Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor and you can switch to another one like
Prevacid but you will still have the major expense and side effects. I have been at this for 21 years and only a ppi will work for me. Don't try to separate the capsule, it is timed release pellets and you will only waste 1 expensive capsule.
Nexium works by building up in the system and is not an immediate relief pill (take
Tums if you're looking for immediate relief). I can stretch it to 1 pill every 36 hours but if I go beyond that, I am in pain and will stay in pain until it builds up in my system. No, no, no you cannot take it several times a week! I sometimes use OTC ranitadine. I could not use it all the time but it is a quick acting pill. There is so much information online; PubMed, WebMD, even Wikipedia. If you haven't become an informed patient, start now. You are your own best advocate and if you rely on MD's to tell you what is right for your body, you will pay an enormous price with your health and well being. The tests are unpleasant and expensive and when you're done the answer will be "yep, you got it". Check out the dietary restrictions and get informed. If you need help with paying for any of the ulcer/gerd/reflux drugs, all the manufacturers that I know of offer discount cards or rebates. The help line for
Nexium is 800-647-7171. (I am not suggesting that you skip the MD (moderate doofus), you just need to be an informed partner in your health care)
