HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

How do you know if you are on the right acid blocker?

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 2/28/2014 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,
I am new to Gerd. I'm not sure if that's what I have, but the doctor seems to think so. He had me taking Zantac and it did nothing. I am now on OTC Prilosec and it seems to work well in the morning, but I am still having pressure and burning by lunch time. Should I try something else? I've been on it only 6 days. How long before you knew if something worked? Should I feel pain free all day or is it common to still have to take antacids later in the day? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Liz
Posted 2/28/2014 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
Your dose of Prilosec is OTC so the dosage is minimal, so you probably need to go to a doctor to get proper dosages . For example my doctor prescribed me 300 g of ranitidine so OTC only come on 75 g so if I run out , I would need to take 4. The OTC Prilosec is giving you some relief do it is working you just need to get the correct dosage prescribed to you by a professional before you try something else .
Posted 3/1/2014 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
OK, thanks!
Posted 3/1/2014 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
I'd go with something other than Prilosec. I was on aciphex and then nexium and they worked great, but since insurance has changed had to go back to Prilosec and it just doesn't cut it. But long term use isn't good on them, my bodies addicted now and have acid rebound when I do not take them. If I were you I'd try Zantac or koufmans diet, or gaviscon. But research side effects of long term use of PPIs and ask you doctor about it.
Posted 3/1/2014 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
I tried Zantac already, but I will look into the other two, thanks!
Posted 3/1/2014 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
There are long term effects of ppi but no one guarantees you long life! Quality verses quantity, want to spend 60 years on pain or have 30 years of quality life... If ppis help, well why not ! obviously try natural alternatives if you can. Maybe you should give yourself a time limit of a month on ppi which is usually the normal limit then go back to see your doctor for further investigation. H pylori springs to mind, have you had tests for that?
Posted 3/3/2014 10:22 AM (GMT 0)
"Want to spend 60 years on pain or have 30 years of quality life... If ppis help, well why not !"

Sorry but I think this is unhelpful. It implies that using PPIs will give a 50% reduction in lifespan which is entirely unfounded. PPIs have documented side effects and anyone who is on them long term (a month? I wish!) should be aware of the implications. Low B12 and ferritin are not unusual and, of course, there is clear and now well-publicised link with osteoporosis. When I was first prescribed them there was a fear that long-term usage would lead to cancer but this concern seems to have been assuaged.

PPIs, for the most part, appear to be well-tolerated and, other than the effects outlined above, relatively safe. Do PLEASE check B12 levels though if you are on long term PPI use as low levels can damage your health in insidious ways.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply