Trying an alternative to nexium

[elleng]

after I asked my GP if I should avoid nexium (which I've used for some years.)

He suggested zantac, a/k/a https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranitidine

[SoCalNative]

1. I've read from various sources

that the Zantac and others of that type are far less damaging. But don't quit the Nexium cold turkey. I've been slowly weening myself off by lowering and spreading out doses of Nexium. So far, so good and I haven't had any issues. *knock wood*

[elleng]

5. Took my usual bite of Tums, when first felt the 'burn,'

and after went to pharmacy, took 1 'zantac.' Things fine now. Will keep nexium in my purse.

[Warpy]

2. Zantac is shorter acting and is an H2 antagonist instead of a proton pump inhibitor

which probably doesn't mean much unless you're a medical nerd except to say the drugs work completely differently. You'll have to take the Zantac twice a day instead of once a day and there will likely be breakthrough pain when the dosage is due, at least that's been my experience.

Zantac also has fewer side effects, which is why it would be good to swap over to it if you can tolerate the swap.

[elleng]

6. Yes; I'm prepared to take 2X/day.

Not concerned about 'breakthrough pain,' as Tums is always at my side.

[grasswire]

3. how's it going?

You know that you need to wean off. Alternating one and the other for a period of time. Going directly off a PPI likely will have a very bad rebound and make things worse.

I am weaned off of PPI and now just on some Pepcid. (Famotidine)

The risk of esophageal cancer with PPI is just too great despite the good way they control heartburn.

[elleng]

7. Fine, grass, but this is my first day.

Prepared to take it 2X/day, and supplement with Tums.

[grasswire]

10. might want to google rebound from d/c PPI nt

[SoCalNative]

8. I've only been doing it

going into my second week..started at 1/2 pill (10mg) every day..now doing 1/2 pill every 2 days. Will slowly space out the doses over the next few weeks.

[metroins]

4. I was just rxd prilosec

Aka omeprazole

I don't have acid reflux but I damaged by voice box by speaking at a meeting. Doctor said this should help fix it in 3 weeks and to lay off my voice.

When I get heart burn we usually take Zantac and it works awesome. I'm not sure why they rxd prilosec to me but that's what I'll be taking.

[grasswire]

9. yeah be careful

don't stay on it

[metroins]

11. I've Googled it

I haven't found any real downsides of being on it.

Do you mind elaborating?

It shows a possibly lower chance of cancer in the esophagus, which I'm a public speaker, is a slight worry.

[Roland99]

12. I was on Prilosec or Nexium for about 3 years straight. Don't take any of them anymore!

I sound like a freakin' infomercial ad but I'm nothing but astounded at this "essential oil" called DigestZen.

I'd been trying to go off Nexium for a while, esp. after seeing and hearing about the kidney-related issues from being on that type of medication long-term. I went on a diet and came down about 25lbs from a near-peak high weight for me. Got my BMI back to about 23. That helped some but I'd still have bouts of stomach acid/heartburn pain a few times a week. Didn't want to go back to the daily doses of Nexium or using something like Tums or Gaviscon.

My mother-in-law was in town a couple of months ago and left me a bottle of DigestZen. I started trying that and it worked just about immediately. Only drawback I've found is it lets off a rather strong aroma (reminds me of Vicks Vapor Rub). But I'll spray a t-shirt with a body spray (love those Bath and Body Works coupons!) and wear my normal button-down over that, too, so my co-workers don't notice.

Anyway, I just kinda tilt the bottle up against my stomach for a quick half-second and then lean forward and rub it in with the bottle against my skin (so my fingers/hands don't get the oil/smell on them). Let it dry a min or two and then get dressed.

I've been off Nexium now since about Labor Day and still have plenty left in the bottle to get me thru about Thanksgiving I'd reckon.

I've never really been one for homeopathic or alternative remedies but holy crap. This stuff works! I can even handle tomato-based sauces which usually really make me pay for it afterward.

Just started looking online to see what's in the stuff and haven't found much but the reviews on Amazon are nothing but 4- and 5-stars (just submitted one, myself)

I'm so glad to be off stuff like Prilosec or Nexium.

Just my $0.02 (whatever that's really worth)

[leftyladyfrommo]

13. I changed my diet.

I went on the Dash diet for my blood pressure. My heartburn went away. I was able to just stop taking ne xium and am now using Zantac instead.

And I am off blood pressure meds as well.

[elleng]

14. Glad you're doing well.

Haven't changed my diet, doesn't seem to matter what or when I eat, so I now alternate: nexium days/zantac days.

[leftyladyfrommo]

15. One thing the might help is Prelief.

It is sold at CVS and Walgreens. People with interstitial cystitis use it. You take a couple with each meal and it takes all the acid out of the food you eat.