How should you take PPI medicines?

[jfriedmanx]

Hi all,

Last year, I only took one month Prevacid (I took them for 3 years before). Now, the reflux came back again. I just recently found out the long term taking PPI is not good as it kills so much acid in your stomach and the bacteria easily grows since there is no acid around.

So, how should we manage to take PPI? The doc gave me Prevacid since I had heart burn problems as I did not try other kinds.

BTW, should I lie on the left side for heartburn problem when I sleep?

Thanks for your generous help.

[Ol'Line Rebel]

Hi,

Actually, there IS acid around. There is not only pepsin, but still HCl which is the only thing PPIs work on. They do not erradicate HCl, but reduce it.

There is no indication I have read that this is "bad" for you. It may not be the best, not as good as normal, but the fact is many drugs have to be used daily forever by people and they have no real effects. My dad is epileptic and he has taken dilantin and pheno for 50 years with no issues.


As far as sleeping, it's suggested to lie on your left. This would theoretically keep most contents from ever reaching the sphincter joint, meaning no reflux should occur.

However, ironically, if you have gastroparesis like me (paralyzed stomach), it's better to lie on your right because it helps empty the stomach better - which incidentally I had been doing all along. In fact, I myself thought I felt better on my right.

But supposedly if you're just dealing with GERD, the left is the place to be.

[jfriedmanx]

Thank you very much for the help.