topic Re: Stopping nexium in Wellness

Stopping nexium

jagk — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 20:17:17 GMT

Doctor wants me to stop nexium and to start taking Pepcid 40 mg. Has anyone ever done this before and is it hard to stop the nexium? I've been taking nexium about 8 years.

Re: Stopping nexium

June222 — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 21:42:25 GMT

Can I ask why he wants you to change? Just curious.

Re: Stopping nexium

Snowpuppy — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 21:42:26 GMT

Have you tried to get to the root of the problem causing heartburn, reflux, etc?

I was taking a lot of antacids and I realized I took them more to combat the soda I was drinking.

Then I realized I take them while at work......usually don't need them at home. No matter what I eat.

Re: Stopping nexium

lolakimono — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 21:57:40 GMT

@jagk

I don't have any personal experience with this, other than having a parent die from esophageal cancer.

Please read up about this.

http://www.ecan.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FactsPrevention

Nexium is supposed to be taken for two weeks at a time- max- to heal an erosion. It is not supposed to be taken as a maintenance drug, and certainly not for eight years.

Here is an analogy for you:

The burn that you experience is your body's smoke detector telling you that there is inflammation in your body.

No one wants to listen to the chirp, so they silence the smoke detector by taking out the batteries. That's what Nexium has been doing for you. It's taking away some of the symptoms, so that your body can't detect the smoke, but it isn't addressing the problem- what is causing the fire.

Esophageal cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers- a 600% increase of diagnoses in the past 35 years.

http://www.ecan.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Home

Re: Stopping nexium

Lorik62 — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 22:08:22 GMT

I would listen to your dr. and not any advice on these boards. I have a friend who has been using Nexium for many years.

Re: Stopping nexium

CaliKat — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 22:27:04 GMT

@lolakimono wrote:
@jagk
I don't have any personal experience with this, other than having a parent die from esophageal cancer.

Please read up about this.
http://www.ecan.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FactsPrevention

Nexium is supposed to be taken for two weeks at a time- max- to heal an erosion. It is not supposed to be taken as a maintenance drug, and certainly not for eight years.

Here is an analogy for you:
The burn that you experience is your body's smoke detector telling you that there is inflammation in your body.
No one wants to listen to the chirp, so they silence the smoke detector by taking out the batteries. That's what Nexium has been doing for you. It's taking away some of the symptoms, so that your body can't detect the smoke, but it isn't addressing the problem- what is causing the fire.

Esophageal cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers- a 600% increase of diagnoses in the past 35 years.
http://www.ecan.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Home

Thank you for posting this information, and the links. That's some pretty scary stuff. I've been taking Nexium for over 12 years, I've lost track. I have severe heart burn and acid reflux. The doctor who originally prescribed the Nexium for me was a gastroenterologist. He prescribed it after giving me a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. My primary care physicians have just continued to write me prescriptions for it ever since. No one has ever told me that it could possibly be dangerous for me. I will ask my doctor about it. I think I should probably have an endoscopy to hopefully rule out having Barret's esophagus.

Thanks again.

Re: Stopping nexium

jagk — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 22:37:52 GMT

@CaliKat wrote:
@lolakimono wrote:
@jagk
I don't have any personal experience with this, other than having a parent die from esophageal cancer.

Please read up about this.
http://www.ecan.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FactsPrevention

Nexium is supposed to be taken for two weeks at a time- max- to heal an erosion. It is not supposed to be taken as a maintenance drug, and certainly not for eight years.

Here is an analogy for you:
The burn that you experience is your body's smoke detector telling you that there is inflammation in your body.
No one wants to listen to the chirp, so they silence the smoke detector by taking out the batteries. That's what Nexium has been doing for you. It's taking away some of the symptoms, so that your body can't detect the smoke, but it isn't addressing the problem- what is causing the fire.

Esophageal cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers- a 600% increase of diagnoses in the past 35 years.
http://www.ecan.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Home
Thank you for posting this information, and the links. That's some pretty scary stuff. I've been taking Nexium for over 12 years, I've lost track. I have severe heart burn and acid reflux. The doctor who originally prescribed the Nexium for me was a gastroenterologist. He prescribed it after giving me a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. My primary care physicians have just continued to write me prescriptions for it ever since. No one has ever told me that it could possibly be dangerous for me. I will ask my doctor about it. I think I should probably have an endoscopy to hopefully rule out having Barret's esophagus.

Thanks again.

This is the same thing that happened to me.

