Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
In this article
Medically Reviewed by Cheryl Mearig, PharmD.
Omeprazole is a medication that reduces stomach acid. The brand name of omeprazole is Prilosec. It’s available over the counter (OTC) and by prescription (RX).
The medication is also commonly used to treat:
Omeprazole is classified as a proton pump inhibitor or PPI. It’s similar in action to other proton pump inhibitors such as:
Omeprazole is used to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced by the stomach lining. Side effects from omeprazole are usually mild and include:
Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you’re taking before starting omeprazole. The drug can change or interfere with the way blood thinners and anti-seizure medications work.
There is no high or psychological craving produced by omeprazole. However, long-term use of omeprazole can lead to dependence.
Stopping the medication quickly might cause a rebound increase in stomach acid. This can result in a return of prior symptoms or the emergence of symptoms associated with an overproduction of stomach acid, including:
These effects occur most frequently when stopping omeprazole after long-term use.
It’s important to take omeprazole exactly as prescribed or directed by your physician. Long-term use can be associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis-related fractures and diarrheal infections caused by Clostridium difficile.
If stopping the medication, healthcare providers may gradually lessen the dose and frequency of omeprazole to help manage the symptoms of withdrawal.
Omeprazole and alcohol have no direct drug interactions. However, the choice to drink alcohol may be counterproductive as alcohol increases stomach acid production.
Omeprazole and alcohol share similar side effects such as:
Drinking alcohol while taking omeprazole may cause or worsen these symptoms.
People take omeprazole to stop the stomach from making acid. Alcoholic beverages increase stomach acid production. Drinking alcohol while taking omeprazole may:
In high doses, omeprazole can induce feelings of confusion, drowsiness, and irritability. Alcohol in excess causes similar effects.
Consuming alcohol in excess can also worsen the severity of these side effects.
Talk to your doctor about your alcohol consumption and medication history before taking omeprazole.
Treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is available in three primary forms:
Inpatient care is ideal for substance use disorders (SUDs) that require 24/7 professional care and support.
Outpatient care is ideal for those who don’t want a severe disruption to their home lives.
Outpatient care provides people with the tools and framework to manage their cravings alone and better process emotional stress.
Outpatient treatment for alcohol withdrawal may also require frequent check-ins to ensure medications prescribed for withdrawal symptoms are taken consistently and correctly.
Medicine-based care will likely occur in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
MAT can help with symptoms of withdrawal. Medicine-based care can provide the support needed to stop drinking alcohol.
These three treatment options also include therapeutic care to help provide support, coping mechanisms, and tools for managing the situations that lead to alcohol use.
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