Based on NIH | Can omeprazole cause dizziness, how common is this side effect, and what should I do if it happens?

Omeprazole and dizziness at a glance

• Yes, omeprazole can cause dizziness in some people. ^[1]
• In clinical trials, dizziness was reported in about 2% of adults taking omeprazole, which suggests it is an uncommon side effect. ^[1]
• Most cases tend to be mild and temporary, but any severe, persistent, or worsening dizziness deserves medical attention. ^[2]

How common is dizziness with omeprazole?

• In pooled clinical studies of omeprazole, commonly reported side effects were headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and gas; dizziness was listed among additional adverse reactions occurring in at least 1% of users, with an incidence around 2%. ^[1]
• Large safety reviews also describe dizziness as a possible, generally mild and transient reaction, without clear dose dependence in the usual dose range. ^[2]

When to seek urgent help

• If dizziness occurs together with chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, pain spreading to your arms/neck/shoulders, or faintness/lightheadedness, this could signal a more serious problem, and you should seek urgent medical care. ^[3]
• Labels for over‑the‑counter omeprazole advise seeing a doctor for chest pain accompanied by lightheadedness or dizziness, as these may indicate a serious condition. ^[4]

What you can do if dizziness happens

• Consider timing and triggers: dizziness that starts soon after beginning omeprazole may be related, and many cases improve after a few days as your body adjusts. ^[2]
• Avoid activities that need alertness (driving, operating machinery) until you feel steady, since dizziness can increase accident risk. ^[2]
• Hydrate and rise slowly: standing up gradually and drinking fluids may reduce symptoms if lightheadedness is present. ^[2]
• Discuss options with your clinician if symptoms persist or are bothersome; they may suggest dose adjustment, switching to another acid reducer (for example, an H2‑blocker), or checking for other causes such as dehydration, low blood pressure, or interactions. ^[2]
• Report new or severe symptoms promptly, especially if you also notice palpitations, muscle cramps, tremors, or weakness, as these could point to other issues that need evaluation. ^[5]

Side effect profile in context

• Overall, omeprazole has a low rate of adverse effects in studies including many thousands of users, and its side‑effect rates are broadly similar to those of H2‑receptor blockers. ^[6]
• No specific pattern of serious, drug‑related events has been established in long‑term studies, and common side effects are usually mild and self‑limited. ^[6]

Quick reference table

Topic	What the evidence shows
Can omeprazole cause dizziness?	Yes, dizziness is a reported adverse reaction. [1]
How often does it occur?	Around 2% in adult clinical studies (uncommon). [1]
Typical course	Often mild and short‑lived; not clearly dose‑dependent within usual doses. [2]
Red flags needing urgent care	Dizziness with chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, radiating pain, or faintness. [3] [4]
What to do	Use caution with driving, hydrate, rise slowly, and consult your clinician if persistent or severe; consider alternative therapies if needed. [2]

Friendly reminder

• While dizziness can be related to omeprazole, it can also stem from many other conditions (for example, dehydration, low blood sugar, inner ear issues), so individualized assessment is important if symptoms continue. ^[2]