Lansoprazole and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• JPa...
• August 21, 2020

For GERD "I began having GERD during this quarantine. My son, who is an MD, helped me work my way through the OTC remedies, getting little relief, until I landed on lansoprazole. I had a normal first five days, no GERD, then I became VERY ill. I had violent diarrhea for 18 days, nausea, cramping, loss of 7 pounds, headache... even went to the ER because I was feeling so badly. I took a list of my medications and no one mentioned the complications. No one considered the lansoprazole pill. I was told to eat a soft diet: rice, broth, potatoes, etc. I continued to take the pill a few more days, my weight falling, much gurgling, lack of interest in food or life in general, sweeping nausea, and running for the bathroom as many as 15-20 times a day and literally all night. I continued taking the pill until I ran across an article that listed my symptoms, though rare, as caused by the drug. Beware, I had a particularly bad reaction."

• Eli...
• February 23, 2014

For GERD "At first, the medication was very effective. Reflux and pain stopped almost at once. Was on lansoprazole for 18 months, for GERD and a hiatus hernia. Small side effects (visual disturbance, vertigo, tiredness) not a problem. BUT, after 1 year, started to have terrible diarrhea, thin yellow and of sudden onset. Almost amounted to incontinence, at any time night or day. The tiredness became unacceptable. Eventually, I decided to come off the lansoprazole, for 2 weeks suffered bad recurrence of GERD. However, persevered (with help of Gaviscon) and after 2-3 weeks am now completely normal, no reflux, no pain. Have been great now for 3 months, far more energy. Would recommend a 'break' from the medicine to see if you can manage."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2020

Lansoprazole for GERD "I have GERD due to cyclic vomiting syndrome causing damage to my pyloric sphincter and a hiatal hernia. I take 40 mg of Pepcid AC every night, but I was still getting the feeling of acid in the back of my throat. I decided to take Prevacid since I've taken it in the past with no problems. Unfortunately, I've had some issues this time. It has helped with the regurgitation and acid, but I am having a lot of muscle cramps and diarrhea. I looked at the side effects, and this is, indeed, a problem with Prevacid. I will be seeing my GI doctor tomorrow for advice."

• 14a...
• August 2, 2011

For GERD "It works wonders for the heartburn, but I can't handle the side effects. I have awful diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, headaches, nausea, and stomach aches. It's not the normal side effects, but I haven't had any heartburn. I'm probably in that >1% that has bad side effects."

• Vin...
• November 21, 2016

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Initially prescribed Lansoprazole 30 mg due to acid reflux. I took it for 3 days with side effects (diarrhea, dry mouth, and stomach pain), so I called my doctor and found out I had H. Pylori. I had to continue taking Lanso with Clarithromycin and amoxicillin for 7 days (known as triple therapy). Honestly, after taking the triple therapy, I began to have withdrawal symptoms. For some strange reason, I used to be really hungry when being on the medication. Not anymore. Dr. recommends I continue taking Lanso 30 mg once a day after the triple therapy until I 'feel better really.' I've been on Lans for 4 days now after the therapy, and I'm still experiencing a sour, foul taste in the mouth, gassy bubbling in my digestive tract... no hunger."

• Lem...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 3, 2021

For NSAID-Induced Gastric Ulcer "Absolutely shocking drug. Been on it for 3 years due to long-term use of ibuprofen for back spasms. Kept having bouts of diarrhea, then bad constipation, felt nauseous all the time, fatigued like I could just drop to sleep on the spot. Over the last few months, it has been building up in my system to severe constipation where I was so bloated I couldn't even let gas out, that nauseous and vomiting that I lost weight and that fatigued it was becoming difficult to remember who I was. 5 visits to A&E with a fully dilated pupil that would not shrink and no Dr. there told me it could be a side effect of lanzop. My Mum and I have ended up working out this tablet has caused everything and was probably causing the same thing to my late Grandad as he was put on this cheaper version from one that was working for him. Diabolical. I am now alert, eyes wide open, feeling like I want to eat, eating full plates of food, and bowels are back to how they used to be! Avoid this drug at all costs!"

• Eso...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2022

For GERD "After 30 days, developed diarrhea after every meal. Took 6 weeks before my doc took me off. Blood tests, stool tests. Too bad because it worked better than any other medication I ever took for this issue. But so relieved after realizing I could not tolerate. Awful diarrhea."

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2018

For Erosive Esophagitis "This drug gave a severe case of diarrhea, bloating, and gas just two days after I started taking it. I had to stop on the advice of my doctor."

• yel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2017

For Aspiration Pneumonia "Has given me diarrhea for the last 5 days, but I've been taking it longer. The doctor has given a 6-month prescription. I am having to take 4 a day and am feeling sick."