Is it normal that I always have to take dexilant to prevent my heartburn from coming back?

Question

According to my doctor, my stomach problems are completely normal... However, as soon as I stop taking the dexilant, they come back a few weeks later. Insomnia, intense nausea, nighttime reflux, little appetite. Very disabling symptoms. Is it dangerous to take Dexilant continuously? Hello, Actually, I started having all the symptoms of gastritis (or ulcer, but the doctor didn't seem to think it was that...) in August. I targeted three things that probably caused this condition: I was taking anti-inflammatories fairly often (back pain and torticollis that came back regularly), I was drinking coffee on an empty stomach, and I was drinking alcohol (not really overdoing it, a few times a week). So my doctor prescribed Dexilant for about a month. Everything went away, but the symptoms came back in January. I never went back on any anti-inflammatory medication since August, and I was limiting myself to one coffee a day and a few drinks a week, not every week. So my doctor advised me to go back on the Dexilant when necessary. However, I am now afraid of relapsing when I stop it. Foods that are too spicy also seem to trigger the symptoms, especially alcohol. I don't take any of these foods in excessive amounts, and I am careful about what I eat (not too much fried/fatty, among other things). Should I ask my doctor to investigate further? She seemed to think my condition is normal...but I'm the type to constantly worry about my health!

Alexandre Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello Ma'am, At your age, it is a bit surprising that you have to use Dexilant on a daily basis. Have you ever identified a food or foods that seem to be involved in your pain? As for taking it continuously, it reduces the absorption of Magnesium, Calcium and Iron, among others. It is preferred not to take this medication every day for several years as it can increase the risk of fracture, among other things. I don't think it's necessary to investigate further, no. In my opinion. just take Dexilant™ occasionally, for example: When your symptoms appear, use the medication for 7 days, even if the symptoms go away after a day of taking it; When you plan to eat spicy food or drink more alcohol, take one tablet in the morning as a preventative. Don't take it the next day (unless you have symptoms); Plan to take Dexilant™ no more than 15 days per month. Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs by mouth (and by cream like Voltaren™, if possible). Happy day:) Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist