@dandl48

Wouldn't taking vinegar increase your GERD since it is an acid? I take 4 generic Nexiums plus a Zantac along with D3 and magnesium. My blood work is fine.

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Why are you commenting? Do you even know anything about the body of humans? They are right, long-term use of omperazole causes the acid pumps in our stomach to shut off. Which effects the absorption of vitamins and minerals. And who are you to questions a person’s right to stop medication.

@plex091

Why are you commenting? Do you even know anything about the body of humans? They are right, long-term use of omperazole causes the acid pumps in our stomach to shut off. Which effects the absorption of vitamins and minerals. And who are you to questions a person’s right to stop medication.

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@plex091 – I don't believe any criticism or disrespect were intended; I think dadl48 was simply trying to understand what had prompted the change, and make sure that a doctor was involved in the decision/overseeing the transition. I'm sure there was no intent to hurt or upset anyone.

I'm interested to hear about your experience. Are you taking or have you taken Omeprazole? What brought you to this discussion?

@plex091

Why are you commenting? Do you even know anything about the body of humans? They are right, long-term use of omperazole causes the acid pumps in our stomach to shut off. Which effects the absorption of vitamins and minerals. And who are you to questions a person’s right to stop medication.

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Hi @plex091 and welcome to Connect. I can see that you are impassioned by a comment made in this discussion. Disagreements are fine. In fact, it is through presenting opposing evidence or information that we learn to evaluate information about our health. However, we strongly discourage attacks on fellow members, especially when they are asking a question to get more information.

Please see the Community Guidelines here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/

Colleen
Community Director
Mayo Clinic Connect

It sounds counterintuitive to use an acid to treat indigestion or GERD, but vinegar/apple cider vinegar has definitely seen its share of health claims. However, I think it is important to note that there is no medical research, published clinical trial or evidence that links using vinegar to treat heartburn.

A master's degree thesis, "to investigate the association between acid and heartburn symptoms related to GERD from a beneficial point of view. The acid chosen for the study was organic apple cider vinegar with mother…"
found that, "…compared to the placebo trial, the vinegar trials do not show significant alleviation of the heartburn sensation. Ingestion of organic vinegar appeared to alleviate heartburn symptoms for few individuals, however, the effect seemed to last only for the first 60 to 75 minutes. https://repository.asu.edu/attachments/166181/content/Yeh_asu_0010N_15671.pdf

Whether it’s lifestyle changes, medications, or a home remedies, you should always work with your doctor to create a treatment plan that’s best for you, to avoid adverse reactions. For instance..

– Vinegar may interact with certain medications – diuretics, diabetes and heart medications, laxatives interact poorly with apple cider vinegar.
– Using vinegar to treat acid reflux may also worsen your symptoms, especially if you have an ulcer. The acid can permanently damage your esophagus and cause difficulty swallowing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12376715
– Drinking vinegar, even when diluted in water, can also wear down your teeth enamel.
Here's what the experts say: https://www.cnn.com/2017/04/18/health/apple-cider-vinegar-uses/index.html

While so many of us (myself included) turn to the Internet for information and news, we tend to overlook the fact that the Internet is just as likely to be a source of misinformation; plus, using vinegar as a condiment or cooking ingredient, we tend to label it "safe" for everything. Since we have no data to support the benefits or safety of its use for heartburn, it might be a good idea to consult your doctor before using vinegar as a treatment for heartburn…and continue using it as a salad dressing for now.

I hope this helps clear up some of the confusion, and I'd really like to hear your thoughts on this matter.

Thanks @colleenyoung

@peabody88

@nightngale1998 and others – I'm curious if anyone has had any success/knows of any difference between Ranitidine (Zantac) and Famotidine (Pepcid)?

I have been on 40mg of Pantoprazole (Protonix), another Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) since 2011 when a barium swallow showed a small sliding hiatal hernia while investigating the cause of persistent nausea. I recently have been suffering from some chronic health issues since June 2018, still largely undiagnosed, but one of the findings was a low Vitamin B12 (interestingly, I had taken a B12 supplement in August for a month when it was found borderline low at that time, yet my recent reading was even lower than it was then) and a Vitamin D deficiency. One of my doctors suggested Vitamin B12 shots as opposed to the oral supplement because my Pantoprazole could be preventing me from absorbing the vitamins (might be something to ask about @mariannamum ). In return, I asked her if discontinuing the Pantoprazole was something to consider and what the alternative(s) might be (whenever I would forget to take the Pantoprazole, I inevitably ended up with nausea later that day). She said that many people are prescribed PPIs because they only require being taken once daily; the alternative would be to take Zantac or Pepcid twice daily instead. She said a "tapering" schedule for the Pantoprazole was not needed; replacing it with the Zantac/Pepcid would work immediately.

Unfortunately, I've switched to 20mg of Famotidine (Pepcid) twice daily since Wednesday, and suffered from nausea daily (not life-altering, but certainly not pleasant). On the flip side (although possibly unconnected), I had my second B12 shot and third Vitamin D prescription dose on Wednesday, and have felt a marked increase in energy/decrease in the brain fog since then. I don't know for sure it's because it was better absorbed without the PPI — it could just be I needed additional doses before it started working — but it's a possibility.

