ugetslot, I personally like the Bentyl better....less side effects for me. I had blurred vision with the Levsin and it caused constipation. My doctor approved 40 mg Protonix & the 20 mg Protonix and so did my insurance. These are one of those meds you are not supposed to cut in half, so I couldn't cut the 40 down. I use to take 1 40 mg with breakfast and then 1 40 mg at a lunch or suppertime (best I remember) and then I took 1 Pepcid AC at Bedtime. When tapering, I took 1 40 mg in the morning and then just the Pepcid AC at night. I then tapered from the 40 mg Protonix in the a.m. and took 1 Protonix 20 mg in the a.m. and 1 Pepcid AC at bedtime. I had no problems.

I take Gaviscon (2 tablets...over the counter) before a meal if I get a flare up during the day or the Ginger chews by Prince of Peace (Amazon) and they both work great. My gastro doctor said if your IBS is flared up....your reflux is flared up and vice versa. So true. I had an endoscopy last May and I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia but everything else looked great in which I was most grateful.

I would love to get off the PPI (Protonix) altogether and just take Pepcid AC. Due to having a hiatal hernia my gastro doctor does not think it will work, but, said I could try. The down side to that is, when I tried to come off Protonix 20 mg in the past, I got really bad reflux and had to go back on it and it took a while to calm it the reflux back down. Spicy foods can really do a number on my gut, so I try and stay away from them and raw onions.

I have lost around 20 lbs (weight in the middle is hard on reflux and IBS), and I am working on getting off a few more pounds. The doctor said the worse thing for reflux is extra weight. Nothing to eat after 6:30 except skinnypop popcorn or an apple. I also cannot take NSAIDS (Motrin, Advil, Aleve & prescription Mobic) as these cause really bad reflux for me. I'm so sorry you are battling this for so long. I was exhausted with the reflux and IBS flare up after COVID. Praying much you will get better.