Need help tapering off PPI

I'm on Dexilant 60 mg since August 15. This is the first time in months that I have found relief from burning throat and upper esophagus, acid taste, coated tongue, etc. The relief was immediately.

Dexilant works better than the other PPIs I've taken. Only big problem is my back, hip joints and muscles hurt. This started 2 days after starting the Dexilant.

I also started sucralfate (generic Carafate) last Wednesday, Aug 31st.

My GI doctor told me it's possible I'll be able to get off the PPI if the sucralfate works.

I'm hoping I can taper off the Dexilant. I started it on August 15th and really don't know when to start tapering off. I don't want to jump-the-gun so to speak.

I read somewhere that you can purchase capsules from the pharmacy. I'd like to split the 60 mg PPI dose to 30 mgs.

Anyone have a suggestion how long I should stay on Dexilant before beginning to taper off and dividing the dose? (I have a 3 month supply on hand.)

I could ask my doctor but he doesn't have the personal experience as everyone on this board has.

Thank you kindly.

Blessings,
Cme

Spoke too soon. Burning is back full force today.

Post Edited (chaoticme) : 9/3/2011 9:57:42 AM (GMT-6)

Hi Denise,

Thanks for the reply. I truly appreciate it.

I have my schedule/diet all planned out. Not easy when I just learned my little senior rescue dog has heart disease. She's on different meds and needs dosing 9 times a day. And, this doesn't include the meds I must put in her food twice daily! Between the two of us, I live with a timer in my pocket!

I'm now convinced the sucralfate caused my indigestion yesterday. I was fine until roughly an hour after taking it. I took Gaviscon and normally this gives me relief. Now it took time and a lot of water to get rid of it.

I've been taking it since last Wednesday but thinking back, I do remember having mild indigestion and thought this was odd as my problem is mostly LPR.

Same thing following the second daily dose of sucralfate! I checked the side effects and there it is: Indigestion! Needless to say I stopped taking it.

I'm amazed at how these meds affect people so differently! I wish we could say "one blanket fits all" but unfortunately what works for one might not work for someone else.

I've been on several PPIs and Dexilant worked where others didn't. But, I'm afraid I won't be able to stay on it. The pain is back excruciating. And yes, the pain did start with Dexilant.

Do you know if PPIs are interchangeable? I have several kind on hand and would like to switch around.

Thank you kindly.

Blessings,
Cme

Hi Cme,

 

Thanks for the advice.  I know what you mean about how things affect people in such different ways.  I've only had good results from Carafate--especially the suspension.  Also, I have never had noticable side effects with PPI's.

I expect that PPI's are interchangable.  I've had mine changed several times and I have not had to wait any time in between the changes.  I started with Prilosec, went to Nexium, then started on Protonix, and never had even a day of waiting time in between them.  (Mine were switched looking for better results, not side-effects.)

Good luck finding something that works!

Denise

Hi Lillye,

 

If you're suffering from gastritis and esophagitis no amount of cajoling from your loved ones can get you to eat more.  I remember just taking a spoonful of mashed potato with a touch of gravy gave me immediate stomach pain.  If you're like I was, eating the tiniest amount makes you feel stuffed and in pain.

If you can't tolerate milk products my comfort food won't work for you.  I found egg custard to be the only thing I could tolerate during those episodes.  I ate it almost exclusively.  (Not a very balanced diet, but better than nothing!)  I do know it's very individual, and some don't find it as comforting to the stomach as I did.

I think you'll just have to keep doing the trial and error test of what you can eat.  Use your own good judgement...you know what will bother you...just test things that seem like they won't irritate.  I hope you find something you can enjoy and will work for you.

The Carafate Suspension coats things nicely so you don't get as irritated.  The more doses you can get into yourself in a day the better.  Mine says four times a day.  If you're not eating it shouldn't be as difficult (sad face).  It takes time, but it will make a difference.  Do you take a PPI to reduce acid?

Hang in there...sorry you're struggling so.

Denise

Thank Droper. I'll check into Zantac. I've used Pepcid before but never Zantac. I hope I can use it to taper off.

I do have a wedge on my bed and sleep on my left side, also am very careful with my diet.

Blessings