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Newbie with a question about Prilosec OTC

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Posted 12/11/2005 7:22 AM (GMT 0)
So, I'm a 29 yr old male who has suffered from SEVERE heartburn for about 7-8 years now. Wherever I go, I have to always carry a bottle of TUMS with me and also keep one next to my bed because I'll be woken up by heartburn 3-4 times a night. I started taking Prilosec a few months ago, and even though it did not get rid of the heartburn 100%, it still worked pretty good. I stopped taking it after 14 days (recommended length on the box), and the heartburn came right back, so I started taking it again. My question is, even though it says not to take it for more than 14 days, could I cause my body any damage if I do?

I've also heard that heartburn is not from too much acid, but not enough acid which causes food to turn into gas and come back up. Has anyone else heard this?

Posted 12/12/2005 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
hello,

regarding your question on PPI Prilosec you can take tis medicine for up to 3 months so buy the 48

capsules box and take it if its working for you I did the samething and the heartburn came back but was alittle better went to my doctor and told him i was on prilosec for 14 days and he said even though it says 14 days I could stay on it for 6 to 8 weeks . just keep in mind to eat good while doing the treatment even if you're feeling better does not mean you can eat bad. this will be a long term

thing eating well. and with the holidays here its hard..

* and for the other question regarding hicupps

on the med is common its more air because the acid is being surpressed. 

Posted 12/12/2005 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
JZ, if you have been suffering from hearburn for such an extended length of time, my question is have you seen a GI doctor yet or are you doing self-treat. Prilosec OTC is not the same as a PPI your doc would prescribe. Also, I think it would be a good idea to get an endoscopy and/or barium swallow to guage what is going on and if there is any damage (hopefully not).

Best,
Laura
Posted 12/12/2005 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies. Laura, no, I've never been to a doctor for my heartburn. However, I am going very soon.
Snowhite, what do you mean "eat good"? It really doesnt matter what I eat, I'll still get the heartburn...even on an empty stomach.
I'm still curious as to what causes heartburn though...too much acid or not enough acid.
Posted 12/12/2005 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
I did not know you still are getting it on a empty stomach to. then I suggest you go to youe doctor

tell him/her all your symptoms and you can go from there. there are stronger PPI's out there like prevacid, nexium. etc...

try one of these meds for awhile and if no improvement your doctor should do a barium swallow/upper GI . I have been on nexium for just about a week and it helping really good with the heartburn. it will take at least 2 months for my other symptoms which is coughing and clearing my throat alot to go away. 

I used to get heartburn every now and then . when it started to become chronic the past 2 months I was taking tagamet over the counter and

gaviscon which helped alot. but the symptoms where still there so i finally decided to go.

hopefully i caught it in the early stages.

 

Posted 12/15/2005 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
Jz,

I am new to this particular board but I just wanted to add my two cents. I have been taking Prilosec OTC for over a year and I have no problems with it. My insurance will only pay for the Prilosec OTC so my physician prescribes it for me. Hope this helps ease your mind a little.

Rene'
Posted 12/15/2005 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Prilosec OTC For a year when my GERD first started and it worked after about a month. This time around, it did NOTHING!!! I was freaked out!! I finally got so sick, I had to get an endoscopy and it revealed that I had a hiatal hernia and he gave me Nexium. The nexium is finally working but it took a month before I could even eat again!!

Good Luck and get to the doc if it does not clear up with Prilosec in a couple of weeks. Could be more serious!!

Michelle :)
Posted 12/16/2005 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah...I had very severe anxiety related acid reflux, and I tried EVERYTHING. Prilosec didnt do ANYTHING...the only thing that helped was Nexium, which was my LIFESAVER! It totally helped. I would go with nexium, its the only thing out there that worked for severe acid.
Posted 1/4/2006 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, all of the proton pump inhibitors, like Prilosec say that you aren't suppposed to take them for more than a certain amount of time but I've been on them for years at a time(my doctor prescribes them) the only problem is then for me they stop working. Nicole
Posted 1/4/2006 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, all of the proton pump inhibitors, like Prilosec say that you aren't suppposed to take them for more than a certain amount of time but I've been on them for years at a time(my doctor prescribes them) the only problem is then for me they stop working. Nicole
Posted 1/8/2006 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
Priolosec is made by Astra Zeneca which is the same company that makes Nexium. I spoke to my pharmacist and he said Prilosec becomes Nexium in the body. One is E-Omeprazole and one is Omeprazole. Same drug OTC but in the lower 20 MG dosage. But it basically is the identical drug, the only difference according to my pharmacist is the time it takes to work as the  Prilosec has to convert IN the body to the Nexium..while the Nexium is already converted chemically before you take it. eyes The pharmacist told me I could take 2 OTC Prilosec if I ever ran out of the nexium and it would be fine.

I was on Nexium for 4 years. It as any anti acid will lower your absorbtion of B12 and can lead to anemia if taken more than 3 years. I stopped taking it and went cold turkey and am now on a carb restricted diet which does help the symptoms of severe gerd, which I have. Gerd is chronic and once the LES becomes weakened you must watch what you eat or have surgery to repair it. If you have a Hiatal Hernia, this can cause problems with Gerd as well. IMO, any drug even otc drugs can have side effects or become less effective over time. Sometimes just switching medications is all anyone needs. Some people do have to remain on these medications for life. Talk to your Doctor about any symptoms and questions. This forum is great for comparing notes, but it is not intended to replace medical advice, so caveat emptor...

Jamie

Posted 1/8/2006 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
I'm taking prescription Prolisec which is probably not too much different from Prolisec OTC. Many of these meds have a disturbing time frame for usage, and it is in my belief that many have possible side effects if taken for long lengths of time. But, unfortunately, many of us have not found a way to completely cease them.

Some members like Jamie have gotten much relief w/less carb intake and no longer need meds.

I have also heard the theory of heartburn is not from too much acid, but not enough. Well, not sure about that theory, but I have occasionally taken a teaspoon of ACV when nothing else seemed to help my symptoms, and it appeared to have worked. I'm not sure if this is something that would work on a regular basis, or w/o any meds, but some people live by it. Ironically, last night I had to resort to this remedy and it worked.

Check w/dr w/all of your concerns, let us know how it goes......
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