Re: Stopping nexium

RedTop — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 22:59:57 GMT

Both of my adult daughters were treated for heartburn and acid reflux issues for several years. Both have had their gallbladder removed within the last year, and now neither is taking medication.

Re: Stopping nexium

Reba055 — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 00:27:53 GMT

It can be really hard to stop PPI's, especially if you have been on them for years because you will have rebound acid reflux. Your system will actually think it needs to produce more acid. From what I've read, the most successful way is to lower your nexium dose, then take something like Pepcid ever other day. Gradually replace the nexium days with Pepcid. It can take weeks or months and for some people it is really bad. Other people talk about being able to do it with apple cider vinegar.

Good luck. I've never been able to stop completely. I'm on a 20 mg dose of Protonix, but I do take other medications that cause me a lot of stomach problems. Also be aware that any acid reducer ( like Pepcid, Zantac, etc.) has some of the same risks as proton pump inhibitors.

I don't like it either. I've been on them about the same amount of time as you, but my GI doc says uncontrolled acid reflux can cause major problems, even cancer. It can also burn and irritate your lungs. I have silent reflux which happens at night when I sleep. I hope the Pepcid works for you!

Re: Stopping nexium

Vivian — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 13:10:36 GMT

Just last year, I tried switching from Aciphex, another PPI, to Pepcid 40 mg. My gastroenterologist suggested it because PPIs can cause benign gastric polyps, which

I already firm on my own. I had severe GERD, hiatal hernia...all the miserable upper gastro problems. The Pepcid didn't work for me. It's true that there can be a rebound effect with stopping PPIs. I had no problem with that but I had to return to the Aciphex because Pepcid didn't work. Meanwhile, I have yearly endoscopies to be sure everything remains OK. I think it's worth a try to switch, though.

Re: Stopping nexium

Scooby Doo — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 15:19:03 GMT

The doctor may want you to change because there has found to be evidence that proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid contribute to the possibility ot heart attack when taken for long periods of time. About a 20 percent chance, which is strong enough that patients should think about their risks and benefits.

Pepcid blocks histamine production and is not linked to heart attack.

There was a story about this on the new about two weeks ago.

Re: Stopping nexium

sidsmom — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 16:39:32 GMT

For all the posters that have been taking this medication...for YEARS (!), has your doctor suggested altering your nutrition/lifestyle to prevent taking PPIs?

I can't help but think of the famous story, "The Little Dutch Boy". The drugs represent the little boy and Nutrition/Lifestyle as the copious amount of water in the dike. As the story goes, he saved everyone by sticking his finger in the dike until someone rescued him...but unfortunately, in the case of taking drugs, no one will save you until you change what's 'behind the dike'..i.e. nutrition & lifesyle.

Re: Stopping nexium

Reba055 — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 17:17:23 GMT

@sidsmom wrote:
For all the posters that have been taking this medication...for YEARS (!), has your doctor suggested altering your nutrition/lifestyle to prevent taking PPIs?

I can't help but think of the famous story, "The Little Dutch Boy". The drugs represent the little boy and Nutrition/Lifestyle as the copious amount of water in the dike. As the story goes, he saved everyone by sticking his finger in the dike until someone rescued him...but unfortunately, in the case of taking drugs, no one will save you until you change what's 'behind the dike'..i.e. nutrition & lifesyle.

You can try to adjust your diet but here's just a few things you can't eat. Coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate, onions, peppers, most spices, a lot of beneficial veggies like broccoli, tomatoes and any tomato sauces, things like that. Medications and hormones can also cause acid reflux. Some people just have a weak sphincter, any anti anxiety med or muscle relaxers further relaxes that muscle. Hiatal hernias are another cause. I think most of us try to do good with our diet but as you age there are other factors that can contribute to reflux.

Re: Stopping nexium

sidsmom — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 17:42:44 GMT

@Reba055 wrote:
@sidsmom wrote:
For all the posters that have been taking this medication...for YEARS (!), has your doctor suggested altering your nutrition/lifestyle to prevent taking PPIs?

I can't help but think of the famous story, "The Little Dutch Boy". The drugs represent the little boy and Nutrition/Lifestyle as the copious amount of water in the dike. As the story goes, he saved everyone by sticking his finger in the dike until someone rescued him...but unfortunately, in the case of taking drugs, no one will save you until you change what's 'behind the dike'..i.e. nutrition & lifesyle.
You can try to adjust your diet but here's just a few things you can't eat. Coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate, onions, peppers, most spices, a lot of beneficial veggies like broccoli, tomatoes and any tomato sauces, things like that. Medications and hormones can also cause acid reflux. Some people just have a weak sphincter, any anti anxiety med or muscle relaxers further relaxes that muscle. Hiatal hernias are another cause. I think most of us try to do good with our diet but as you age there are other factors that can contribute to reflux.

