Identification

Nexium is a prescriptive treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition in which stomach acids flow backwards. The reverse flow results in heartburn and damage to the esophagus, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects of Nexium are headache, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Other side effects reported are gas, nausea, constipation and dry mouth.

Long-term Effects

Nexium was reported to cause liver failure and muscle weakness, according to the Daily Med, the medication data provided by the National Institutes of Health. Consumers also experienced depression, aggression and hallucination. Yet, it is not possible to specify the frequency of these effects because the reports are voluntary, not results of an experimental test.

Prevention/Solution

To prevent nausea, "taking [nexium] with food or after meals helps," says Roosevelt Rowsey, a pharmacist at Happy Harry's of Wilmington, Del. He also suggests discontinuing the drug if the stomach problems persist, as he noted that those were frequent complaints he received.

Other Options

Though Nexium is a treatment for multiple matters concerning an overproduction of acid in the stomach, there are other options. Rowsey suggests Prilosec and Tagamet as over-the-counter drugs that treat heartburn. Also, Prevacid and Protonix are prescription drugs that treat acid reflux.

Source:

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Daily Med: Current Medication Information

Roosevelt Rowsey; Pharmacist at Happy Harry's; Wilmington, Delaware