prilosec - dosage and when do you take it? - Digestive Disorders Message Board

duppy · 01-04-2003, 08:19 AM

I'm taking another course of prilosec (40mg per day)for acid reflux. My doc instructed me to take it before food but it makes me very drowsy. So to all prilosec users or people who take other PPIs, when do you take it and what's your dosage? Does it work if you take it before sleep?

YesterdaysChild · 01-04-2003, 12:48 PM

Hi

Is what you're taking an antacid? It probably won't hurt you if you take it for short term, just make sure to ask your doc about alternatives for the longer term. I read that antacids taken long term is not good for anybody:

Antacids contain aluminum which blocks the system necessary to detoxify our body. The result is increased allergies and weight gain. Continual use of antacids destroy the body's ability to digest food.

I'm not sure if all anatacids contain aluminum so you should ask your doctor. I think consumption of yogurt or supplements that contain lactobacillus sporogenes would be a good idea:

Lactobacillus sporogenes is healthy bacteria needed for proper digestion and colon protection. Parasites destroy also breed fungus without sufficient acidophilus in the body.

GOOD LUCK!

russ60 · 01-05-2003, 12:31 PM

The dose recomended by the manufacturer is 20 mgrams daily for GERD. Some doctors recommend taking it before going to bed and other think you should take it 1 hour before breakfast.

SamQKitty · 01-07-2003, 11:52 PM

I take 40mg of prilosec daily, in the AM, right after breakfast.

I have heard of recommendations that it should be taken at night, that the dosage should be divided (i.e., 1/2 in AM, 1/2 before bedtime, etc.)

I think whatever works for you is fine! If it makes you sleepy, try taking it at night.

Also, for the person who mentioned antacids: Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor. It stops the mechanism that produces stomach acid. It does not contain aluminum.

It used to be thought that you couldn't be on it for more than a few months at a time; however, that thinking has changed in recent years. I have been on it for nearly 5 years with no apparent side effects. I have an endoscopy about every 2 1/2 years to check for Barrett's and any other potential problems.