If Prevacid doesn't work. . .

[kellyyouse]

I started taking Prevacid after being diagnosed with Acid Reflux, but it's not working for me.  It's stopping the reflux, but is causing way too many side effects to be worthwhile.

My question is, can one take another Proton Pump Inhibitor like Nexium, or would that cause the same side effects?  Is it the drug itself that's causing problems, or the class of drug?  Would I be better off asking for a prescription-strength acid reducer?

I have another appointment with my PCP, and want to be prepared with info and educated before I go.

[hockeycrazy3033]

Hey there again!

I think it could be just prevacid that is causing the symptoms *as im in the same boat as you* I could be wrong though because I haven't tried anything else except something you can get anywhere like alka selzer, pepto, etc... have you tried those? Ask your doc if you can use that instead. It works just as well and doesn't cause any effects.

But yeah, when you go to your appt just tell the doctor everything you are feeling and that you think Prevacid is causing this. I'm sure they'll know what to do and will try something new. My Dad has been taking Nexium for years and he says it's absolutely great and doesn't have any effects.

[kellyyouse]

Hello again :)  Seems like we certainly have a lot in common with regards to reflux.

Since I stopped taking Prevacid, I've been taking ranitidine OTC, usually twice the amount recommended.  It helps, but it's not perfect.  Still, that's better than the side effects I've experienced on Prevacid.

Hopefully, my PCP will be understanding and knowledgeable about all of this.  I'm just really, REALLY hesitant to take another PPI after my experience with Prevacid.  I know that PPI's aid in healing damage, but I don't want to go through all of these side effects again with another medication.

[HelpinLA]

Hi, sometimes you have to try different medications to find one that works for you.   I have a chronic cough and have been through years of treatment and drugs.  See thread.  Anyway, one of the medications they gave me was actually was recommended by a patients as doctors are guessing anyway.  Try Protonix (it's really expensive but may be worth it).   Believe me, I've tried hundreds of allergy, Acid Reflux, anitbiotics etc before finding Allerx to help calm my cough.

Good luck

[catrin]

Try chinese medecine. I took prilosec for years, was miserable (it was not working). Four months ago, I went to a chinese doctor. She took my pulse, gave me a powder to take with water and within a week all symptoms were gone! I have a new life! unfortunately, you need to have your pulse taken and medecine custom made for you. but I would try it! good luck!

[catrin]

Try chinese medecine. I took prilosec for years, was miserable (it was not working). Four months ago, I went to a chinese doctor. She took my pulse, gave me a powder to take with water and within a week all symptoms were gone! I have a new life! unfortunately, you need to have your pulse taken and medecine custom made for you. but I would try it! good luck!

[maivang]

what chinese mediecine?

[maivang]

I been having diagnose with acid reflux I also have inflammation of the stomach.  My GI doctor put on omeprezole, prelosic, nexium, zantac and carafate, but this med doesn't help. I either get dirreah, headach and feel like vomit.  Now my doctor don't know what to do.  He said everthing is normal after he did a endoscopy and colonscopy. I call him today and put me on antidpressant pill, but I told him that I don't have any depression the only worry I have is my pain.

I am really need help my doctor don't know what to do anymore.  

After I eat I have pain and burn in my upper ab. Iam not a alocolic, not a smoker,  I change my diet.  I only eat plain white rice now.  I am very weak just by eating white rice.  

I am very need help now.

[Auto2005]

What side effects have you experienced from prevacid???