Based on NIH | Can omeprazole cause depression, how common is this side effect, and what should I do if I develop depressive symptoms while taking it?

Omeprazole and depression: what to know Omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor used for heartburn and GERD) has reported psychiatric side effects, including depression, but they appear to be uncommon. Product labeling lists “psychiatric and sleep disturbances including depression” among post‑marketing adverse reactions. ^[1] These reports suggest depression can occur, but they do not establish how often it happens, and the overall frequency is not specified in the label. ^[2]

Can omeprazole cause depression?

• Possible but uncommon: Official prescribing information notes psychiatric effects such as depression, anxiety, agitation, confusion, insomnia, and hallucinations among reported reactions. ^[1] This indicates a potential association, typically identified after the drug reached the market, rather than a proven causal relationship from trials. ^[2]
• Mechanism is unclear: Labels list depression without defining a mechanism or dose–response pattern, and controlled studies quantifying risk are limited. Early safety summaries did not show a specific, frequent neuropsychiatric pattern, reinforcing that if depression occurs, it is likely rare. ^[3]

How common is this side effect?

• Exact rates are not provided in official consumer and professional labeling for omeprazole. ^[2] When a label lists an event without frequency, it typically reflects spontaneous post‑marketing reports where true incidence cannot be calculated. ^[4]
• Overall signal is rare: Psychiatric effects are grouped with other post‑marketing events; common, dose‑related side effects are usually quantified, but depression is not, implying it is infrequent. In contrast, well‑established risks (like certain infections or bone issues in specific groups) are better characterized than psychiatric events. ^[5]

What to do if you develop depressive symptoms

• Don’t stop abruptly without advice: Many people take omeprazole for a valid reason (e.g., severe reflux, ulcers), and sudden discontinuation may worsen acid symptoms. It’s generally safest to contact your clinician promptly to discuss whether symptoms might be medication‑related and to plan next steps. ^[2]
• Assess timing and severity: Note when symptoms started, any dose changes, and other new medicines (including antihistamines, steroids, or antidepressants) that could contribute. Because depression has multiple causes, your clinician may evaluate for other medical issues (e.g., thyroid, B12, sodium) and life stressors, in addition to considering the drug. ^[5]
• Consider medication adjustments: Depending on your history and symptom severity, your clinician may:
  • Continue omeprazole while monitoring if symptoms are mild and likely unrelated. ^[2]
  • Reduce dose, switch to a different acid‑reducing strategy (e.g., H2 blocker), or trial a different PPI if symptoms seem linked. ^[2]
  • Treat depressive symptoms directly if they meet criteria for a depressive episode. If severe symptoms emerge (e.g., suicidal thoughts, inability to function), seek urgent care immediately. ^[2]
• Lifestyle measures can help: While medical review is key, supportive steps like regular sleep, exercise, limiting alcohol, and cognitive support may reduce symptom burden as you and your clinician decide on therapy. If reflux control allows, step‑down strategies (lowest effective dose, on‑demand use) can be discussed to reduce overall exposure. ^[5]

Practical checklist

• Track symptom onset relative to starting omeprazole or changing the dose. ^[2]
• List all medications and supplements started in the past 1–2 months. ^[2]
• Contact your clinician to review risks/benefits and consider alternatives. ^[2]
• Seek urgent help for severe mood changes or suicidal thoughts. ^[2]

Summary table: key points

Question	Evidence-based answer
Can omeprazole cause depression?	Depression is listed among reported psychiatric adverse reactions in official labeling, indicating it can occur, though a causal link is not proven. [1] [2]
How common is it?	Frequency is not specified in labeling (post‑marketing reports without calculable incidence), suggesting it is uncommon/rare. [2] [4]
What should I do if I develop symptoms?	Do not stop abruptly; contact your clinician to assess timing, other causes, and options such as dose adjustment, switching therapy, or direct treatment for depression; seek urgent care for severe symptoms. [2]

Bottom line

• Depression is a recognized but likely uncommon adverse reaction with omeprazole. ^[1] Because the true rate isn’t defined, it’s best to evaluate new mood symptoms carefully rather than assume the drug is the sole cause. ^[2]
• Work with your clinician to balance acid control with mental health, and consider alternatives or dose adjustments if a temporal link is suspected. ^[2]