Proton Pump Inhibitors

[MLS]

I have been taking proton pump inhibitors.  I started with aciphex 20 mgs. moved up to 40 mgs. but started having diarrhea.  They switched me to prilosec.  I have since again started to get gas/bloating/skipped beats with the gas/chest pain.  My question is:  how long does it take for the body to get used to this medication?  ANYONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THIS AND IT HAS GONE AWAY I would welcome any and all comments.

[MLS]

Hi Dr. Erik,
So you got palpitations from the aciphex also.  It took about a month for my body to adjust to the 20 mg. as far as gas/bloating, etc.  After my endoscopy they raised my dosage to 40 mg. because of Barrett's.  After about the 4th day on 40 mg. I began to get palpitations "missed beats."  I have them on occassion but nothing like this.  It was very undaunting.  Anyway, I am now on 20 mg. of prilosec.  The GI doc wanted me on 40 mg. but he said since I do not have acid that with the 1 cm of Barrett's esophagus that I can take the 20 mg. for now and that the Barrett's will not change at all.  In a year and a half when they do the next scope he can assess the situation then.  Unless of course I start to have acid reflux again.  I do get reflux on occassion (slight regurg of small amount of food) but do not have the acid with it).  Hopefully I will be able to tolerate the medication made to help all this.  For me I have found it causes the symptoms I am trying to allieviate.
Thanks again. Michelle

[Dr. Erik]

Different Proton Pump Inhibitors work differently for different people. I have tried Aciphex, prevacid,Prilosec and now the new Prilosec called Nexium. Nexium has worked the best for me. Aciphex gave me palpitations. Nexium and prevacid are the only two that did not. Good luck.