Nexium (esomeprazole with magnesium) is classified as a PPI (proton pump inhibitor) and widely prescribed for GERD and acid reflux symptoms, however a closer look at nexium side effects could alarm any patient.  A PPI classification simply means the acid production sites within the stomach cavity are blocked, thus causing decreased acidity.  In doing this, the stomach lining, esophagus and even the intestines are allowed time to heal from the erosive affect of hydrochloric acid.  Sounds pretty good right?  But what about the short and long-term risks patient's take by ingesting this medication?

Nexium Side Effects During Short-Term Usage

While your acid-eaten insides are taking the time to heal, your body may go through another series of side effects that you wouldn't normally attribute to a pill for heartburn.  Joint pains and muscle weakness, headaches, dizziness, diarrhea and nausea are of the most common.  Other Nexium side effects may include dry mouth, memory and concentration issues, and even an increased heart rate.  While taking this medication it's best to limit your NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) as well as this may be a culprit to your initial abdominal and esophageal complaints.

Nexium Side Effects During Long-Term Usage

While this medication was originally indicated for short courses, some physicians and studies have prescribed it more as maintenance for acid over-production.  When used for longer periods of time, you definitely have a greater chance of the short-term usage side effects to occur, and there are a plethora of other alarming symptoms you may encounter.  For instance, aggravated depression, loss of taste, blurred vision, weight gain, and some have experienced flu-like symptomatology all associated with the use of Nexium.  Another not so pleasant Nexium side effect could easily be seen in patient's discontinuing use and return of worsened heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.  If you've taken a medicine for 12 months and your symptoms have abated and the body has had time to heal, the last thing you want to feel is that same gut-wrenching and sometimes debilitating feeling of acid reflux many times more powerful than prior to even starting the medication.

It doesn't stop there.  Nexium side effects, as horrible as they may seem, are not the only thing  concerning.  Blood thinners, such as Coumadin (warfarin), taking in combination with Nexium could actually increase the INR levels and raise bleeding risks.  Closer monitoring is necessary when these two medicines are taken together.  Not to mention Nexium also isn't too fond of antifungals either and may decrease their absorption.  Patient's taking iron supplementation for anemia could also be at risk for lack of iron absorption while taking them with Nexium.  Catch 22?

All medicines, either over the counter or prescription, should be taken with great caution.  You may take a pill like Nexium and risk the side effects, and then find yourself taking another medication for the increased depression, and then another, and another.  It is best to provide your physician with a list of all medications, herbal supplements and minerals you are taking in an effort to avoid as many side effects and contraindications as possible.  Just because your brain isn't directly connected to your stomach, that doesn't mean one pill isn't associated with painful side effects in both areas.