Got off Nexium last week...OMG!!! Help

[debbielou11]

Hi my name is Debbie, I am 49 and have been taking Nexium 40mg for approx. 6 years. I stopped taking it a week ago and I am experiencing extreme acid reflux, burning, hicupps, and having a hard time eating since throat hurts.

I briefly read through the forum and noticed other people have said that reflux would be worse after stopping nexium, is there anything I can do to help me feel better other than stepping in front of a bus?

thanks for any help
Deb

[bubblegirl]

Did you gradually wean yourself off it ot go cold turkey? It's probably better to do it gradually I would think. I take 40mg a day but I don't think it's helping as much as it use to!

[gaugreg1x]

Acid rebound is very common:

The body, however, seems to think that acid in the stomach is a good idea. Just as the blood vessels in your nose dilate after repeated use of a vasoconstrictor, so too the cells in your stomach lining work extra hard to make acid when repeatedly exposed to one of these powerful medications.

If a PPI is discontinued abruptly, acid-making cells go into overdrive, sometimes for weeks or months. Rebound acid production is a lot like rebound congestion. The resulting discomfort makes it hard not to start using the medication again.

One reader wrote: “I have been taking Protonix for heartburn for about six months. After learning of potential ill effects from long-term use (weak bones or pneumonia), I tried to stop taking it. After about a week, I had to start taking it again due to severe heartburn--the rebound effect, I suppose. I asked my pharmacist how one should discontinue use, but she was unable to find out.�

There is very little information about how to stop taking PPIs. Some doctors suggest gradual dose tapering and using weaker drugs such as Tagamet, Pepcid or Zantac during the transition
Greg

[debbielou11]

Originally Posted by bubblegirl

Did you gradually wean yourself off it ot go cold turkey? It's probably better to do it gradually I would think. I take 40mg a day but I don't think it's helping as much as it use to!

I stopped cold turkey
Do you have any side effects from taking the nexium?

Deb

[debbielou11]

Originally Posted by gaugreg1x

Acid rebound is very common:

The body, however, seems to think that acid in the stomach is a good idea. Just as the blood vessels in your nose dilate after repeated use of a vasoconstrictor, so too the cells in your stomach lining work extra hard to make acid when repeatedly exposed to one of these powerful medications.

If a PPI is discontinued abruptly, acid-making cells go into overdrive, sometimes for weeks or months. Rebound acid production is a lot like rebound congestion. The resulting discomfort makes it hard not to start using the medication again.

One reader wrote: “I have been taking Protonix for heartburn for about six months. After learning of potential ill effects from long-term use (weak bones or pneumonia), I tried to stop taking it. After about a week, I had to start taking it again due to severe heartburn--the rebound effect, I suppose. I asked my pharmacist how one should discontinue use, but she was unable to find out.�

There is very little information about how to stop taking PPIs. Some doctors suggest gradual dose tapering and using weaker drugs such as Tagamet, Pepcid or Zantac during the transition
Greg

Thanks for the info...I did take a Zantac 150mg tonight. I will try taking this instead of going back to nexium.

Can you suggest any foods that will not aggravate my situation? Also, any natural remedies?

Thanks for your help
Deb