What seems to be the routine is that if you’re diagnosed with GERD a PPI is prescribedand because it works it just keeps getting represcribed , filled, and taken without any real thought on the part of the dr. And the patient relies on the dr to provide guidance. I feel this same process happens all the time with other drugs. I was lucky enough to have an insightful PT who cared enough to really encourage me to get off it years ago after taking it for about 2 years. When I called the gastroenterologist office to let them know what I was thinking and planning to do they told me in no uncertain terms that this was a mistake. I would suffer serious discomfort and issues. I decided to forge on anyway and had NO problems. So glad I did!!!! Good luck to you!!!