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Dexilant 90mg day!!!!

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Posted 8/17/2018 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
I have GERD with Barrett's and the doctor initially prescribed 40mg of Omeprazole in the morning. It made my symptoms worse and I was miserable. He switched me to 60mg of Dexilant and it helped a lot. However, usually after dinner, symptoms of heartburn, heaviness, etc. would start again and the burning in my chest usually woke me at night. I tried taking zantac, Mylanta, etc. but it didn't help.

I saw the doctor today and he initially told me take the Dexilant twice a day, before breakfast and before dinner. I was astonished; that's 120mg. He then told me to try 30mg and he gave me another prescription. So now it's 90mg per day! Plus it's very expensive and I can't afford two prescriptions. A 90day supply is $387! When I meet my deductible it will be $98 but that's only for the 60mg. I am so upset and frustrated. First because of the documented side effects of PPI's and I'm suppose to take this for the rest of my life.

Do anyone have any input how I can control heartburn at night without PPI's!
Posted 8/17/2018 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
These things might be obvious but....

Have you tried sleeping on a wedge or elevating the head of your bed with blocks? Before I had surgery for my reflux, I used a wedge that went between my mattress and box spring. By elevating the whole bed, I couldn't roll off of it, nor was it damaging to the headboard. I believe it was called a mediwedge; you can try Googling to see if they still are available.

Another tip is to stop eating 3-4 hours before laying down for bed.

FWIW, I had LPR and Dexilant taken two times daily at 120 mg was the only PPI that provided any relief without crazy side effects.
Posted 8/17/2018 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi miljake, I agree with you that 120mg seems really high. I would recommend getting a second opinion.

Personally, I was on 80mg for a number of months after being diagnosed with serious erosive esophagitis. Now, post Nissen fundoplication, the dosage has been reduced back to 40mg again thankfully. I'm not sure about you, but I got the impression that the high dosage of PPI was making me constipated to an extent. Besides that, I feel like with such a reduction in the effectiveness of your stomach acid surely your ability to digest and absorb nutrients will be affected.

As for the Nissen fundoplication, it may be an option worth looking at. Although to be frank, 1 month post surgery I can't really comment as to how successful mine has been. In fact, it's been a rough ride so far, but they say it take up to 6 months for most the healing.
Posted 8/18/2018 11:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all, thanks for your replies; I truly appreciate any input. Yes, to answer your questions I do it all, I raise the head of my bed (I have an adjustable bed); don't eat after dinner so it's 4-5 hours before bedtime, etc.

Along with Gerd I have Barrett's with slight dysplasia in the crypt.

I can't afford Dexilant; it's much too expensive. The next PPI to try is Nexium but I believe its close to omeprazole and taking that made me sick. I feel totally hopeless and don't know what to do. I know the acid needs to be controlled but PPI's don't agree with me and surgery right now, according to the doctor is not an option because it's not necessary. His words, "I'm no where near that option".

Does anyone use alternatives such as DGL, aloe juice, mastic gum, etc. I was taking these but wonder if it was interfering with the PPI"s. And supplements; when should probiotics and other supplements be taken? Does it matter if I take it in the AM along with the PPI or should I wait? Of course doctors don't comment on alternative anything.
Posted 8/20/2018 12:28 PM (GMT 0)
I can't give you any input about the natural alternatives, you should speak to your doctor before taking any of them. You might want to try OTC pepcid before bedtime. You can get it inexpensively at places like Sam's or Costco. It should give you enough help during the night until you take the Dexilant in the morning. Protonix was the only PPI that worked for me, everyone is different. I agree with a second opinion.
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