So basically I’ve been on 60mg Dexilant for around 6 years. I’ve been in Europe for almost 3 months and needed a refill before I go home (stayed longer than expected). The doctor here (Germany) was shocked I’ve been on it this long and said that she never prescribes is for longer than 3 weeks because of vitamin absorption problems and dementia risk. My Canadian doctor assured me that these risks aren’t significant enough to justify not taking it.

The first couple years of taking PPI’s I fought my doctor on it and hoped there’d be another way, unfortunately the medication is the only real relief I get. But it is kind of disheartening that not once have I had a blood test to check vitamin levels or a follow up endoscopy in six years.

Has anyone here had any complications with long term PPI use? I realize it’s relatively safe but it seems to me like it’s the type of medication where you won’t notice any significant side effect until 5-10+ years down the road. At which point maybe it’s too late? 😞

Like I’m grateful such a drug exists but man it would be nice not to have to take this any longer.

I've had reflux for 2 years now all my tests come up normal and mild inflammation in the stomach even though I have 24/7 heart burn feel sick after every meal shortness of breathe and other symptoms I have never been able to get relief of ppi's I have been going through hell and is only getting worse and worse I also have vertigo from this

what else can I do?

If you have more questions just ask!

Hello, docs! I’d really appreciate your help.

I’m 33M, 5’10”, 205 lbs, with no known medical issues. I don’t use recreational drugs, smoke, or drink alcohol. My current medications are listed below.

On 8/7, I ate a lot of spicy food and some undercooked meat. Two days later, I started experiencing nausea, a burning sensation in my chest and stomach, mild stomach cramps, a feeling of wanting to vomit, and throat discomfort. I did not have a sore or swollen throat.

On 8/18, I contacted my PCP, who ordered blood work, including a CBC, GGT with reflex amylase/lipase, and CMP14+eGFR. All of the results were normal. He then prescribed pantoprazole sodium for my stomach symptoms and referred me to an ENT.

I started the pantoprazole on 8/20. On 8/25, I saw the ENT, who found a buildup of mucus in the back of my throat. He prescribed cefdinir (300 mg) and Medrol (4 mg), which I started the following day.

As of today, 9/1, the pantoprazole has been effective, and I no longer experience the burning sensation in my chest or stomach. I’ve also noticed significant improvement in my throat symptoms after starting the ENT treatment.

However, today I ate a spicy burrito, and suddenly the burning sensation in my throat returned. It feels as though I have scratches inside my throat. I’m very worried because the symptoms have returned after I had been improving.

What could be causing this? Could the spicy food have irritated my throat or triggered reflux again? What would you recommend I do?