Transitioning from a PPI to an H2 blocker

10 years ago or so, I had severe symptoms of having food stuck in my esophagus and not being able to swallow or bring food back up. This put me in the hospital a few times until an endoscopy diagnosed me with a schatzki ring. My gastroenterologist nipped it in one or two places and prescribed omeprazole 20 mg once per day. This worked fine for years. My current primary care physician wants me to come off of this proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and use an H2 blocker instead. I agree. I tried about a 10-day transition alternating between the two medications and then went to the H2 blocker (Famotidine) for 3 months with no omeprazole. I had swallowing difficulty symptoms almost every meal. They were mild to severe ( inability to swallow or bring food back up for 20 minutes with a production of fluid [saliva?] which required spitting and some small amounts of food coming up). So, I went back on Omeprazole about a month ago. Now I have obtained a prescription both. I would like to try to wean myself off of the PPI and onto an H2 blocker again. Here is my plan:
● Alternate omeprazole 20 mg /day early am with famotidine 20 mg before breakfast and dinner for 14 days. Then alternate with PPI every 3rd day for 14 days. Then alternate with PPI every 4th day for 14 days.
Does anyone have any experience with this transition? Any suggestions.

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Going to transition to see if this will avoid heart palpitations that have started to occur after a year on nexium.

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@mrsbeard26

I’ve been on Prevacid my entire adult life. 27 years. Slowly transitioning off. I’m scared.

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I just found your comment. I too have been on Prevacid since age 27! I’m 51 now… it’s just been a week, and I started famotidine 20 mg daily as supper time. I’m miserable. I am going to add another famotidine 20 mg to mornings. I’m so scared. I wish I had never got on Prevacid. I’m hoping I can completely get to some sort of relief.

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@mountainmama73

I just found your comment. I too have been on Prevacid since age 27! I’m 51 now… it’s just been a week, and I started famotidine 20 mg daily as supper time. I’m miserable. I am going to add another famotidine 20 mg to mornings. I’m so scared. I wish I had never got on Prevacid. I’m hoping I can completely get to some sort of relief.

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Usually, the recommendation is to do the switch slowly. So, if it's a difficult transition you could continue the prevacid every second day or do some other more gradual change. Also, try the Gaviscon that has sodium alginate in it. It's very helpful and blocks the acid from coming into your esophagus. You can take Tums too.
And do the other recommended issues for acid reflux (sleep on a wedge, avoid caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and more...) See the internet

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@mrsbeard26

I’ve been on Prevacid my entire adult life. 27 years. Slowly transitioning off. I’m scared.

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@mrsbeard26 I was on 40mg protonix 22y's. Had to be off for frequent tests & just put away all the antacids. I belched quite a bit the 1st 3wks. Been off near 3mo's. Less heartburn & indigestion. Totally committed to diet free from acidic & triggers. Best to you on your journey

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