I let acid reflux go untreated for about 20 years — just ate lots of Tums — and ended up being diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus at age 45. I’ve been on Prevacid for over 25 years. If I miss one dose, the pain from the acid reflux is excruciating. So I have no desire to stop taking it. Fortunately I haven’t had the bad side effects that y’all have experienced — I’m so sorry for all of you who are dealing with those issues.
And by the way, my gastroenterologist explained to me years ago that although prevacid wasn’t intended for long term use, I would have to be on it for the rest of my life.