How long can you take omeprazole?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Over the counter: 14 days, and no more often than every 4 months, without a doctor. Prescribed: as long as the need continues - some people take it for years under supervision. The NHS long-view checklist: past 3 months, magnesium can fall (tiredness, dizziness, twitches, irregular heartbeat); past a year, fracture and B12-deficiency risks rise, so an annual review of need and dose is standard. Research suggests a small stomach cancer signal after years of use - uncertain, and a reason for review, not alarm. Best practice: lowest effective dose, annual review, and a guided step-down when symptoms have been quiet - rebound acid makes abrupt stopping miserable. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you prepare for the review.
What to do
- Respect the 14-day OTC course: heartburn that returns inside 4 months needs a diagnosis.
- Review annually if prescribed long-term: need, dose, magnesium, B12.
- Step down, do not slam stop: rebound acid is real - taper with guidance.
- Report the red flags regardless: trouble swallowing, vomiting, unintentional weight loss.
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