Prilosec

[Fabbs]

Prescribed up the ying yang for ulcers, heartburn GERD acid stomache etc.
Does it do more harm then good?
Does it knock out all acid from the gut -which is bad. We're supposed to have some.
I'm not taking it but know plenty who are.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/05/Why-You-Should-Get-Off-Prescription-Acid-Reducing-Drugs-ASAP.aspx
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/02/06/acid-production.aspx

[Spur|n|Austin]

I use HEB's generic version of Prilosec which contains the same ingredient, Omerprazole. I take a pill a day and never have heart burn or acid reflux, though I'm sure it has its negative long term effects.

[mrsmaalox]

I don't use it because I don't need it, but I also don't take Dr. Mercola's advice for anything.

[mrsmaalox]

I can take it.

[CavsSuperFan]

Wonder what would happen if YOU PEOPLE with chronic heart burn ate less spicy food & more fresh fruit? I mean HEB even chops it up for you….:lmao

[ploto]

Wonder what would happen if YOU PEOPLE with chronic heart burn ate less spicy food & more fresh fruit?

Citrus and fresh tomatoes are awful for my reflux!

[Death In June]

It has its place in therapy, but as you point out, the drawback to proton pump inhibitors (the class that Prilosec is a member of) are that they work too well and are potentially over-utilized, particularly in the setting of stress ulcer prophylaxis. While they work, and work well, once you're on a PPI for an extended period of time, they're hard to get off of for various reasons, chief among them being a rebound hypersecretion of stomach acid. That's not to say there aren't instances they're indicated and indicated for periods of time longer than two weeks. But, like most things in medicine, it's disease specific and patient specific. It's just important to keep in mind that misusing them sets you up for respiratory infections from bacteria residing in the gut (acid normally suppresses these bacteria), osteoporosis, anemia, and gastrointestinal infections. As far as short term, intermittent use for symptoms of reflux, my personal bias is that you're generally free of the majority of complications, assuming you're healthy and do not have problems with aspiration etc.

[Thread]

I've used it for 15 years and it's a Godsend.

[UZER]

I don't use it because I don't need it, but I also don't take Dr. Mercola's advice for anything.

Do you not need it because you are Maalox?

[tlongII]

It is a miracle drug. I've been taking it daily for years. Just like Celebrex.

[byrontx]

It's not spice but acidic foods and grease that kicks it into gear. Tomato paste and factory foods should be avoided.