Advertise it and they will come. That seems to be the case with Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, and Zegerid, all medications sold to treat acid reflux. Last year, according to IMS Health, a Pennsylvania company that tracks prescription sales, Americans spent more than $11 billion on acid reflux medications. But now comes the second warning (last May, the FDA said the drugs can increase the risk of bone fractures) from the FDA about disturbing side effects of the drugs; the Boston Globe reports that the agency is advising that patients who take the medications for a long time, generally more than one year, may end up with low magnesium levels, which can put them at risk for seizures, irregular heartbeats, and muscle spasms.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Sunday, June 1, 2025
I WAS TOLD I HAS GASTRO REFLUX AND I’VE BEEN TAKING NEXIUM FOR MANY YEARS. I NOW SUFFER WITH TERRIBLE MUSCLE SPASMS THAT I TAKE 2 DIFFERENT MEDICATIONS FOR, INCLUDING INJECTIONS AND MEDICAL PATCHES. OF COURSE I STOPPED TAKING NEXIUM BECAUSE THEY WERE NO LONGER HELPING. THE DOCTORS HAVE NOW FOUND THAT I HAVE ESOHAGEA DYSMOTILITY. THERE IS NO CURE FOR THAT,SO I GO FROM ONE DAY TO THE NEXT,WHAT I CAN EAT AND NOT HAVE A REACTION. SO I LET GOD RUN MY LIFE AND I HAVE THE INTER PEACE AND JOY THAT ONLY CAN COME FROM KNOWING JESUS. I PRAY YOU HAVE A GOD BLESSED DAY.
G.I. problems plague me as well and fortunally I do not suffer from muscle spasms,just occasional muscle cramps.Exercising daily seems to help me as well as dranking plenty of filtered water. Adding calcium magnesium and zinc has been most beneficial. Minimizing salt and black pepper and eliminating any and all acidic foods has greatly benefited me. Plus the last statement that you made about Jesus gladdened by heart.
Ken McDonald,West Monroe,La.
OMG I have very bad acid reflux and take Prilosec 20 MG 2 times a day. My HMO can not seem to find why I have muscle pain and leg cramps all the time, after reading the article and sending this email I am going to copy it and take it to my next doctors appointment. Thank you internet!
Virginia, Stockton CA
I have been taking omprezole sence 2001 and had no trouble with it.
I have been taking Zantac (Ranitidine 150mg twice daily) since April of 1995 and I have not experienced any side effects, thank goodness. I think I will compare ingredients to find any commonalities (is that a word?). I wish you all well. Rick