Gaviscon advance is really good (advance bit is important) It forms a seal over the contents of stomach and stops the acid coming up your throat - therefore if you have a drink/food the seal gets broken.
If the pantoprazole is for acid reflux it will take a few days to work really well and hopefully you will get less reflux/heartburn
There are downsides to being on PPI's and the advice is usually to be on as low a dose as possible for the shortest time - but like all things you have to weigh the risk against the benefits. Some people have to be on PP's forever to reduce the progress of various conditions that can lead to cancers but your doctor will tell you, or the only way they can come off lower doses is to have surgery which isn't always successful. Hopefully your symptoms will resolve and you can lower dose and stop altogether, I am guessing especially if syptoms caused by an ulcer which would hopefully heal.
I know the lifestyle changes (especially weight control) can really help too.
Acid Reflux, PPI's After PMR. Advice Please.
Debilitating acid reflux, sleep deprivation, end of my tether!
Severe reflux
Reflux and Omeprazole
acid reflux and headache 
