It’s something more and more people are wondering: could the medication that helps your stomach actually be affecting your mental health?
That’s exactly what Lynda Hammett from Peterborough wanted to know when she wrote in about her ongoing struggle with crippling depression—something she fears may be connected to the omeprazole she’s been taking since her Barrett’s oesophagus diagnosis in 2017.
Before that, she’d already been diagnosed with a hiatus hernia, which likely triggered long-term acid reflux.
That reflux, in turn, caused the damage that led to Barrett’s oesophagus—a condition where the lining of the food pipe changes after prolonged exposure to stomach acid.
Barrett’s Oesophagus and the Cancer Risk
While Barrett’s oesophagus sounds serious—and it can be—it’s important to understand the actual cancer risk.
The odds of it progressing to esophageal cancer are relatively low: somewhere between 1 to 5% over ten years.
Still, it’s crucial to keep acid levels under control. That’s where omeprazole comes in.
It belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are extremely effective at reducing acid production.
In fact, research shows that regular PPI use can lower the risk of Barrett’s progressing by about 70%.
Could Omeprazole Be Affecting Your Mood?
Here’s where things get interesting. Lynda’s concern isn’t unique.
Studies, including one from 2018, have found a notable link between long-term PPI use and increased reports of depression and anxiety.
While there’s no definitive cause identified, there are a few theories.
One possibility is vitamin B12 deficiency.
Stomach acid helps release B12 from food, so if you’re reducing acid for years, your ability to absorb this vital vitamin can drop—and that may play a role in mood disorders.
Another factor could be changes in the gut microbiome.
With lower acid levels, the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract can shift—and since we now know that the gut and brain are closely connected, it’s not a stretch to think this might influence mental health too.
What You Can Do Right Now
Dr Scurr’s advice is clear: don’t stop taking your omeprazole, especially given your Barrett’s diagnosis.
But you can take steps to offset the possible side effects:
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Start taking a vitamin B12 supplement
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Add a daily probiotic to support gut health
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Incorporate fermented foods like yoghurt or kefir into your meals
And importantly—don’t face your depression alone.
There’s no simple fix, but seeking professional help is a crucial step in managing it.
Why You Can’t Get the Shingles Vaccine Just Yet
Next up, Liz Gudgion from Lincoln wrote in with a different kind of frustration.
She’s 69 and eager to get the shingles vaccine, having seen firsthand how nasty the infection can be.
But to her disbelief, she’s been told she’ll have to wait until she turns 70.
The Truth About Shingles and Its Vaccine
Shingles—also known as herpes zoster—is surprisingly common.
Around one in four people over 50 will experience it.
It’s what happens when the chickenpox virus (which stays dormant in the body after childhood) reactivates later in life, often during times of stress or weakened immunity.
The Shingrix vaccine, which comes in two doses, is approved for use in anyone over 50.
It’s safe, highly effective, and especially beneficial for people with immune issues—like those undergoing cancer treatment.
So Why the Age Limit on the NHS?
Here’s where things get political.
Although the vaccine is licensed for anyone 50+, the NHS only offers it to people aged 70 to 79, or to younger people with serious immunity issues.
Why? Officially, it’s down to “resource planning”—a phrase that often really just means budget constraints.
Behind the scenes, it’s about funding, staffing, and logistical priorities.
Essentially, the government has to make tough decisions about where to spend its money—and they’ve decided to limit the shingles vaccine to those they consider most at risk.
But there’s a clear contradiction here.
The government is happy to expand the childhood immunisation schedule, despite similar logistical challenges.
So why can’t they do the same for older adults?
Is There Another Option?
If you feel strongly about getting vaccinated sooner, you can pay for it privately.
It’s available at many high street pharmacies and clinics at a cost of around £230 per dose—and yes, you’ll need both.
Dr Scurr, like many doctors, disagrees with the government’s selective policy.
He believes everyone over 50 should have access to the vaccine—not just those who are lucky enough to meet an age requirement or who can afford to go private.