Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Cheryl Mearig, PharmD.
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Omeprazole and alcohol have no direct drug interactions. However, drinking alcohol may be counterproductive to the drug 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.
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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.
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 commonly used to treat:
Omeprazole is classified as a proton pump inhibitor or PPI. A PPI works on the cells that line the stomach, reducing the amount of stomach acid.
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Omeprazole reduces 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 take before starting omeprazole. The drug can change or interfere with how blood thinners and anti-seizure medications work.
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Omeprazole doesn’t produce any high or psychological cravings. However, long-term use of omeprazole can lead to dependence.
Suddenly stopping the medication might cause a rebound increase in stomach acid. This increase 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 crucial to take omeprazole 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 medication needs to be stopped, healthcare providers may gradually lessen the dose and frequency of omeprazole to help manage withdrawal symptoms.
While it’s okay to drink alcohol while taking omeprazole, alcohol can negatively affect your stomach. If you have a history of ulcers or acid reflux, it's best to limit your alcohol intake.
Alcohol can also increase heartburn symptoms by causing an imbalance in the amount of acid produced in the stomach. This imbalance releases more acid into the esophagus than usual.
Drinking alcohol can also lead to dehydration, especially if you're not drinking enough water. It also causes LES to malfunction, resulting in increased symptoms of acid reflux.
You should limit your alcohol intake if you experience symptoms of acid reflux. Medical professionals recommend only having one drink per day for women and two per day for men.
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. This kind of treatment provides comprehensive and structured care.
You'll receive individualized attention from highly trained professionals. They will help you develop coping skills and learn how to manage cravings.
Outpatient care is ideal for those who don’t want a severe disruption to their home lives. It gives people the tools and framework to manage their cravings 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.
MAT can help with withdrawal symptoms. It can provide the support needed to stop drinking alcohol and usually occurs in inpatient and outpatient settings.
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.
While there are no known interactions between omeprazole and alcohol, it's best to avoid mixing them.
Drinking alcohol while on omeprazole may also increase stomach acid, making it harder to control your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns regarding this interaction.
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