Blaming ill health on age is just a media's way of excusing a lazy doctor's diagnosis. "You're old. Here's a pill"...no way! You can be healthy & strong as one ages! Everyone deserves this! Sometimes it's hard to reverse 60 years of poor health, but your body WANTS to 'right the ship'. It's amazing how quickly positive changes can occur when positive change happens.

I also see the word 'try' being used. If it comes down to living a long, healthy, comfortable life...choices have to be more than 'trying'. 'Trying to do good' isn't good enough. To see big changes, one must make big changes.

As my favorite quote from Yoda (Star Wars Philosophy!)

"No! Try not. Do or Do Not. There is no try!"

Re: Stopping nexium

Reba055 — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 18:54:28 GMT

@sidsmom wrote:
@Reba055 wrote:
@sidsmom wrote:
For all the posters that have been taking this medication...for YEARS (!), has your doctor suggested altering your nutrition/lifestyle to prevent taking PPIs?

I can't help but think of the famous story, "The Little Dutch Boy". The drugs represent the little boy and Nutrition/Lifestyle as the copious amount of water in the dike. As the story goes, he saved everyone by sticking his finger in the dike until someone rescued him...but unfortunately, in the case of taking drugs, no one will save you until you change what's 'behind the dike'..i.e. nutrition & lifesyle.
You can try to adjust your diet but here's just a few things you can't eat. Coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate, onions, peppers, most spices, a lot of beneficial veggies like broccoli, tomatoes and any tomato sauces, things like that. Medications and hormones can also cause acid reflux. Some people just have a weak sphincter, any anti anxiety med or muscle relaxers further relaxes that muscle. Hiatal hernias are another cause. I think most of us try to do good with our diet but as you age there are other factors that can contribute to reflux.
Blaming ill health on age is just a media's way of excusing a lazy doctor's diagnosis. "You're old. Here's a pill"...no way! You can be healthy & strong as one ages! Everyone deserves this! Sometimes it's hard to reverse 60 years of poor health, but your body WANTS to 'right the ship'. It's amazing how quickly positive changes can occur when positive change happens.

I also see the word 'try' being used. If it comes down to living a long, healthy, comfortable life...choices have to be more than 'trying'. 'Trying to do good' isn't good enough. To see big changes, one must make big changes.

As my favorite quote from Yoda (Star Wars Philosophy!)
"No! Try not. Do or Do Not. There is no try!"

I'm not disputing the fact that a good diet is good for one's health only stating that some foods that are good for you (onions, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, garlic) are bad for acid reflux. And when I say "try" I'm saying that we're not perfect and might want to have a piece of chocolate here or there, or an occasional cocktail.

I personally don't know anyone disciplined enough to never eat a food that they shouldn't unless they have an allergy. If you are, then good for you. I've yet to meet them and I know some very disciplined people when it comes to their diet.

Getting older doesn't mean you have to be unhealthy but let's face it, some conditions such as arthritis occur due to hereditary factors as well as wear and tear on the body. Same with other conditions, heart disease or diabetes for instance may be hereditary and dispite some people's best efforts, they may have to take medication and those medications may contribute to acid reflux.

I have arthritis, degenerative disc disease as well as herniated discs, stenosis, etc., etc. I have a strong family history of arthritis but I have also been in several car accidents. I have to take medications to be able to get out of bed and walk. Those medications cause stomach problems. Yes, diet is very important, but no diet is going to cure those things. I also don't always eat as well as I should because I am sick and not always able to shop for or prepare only healthy food. I'm doing the best I can. Please don't be so patronizing and assume everyone can stop acid reflux with diet. I can eat perfectly healthy and my medication is still going to cause me to have reflux. I also have nerve damage that affects my digestion. Others may be faced with similar situations.

I don't know how many times I've been lectured by a Pollyanna only to have them apologize to me after they got sick. If you are that healthy, be grateful. I can assure you that a healthy lifestyle and diet does not automatically exempt you from becoming ill.

