Prilosec, a brand name for the generic drug omeprazole, belongs to a family of pharmaceuticals known as proton pump inhibitors, according to Drugs.com. This medication reduces the amount of acid in the stomach, and is effective for treating conditions of the stomach that result from a buildup of excess stomach acid. Not only do doctors prescribe it for people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, they also prescribe it for patients whose esophagus is damaged due to exposure to stomach acid.
Headache
Both Drugs.com and Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D., of eMedTV.com state that patients taking Prilosec may suffer from headaches, with Schoenstadt adding that up to 6.9 percent of people taking this drug during clinical trials reported this as a side effect.
A headache can affect more than just the head, with the pain traveling through the neck, face and mouth. In most cases this will subside as the body adjusts to the medication. Should it continue or worsen, patients need to report it to their doctors.
Diarrhea
Approximately 3.7 percent of patients taking Prilosec during clinical trials experienced diarrhea, according to Schoenstadt, with both RxList and Drugs.com agreeing it is another common, less serious side effect of this drug.
While diarrhea is a common condition producing loose, watery stools at least three times in one day, it can cause dehydration when lasting longer than one or two days. To prevent dehydration from occurring it is important for patients to drink plenty of fluids each day. Should this condition last longer than one or two days, patients should contact their doctors.
Constipation
The exact opposite of diarrhea, constipation is a condition resulting in the passing of hard, dry bowel movements. These generally occur fewer than three times a week, and when a bowel movement takes place, it is difficult and painful. Accompanying symptoms include bloating, and feeling uncomfortable or sluggish.
Schoenstadt explains that drinking more fluids, eating more fiber, increasing daily exercise and using the bathroom when the urge presents itself are some of the best ways to help relieve the symptoms of this condition.
Nausea and/or Vomiting
Nausea is a feeling of queasiness in the stomach, while vomiting is the involuntary emptying of the stomach contents. Patients taking Prilosec may experience one or both of these side effects, according to both Drugs.com and RxList. These are common side effects and should subside over time. If they do not, it is important for patients to speak to their physician.
