How long do PPIs take to work on an ulcer?

03-20-2013, 01:36 PM

My primary thinks I might have an ulcer. I've been taking Prevacid daily before breakfast for the last five days.

My symptoms started almost three weeks ago. I've got some mild abdominal discomfort and, most recently, a slight burning sensation in my upper abdomen into my throat. I can eat OK, but I'm not terribly hungry; eating seems to aggravate the burning sensation. I don't have any night-time symptoms that I'm aware of.

If this is an ulcer, how long until I feel better?

I don't want to wait too long before saying the meds aren't working. But I don't want to jump the gun either -- I want to give them a chance.

Any thoughts? How concerned should I be?

03-22-2013, 04:58 PM

It sounds like you might have acid reflux or GERD. PPI's when used for that purpose usually work within a day or less depending on your system. If there is an ulcer present, they take up to a month to work. From what you are explaining it does sound like reflux, all that burning and a yucky taste in your mouth. 5 days should have worked for the GERD so it might be an ulcer after all. An endoscopy would be of help to you if you have no relief in a month or you might need 2 a day, 1 for morning and 1 for night. Give it a little more time and see if the symptoms subside at all. If not, call doctor again. Feel better

03-22-2013, 05:35 PM

Hi Linda,

Can an ulcer cause GERD-like symptoms? I've started having heartburn at night, which wakes me up.

BTW, I stopped the Prevacid just before the heartburn started. That's because I've been referred to a GI specialist, who will do a test for H. pylori, and the PPI will interfere with the test. So my primary told me to stop it.

This is really frustrating -- and a little scary -- because all of these symptoms appeared about three weeks ago and have gotten worse.

Any insight/advice would be appreciated.

03-22-2013, 08:25 PM

Depending on where the ulcer is located in the stomach it will start to heal as soon as you start the PPI but will take up to 1 to 2 weeks before you get to feeling better also it took 6 to 8 weeks to completely heal but unless you get a upper GI they cannot say for sure if its healed 100% but the symptoms will be gone I have had several ulcers over the years along with having GERDS for almost ten years so although I'm no doctor or expert just sharing my exp with it
Good luck and hang in there.

How long do PPIs take to work on an ulcer?

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