AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Question I was hoarse and my doctor diagnosed acid reflux which had scarred my esophagus. I told him I really didn't know that was happening as I very rarely had heartburn. He said that was common. He put me on Prevacid. After 3 weeks on Prevacid, I was having trouble breathing, terrible nightmares, and I even got a urinary tract infection (which I have never had in my life). I stopped taking the Prevacid. I have been off it now for about 2 weeks. However, now I am starting to have horrible heartburn, bloating, and belching that I never had before taking the Prevacid. Could the Prevacid have done some kind of permanent damage and be causing this?
Answer No Karen I cannot see it producing any permanent damage.
Dear Karen
It certainly sounds like except the UTI (though this is theoretically possibly related) could have been due to the Prevacid and I would avoid it in future as they could occur again. The breathing problems could happen again and it would be best to stay clear of all drugs in this class ie PPIs./ I would suggest to see you prescriber and be considered for a change in drug to help your GI problems, probably a drug like ranitidine (Zantac). However, a proper diagnosis as to the cause should be investigated.
