Prilosec OTC vs Prilosec

[ChristineVA]

Can someone tell me if the Prilosec OTC is as effective as the regular old purple Prilosec?

I have been taking 20mg of Prilosec since 1998. For the most part, it works for me and I get no side effects. Since it went "over the counter" my prescription company will no longer cover it. I asked my GI to switch me to Nexium since it is essentially the same drug. For some reason, he prescribed 40mg of Nexium versus 20 mg. I started taking it and I just didn't feel good (but I do have a lot of other anxiety issues going on). I even dumped out some of the Nexium so I wouldn't be taking as high a dose, but I still felt kind of strange on it--dizzy, queasy, and anxious (although that could be due to other things.)

Yesterday, I broke down and bought the Prilosec OTC. Well, I was shocked when I opened the box and saw that it was a totally different pill. It's not even a capsule with spanules anymore!! I was shocked and, of course, doubtful that it would be as good as my dear old purple pill friend!

I think I *do* feel a bit better today as far as side effect. But I was just wondering if anyone here has had experience with the two different Prilosecs.
Christine

[LSAT]

The original purple pill was mfg by Astra Zenica. I read that the Prilosec OTC is still mfg by Astra Zenica, but marketed by Procter and Gamble. There is some difference in the make up of the new vs the old.

[Bootsie]

I had to switch to Prilosec OTC or else my insurance co. wouldn't cover it. OTC works just fine for me. Of course I take 80 mg./day so at that level just about anything should work. Good luck.

[tricia]

The two meds have the same active ingrediants-- just different inactive ingrediants which can alter effects slightly

[Shoova]

Either way, unless you have allergic reactions, Nexium may be your best bet. I take only 40 mg per dose, and I feel just fine on it. Plus it's got a fairly good price, and I'm even poor!