If you are a first-time user of Protonix, you may be surprised to encounter side effects, but these are usually nothing to worry about. Protonix side effects are generally mild and non-life threatening. Examples of these are gas, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Headaches may also occur.

However, more serious Protonix side effects exist, and you should keep an eye out for them. If you experience an allergic reaction, for example, discontinue using this medicine and seek medical help immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction would include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the area of the lips, nose and throat.

Taking more than the recommended dose is not advised, although overdose has not proven to be fatal. If you forgot to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, take it on the next dose and forget about the missed dose. You should simply resume your regular medication schedule.

Protonix is not known to interact with other substances, so there are no restrictions on foodstuff or other medications. However, cutting down on acidic and fatty foods has been known to reduce the incidence of acid reflux. Initiating a lifestyle change by adopting a healthier diet and quitting smoking would be an excellent way to improve the effects of Protonix. Avoid beverages that contain alcohol and caffeine - remember that chocolate contains a small amount of caffeine, too.

It is vital not to use Protonix for a period of time that is longer than what is specified on the label, or by your physician. Prolonged use of this medicine may result in a diminished capacity to absorb Vitamin B-12, resulting in a deficiency of this specific vitamin. You will know if you have acquired a B-12 deficiency if you start feeling notably weak and sluggish, and yet you often experience heart palpitations. Your skin also becomes pale.

If you are at risk of stomach cancer, you should be aware that prolonged use of this medicine has been known to cause stomach cancer in laboratory animals. It has not yet been determined if the same is true for human patients. But just to be on the safe side, refrain from taking this medicine without the go signal of your doctor, if you feel you are at risk.

Protonix comes in tablet form, with an enteric coating that actually protects the walls of the stomach. Breaking the pill inside the mouth by chewing destroys the enteric coating, which is why this should not be done. Swallow the pill whole and unbroken for best results. This medicine may be taken with or without food, but it is recommended that it is taken with a full glass of water.

It is not yet known if Protonix is too strong for use by pregnant women, but it is generally not recommended. Antacids and mild over-the-counter H2RA medications are preferable. Heartburn is common to pregnant women, but women should be careful about the medicine they take to remedy the symptoms. A pregnant woman may also experience Protonix side effects, so in order to avoid this, she should consider taking milder medicines.