Prevacid is a drug mainly used to suppress the production of acid in the stomach. However, it may induce some side effects in certain individuals.

Common side effects of prevacid are mostly of minor consequences and may not need medical intervention.

Diarrhea - up to 3.8 percent of people report mild to severe diarrhea.

Abdominal pain: up to 2.1 percent people report stomach pain as a side effect.

Nausea: up to 1.3 percent.

Constipation: up to 1 percent.

Other side effects include belching, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, gas, headache, nausea or vomiting, trouble sleeping, runny nose.

Rare prevacid side effects are those, which are reported by less than 1 percent of patients who take prevacid. These side effects include abdominal pain, joint or muscle pain, Pain or burning while urinating.

Prevacid may induce some highly dangerous side effects including chest pain and severe diarrhea with blood or mucous.

Prevacid is only prescribed in the cases where benefits outweigh the risks involved. Also, small children should not be given this drug, as its effects on children are yet to be established. Older children can be given prevacid for maximum 12 weeks, as a treatment for acid reflux disease (GERD).