests, including echocardiogram, ergometric test, Holter monitor, and none of them found anything. Clinically, I am healthy, without any heart problems. I suspected it was the medication two weeks ago when, on the days that I had to have blood drawn for the exams and had to fast, ironically I didn't feel any of the main symptoms, which would be extreme dizziness, extreme tiredness, and pain in the stomach, chest/arm/shoulder that decreased. Discovering this, I started looking for reviews about the drug and found this forum which confirmed my suspicions. 2nd part"

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Ari...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 14, 2022

For Gastritis/Duodenitis "Like anyone experiencing these symptoms would think they were having a heart attack or something, and so I did. I went straight to the ER and my ECG was totally normal. I did a battery of tests, including echocardiogram, ergometric test, Holter monitor, and none of them found anything. Clinically, I am healthy, without any heart problems. I suspected it was the medication two weeks ago when, on the days that I had to have blood drawn for the exams and had to fast, ironically I didn't feel any of the main symptoms, which would be extreme dizziness, extreme tiredness, and pain in the stomach, chest/arm/shoulder that decreased. Discovering this, I started looking for reviews about the drug and found this forum which confirmed my suspicions. 2nd part"

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 16, 2011

Esomeprazole for Erosive Esophagitis "This has been wonderful for me. No more excessive belching and burning, and the pain in my chest has almost gone with the first treatment. I'm not scared to eat some of my favorite foods anymore."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 12, 2021

Esomeprazole for GERD "Only been taking Nexium for 3 days. Oh my stomach, my head are in so much pain. I'm tired, but when I go to bed, I can’t sleep due to palpitations. I am not taking it anymore. It’s dangerous."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • Chr...
  • December 24, 2019

For GERD "Been taking it for 5 days now, getting pains over my chest, stomach, both sides of the hip. Suffer from panic attacks when laying down, feel like trouble breathing."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.