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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
How long on Nexium?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
How long on Nexium?
by ksf31, May 13, 2003 12:00AM
Im a 31 white male recently diagnosed with a mild form of esophagitis as a result of acid reflux. Had the usual symptons - chest paint, burning pain in base of stomach, pains in back. Had an endoscopy which revealed I had espophagitis. Consultant told me afterwards to take nexium 40mg for six weeks and note results and take some afterwards if necessary. I completed the course and felt very good taking a 40mg nexium pill once per day. I returned to my doctor to get a new perscription and he has now put me on 20mg nexium once a day as a 'step down'. Problem is I feel worse again on this lower dose. I do not feel as bad as I did before nexium, but the discomfort is obvious and annoying. The doctor told me to take 20mg nexium for one week and then use the remaining weeks worth to take whenever I need to.
So, it seems Ive come to the end of my course of nexium 20mg and I do not feel very good. Personally, Id rather stay on 40mg nexium as I felt really good then. But Im sure thats probably not a good idea to be on them longterm.
Should I be convincing my doctor to let me stay on nexium longer and if so on a higer dose? Having been told this is a mild form of esophagitis, Im surprised Im still feeling so much discomfort.
Im doing all the recommended things for to relieve the problem in terms of diet and lifestyle changes. Interestingly, I feel best when I havent eaten in a while or when my stomach is empty.
Thanks for any advice :)
So, it seems Ive come to the end of my course of nexium 20mg and I do not feel very good. Personally, Id rather stay on 40mg nexium as I felt really good then. But Im sure thats probably not a good idea to be on them longterm.
Should I be convincing my doctor to let me stay on nexium longer and if so on a higer dose? Having been told this is a mild form of esophagitis, Im surprised Im still feeling so much discomfort.
Im doing all the recommended things for to relieve the problem in terms of diet and lifestyle changes. Interestingly, I feel best when I havent eaten in a while or when my stomach is empty.
Thanks for any advice :)
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 13, 2003 12:00AM
, May 13, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - thanks for asking your question.
Normally it is recommended that step down therapy be tried after 8 weeks on a dose that relieves symptoms. If you continue to have symptoms on the lower dose, you may require the dose to be increased back to 40mg.
Although PPIs are relatively safe (studies done on omeprazole - another PPI in the same class of Nexium - show no clinically significant adverse effects after 15 years), patients who require continuously high doses may consider surgery for definiteve treatment. This is something to discuss with your primary care physician or gastroenterologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Normally it is recommended that step down therapy be tried after 8 weeks on a dose that relieves symptoms. If you continue to have symptoms on the lower dose, you may require the dose to be increased back to 40mg.
Although PPIs are relatively safe (studies done on omeprazole - another PPI in the same class of Nexium - show no clinically significant adverse effects after 15 years), patients who require continuously high doses may consider surgery for definiteve treatment. This is something to discuss with your primary care physician or gastroenterologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Member Comments
by Masha412, Jan 25, 2009 01:25AM
A related discussion, Nexium was started.
by madlyn, Feb 09, 2009 10:54PM
A related discussion, Long term treatment Nexium was started.
