Coming off PPIs

[Orchard33]

Not taken one for 2 weeks but last night symptoms so bad I took 10mg. It worked within the hour. Will take now when the symptoms are bad enough and will also continue my complementary regime.I'm speculating that the symptoms were both actual symptoms but mostly rebound symptoms. I'll find out.

[Luisa22]

It sounds good that you might get off them if you can. If you get symptoms, I wonder if just an antacid tablet might help to tide you over? They'd neutralise excess stomach acid if and when needed but wouldn't actually prevent the stomach from producing a normal amount for natural digestion.

[Orchard33 in reply to Luisa22]

Thanks for your suggestion. I'm using Gaviscon for symptomatic treatment but an antacid would be a good option.

[Luisa22 in reply to Orchard33]

Yes, an antacid is more controllable somehow, so long as they're just taken when there's an acidy indigestion feeling and not over used. They're not going to stop the stomach producing natural stomach acid as PPIs do, just help if there's a bit too much. I always have some spearmint Rennies in the house, and occasionally need one. Those are just Magnesium and Calcium, and have never done me any harm as far as I can tell. But I have never over used them.

[Orchard33 in reply to Luisa22]

Thank you for your suggestion. I will try them.

[Andann]

I find thr odd peppermint and/or gaviscon works.......

But see this warning about common side effects

(It didnt copy)

Healthnavigator.govt.nz

[Andann in reply to Andann]

healthnavigator.org.nz

[Superzob]

Rebound is very common with PPIs and, since 10mg is generally the lowest dose, it’s difficult to reduce more gradually. However, I understand they have a long half-life (several days) so they will stay in the system for some time; that might allow you to reduce the dose by taking one every other day, and still get some benefit until you can wean yourself off completely.

[Orchard33 in reply to Superzob]

Thanks very much. Very useful. I'm playing it by ear.

[Icanchangethislater]

If you’re in the UK, you might want to try Gaviscon Advance. It has much more sodium alginate than the U.S. brand. Sodium alginate forms a protective “raft” between your stomach contents and your esophagus to prevent reflux. I’m in the U.S. and get it on Amazon (expensive here). BTW sodium alginate is made from seaweed. The other option of taking something like famotidine while titrating off PPIs is also a good way to go.

[Orchard33 in reply to Icanchangethislater]

Thank you for your suggestion. I have taken Gaviscon and it is effective. My main concern with it is the amount of sodium. I'm trying Rennies as a none sodium remedy.

[Bluey99]

I weaned myself off Omeprazole. I was getting some of the side effects you can get after being on it for a period of time) I was on 20mg a day for 3 years or so. I went to 10 mg a day then to every other day. Then stopped completely. I also made lifestyle changes as well. Lost weight, eating smaller meals, reduced caffeine and alcohol intake, not eating after 7.00pm in the evening amongst other things. So far so good. I use gaviscon advanced if I feel the need to (usually after a few drinks). Hope this helps. I was diagnosed with a 5cm sliding hiatus hernia last October.

[Orchard33 in reply to Bluey99]

Thank you for your comments. I'm awaiting a gastroscopy to have a look at the state of my stomach. That will be an important step after 20 years on h2 blockers followed by a PPI.

[Bluey99 in reply to Orchard33]

the gastroscopy and diagnosis answered a lot of questions for me. I hope it does for you too. I had a polyp removed and checked as part of the process as well.

I’d been having the symptoms for years before going on the Omeprazole. I went on those after having a continual sore throat over a 3 month period in which time I was referred to ENT and sent for an MRI on my throat. I still occasionally get the sore throats but nothing like I used which also tells me I have the reflux under control a bit more.

[Orchard33 in reply to Bluey99]

I hope to have questions answered and some reassurance that there is no serious harm. And just as important, once again I feel I'm taking control back. That is healing for me, even with symptoms.

[Icanchangethislater]

Well darn. Good luck with the Rennies! I had to look them up. ☺️

[Orchard33 in reply to Icanchangethislater]

Yes siree, will try the Rennies out.