Re: Stopping nexium

1jenniferjuniper — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 21:25:24 GMT

@Reba055 wrote:
@sidsmom wrote:
@Reba055 wrote:
@sidsmom wrote:
For all the posters that have been taking this medication...for YEARS (!), has your doctor suggested altering your nutrition/lifestyle to prevent taking PPIs?

I can't help but think of the famous story, "The Little Dutch Boy". The drugs represent the little boy and Nutrition/Lifestyle as the copious amount of water in the dike. As the story goes, he saved everyone by sticking his finger in the dike until someone rescued him...but unfortunately, in the case of taking drugs, no one will save you until you change what's 'behind the dike'..i.e. nutrition & lifesyle.
You can try to adjust your diet but here's just a few things you can't eat. Coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate, onions, peppers, most spices, a lot of beneficial veggies like broccoli, tomatoes and any tomato sauces, things like that. Medications and hormones can also cause acid reflux. Some people just have a weak sphincter, any anti anxiety med or muscle relaxers further relaxes that muscle. Hiatal hernias are another cause. I think most of us try to do good with our diet but as you age there are other factors that can contribute to reflux.
Blaming ill health on age is just a media's way of excusing a lazy doctor's diagnosis. "You're old. Here's a pill"...no way! You can be healthy & strong as one ages! Everyone deserves this! Sometimes it's hard to reverse 60 years of poor health, but your body WANTS to 'right the ship'. It's amazing how quickly positive changes can occur when positive change happens.

I also see the word 'try' being used. If it comes down to living a long, healthy, comfortable life...choices have to be more than 'trying'. 'Trying to do good' isn't good enough. To see big changes, one must make big changes.

As my favorite quote from Yoda (Star Wars Philosophy!)
"No! Try not. Do or Do Not. There is no try!"
I'm not disputing the fact that a good diet is good for one's health only stating that some foods that are good for you (onions, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, garlic) are bad for acid reflux. And when I say "try" I'm saying that we're not perfect and might want to have a piece of chocolate here or there, or an occasional cocktail.

I personally don't know anyone disciplined enough to never eat a food that they shouldn't unless they have an allergy. If you are, then good for you. I've yet to meet them and I know some very disciplined people when it comes to their diet.

Getting older doesn't mean you have to be unhealthy but let's face it, some conditions such as arthritis occur due to hereditary factors as well as wear and tear on the body. Same with other conditions, heart disease or diabetes for instance may be hereditary and dispite some people's best efforts, they may have to take medication and those medications may contribute to acid reflux.

I have arthritis, degenerative disc disease as well as herniated discs, stenosis, etc., etc. I have a strong family history of arthritis but I have also been in several car accidents. I have to take medications to be able to get out of bed and walk. Those medications cause stomach problems. Yes, diet is very important, but no diet is going to cure those things. I also don't always eat as well as I should because I am sick and not always able to shop for or prepare only healthy food. I'm doing the best I can. Please don't be so patronizing and assume everyone can stop acid reflux with diet. I can eat perfectly healthy and my medication is still going to cause me to have reflux. I also have nerve damage that affects my digestion. Others may be faced with similar situations.

I don't know how many times I've been lectured by a Pollyanna only to have them apologize to me after they got sick. If you are that healthy, be grateful. I can assure you that a healthy lifestyle and diet does not automatically exempt you from becoming ill.

Great post! Sidsmom is always lecturing about a "healthy lifestyle" pay her no mind. Tact is not one of her positives.

Re: Stopping nexium

sidsmom — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 23:16:18 GMT

Food can Heal.

Food can Kill.

It's your choice.

Let food be thy medicine,

and

Medicine be thy food.

---Hippocrates

My buddy, Hippocrates, had it right.

Re: Stopping nexium

1jenniferjuniper — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 00:49:37 GMT

@sidsmom wrote:
Food can Heal.
Food can Kill.
It's your choice.

Or

Let food be thy medicine,
and
Medicine be thy food.
---Hippocrates

My buddy, Hippocrates, had it right.

Seriously? Food does not heal all things or prevent all things!! You have no idea what you are talking about.

Re: Stopping nexium

esmeraldagooch — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 23:02:14 GMT

Interesting thread. I found I had GERD and did successfully stop it modifying my diet. Food can work, you didn't always have the problem....

By the way, there are unintended consequences from using acid blockers etc.

DEATH,Stomach cancer, Ulcers and onset of disease from your body being unable to use the foods you are eating for nutrition. You can't choose to stop digestion for long periods of time and expect the body to assimilate nutrition from large food particles in the bowel. This can also cause the body to attack it's self = auto imunine diseses.