So my question is, has anyone had success using Zantac instead of Pepcid or are they essentially the same thing?

As a side note, I had an upper endoscopy two months ago that found linear gastropathy/gastritis (although no bleeding or ulcers), despite having been on the PPI for seven years; and the gastroenterologist who performed it said he hadn't seen any evidence of the hiatal hernia. Not sure if/how any of that fits in to all this, but thought I'd mention it.

Any suggestions/insight appreciated; thanks!

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I also just wanted to inform you, that my Gastroenterologist took me off Omeperazole, and added Ranitidine because it doesn't cause Osteoporosis and actually works better for myself!

It's been almost 2 years now, and no GERD symptoms, no PPI or other prescriptions. My Doc prescribed a PPI after diagnosing me with GERD. After 2 months, I experienced joint pain that started keeping me up at night, only to have a friend of mine suggest that it's a side effect of the PPI…so, after talking with my doctor, I discontinued the PPI and sure enough the joint pain went away. Desperate to find a solution, I decided to try the vinegar…this is what I've found: After several weeks, I started using 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar diluted with 7 oz of water, drank it with a straw (recommended to avoid having the vinegar affect tooth enamel), 15 minutes prior to dinners. The theory is of course is that the acid of the vinegar tells your brain to 'hold off' on sending the message for your stomach to start producing excessive amounts of acid after larger meals, with the vinegar being a more mild acid solution than your natural stomach acid. To be fair, I did stop with any coffee in the afternoons…but, I still drink several cups in the morning. And, I've switched to balsamic vinegar…it just is easier for me to drink being a grape extract as opposed to the apple. On rare occasions, probably once every 3 or 4 months, if I've 'over-done' a meal I will occasionally use pepto, the pink over the counter. The only negative is this: it took me several weeks to begin to notice a real difference…the vinegar doesn't work as fast as the PPI drugs. Also, once started, I need to be sure not to miss…if I forget to take the vinegar, by 6:30pm I can tell that there's something not happy with my stomach… even if I am at a restaurant, i'll seek out some 'malt vinegar' which most restaurants typically have. I'm otherwise very healthy, 49 years of age, male with no other dietary restrictions, other than the no coffee after noon, and I do stay away from pineapple and other citrus fruits after noon as well. thank you for this forum to be able to communicate. I did ask my doc about the vinegar prior to using, and the reply was that there 'wasn't enough studies' to merit an opinion. I thought I would contribute to this forum after I tried it for a year because it was a forum I consulted and still do with other health related issues.

@sunstriae

It's been almost 2 years now, and no GERD symptoms, no PPI or other prescriptions. My Doc prescribed a PPI after diagnosing me with GERD. After 2 months, I experienced joint pain that started keeping me up at night, only to have a friend of mine suggest that it's a side effect of the PPI…so, after talking with my doctor, I discontinued the PPI and sure enough the joint pain went away. Desperate to find a solution, I decided to try the vinegar…this is what I've found: After several weeks, I started using 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar diluted with 7 oz of water, drank it with a straw (recommended to avoid having the vinegar affect tooth enamel), 15 minutes prior to dinners. The theory is of course is that the acid of the vinegar tells your brain to 'hold off' on sending the message for your stomach to start producing excessive amounts of acid after larger meals, with the vinegar being a more mild acid solution than your natural stomach acid. To be fair, I did stop with any coffee in the afternoons…but, I still drink several cups in the morning. And, I've switched to balsamic vinegar…it just is easier for me to drink being a grape extract as opposed to the apple. On rare occasions, probably once every 3 or 4 months, if I've 'over-done' a meal I will occasionally use pepto, the pink over the counter. The only negative is this: it took me several weeks to begin to notice a real difference…the vinegar doesn't work as fast as the PPI drugs. Also, once started, I need to be sure not to miss…if I forget to take the vinegar, by 6:30pm I can tell that there's something not happy with my stomach… even if I am at a restaurant, i'll seek out some 'malt vinegar' which most restaurants typically have. I'm otherwise very healthy, 49 years of age, male with no other dietary restrictions, other than the no coffee after noon, and I do stay away from pineapple and other citrus fruits after noon as well. thank you for this forum to be able to communicate. I did ask my doc about the vinegar prior to using, and the reply was that there 'wasn't enough studies' to merit an opinion. I thought I would contribute to this forum after I tried it for a year because it was a forum I consulted and still do with other health related issues.

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@sunstriae this is very interesting to me. I have never actually had GERD but I have Barrett’s Esophagus and take omeprazole for that. I have read that long term effects from omeprazole are not good so I would love to be able to get off of it too.
Thanks for posting
JK

My doctor said to take 1/2 pill for 2 weeks, then 1/4 pill for 2 weeks, and then stop. I did this, except am still on the 1/4 pill for several months. Need to do the complete stop. 🙂

@harliegirl

I have acid reflux and getting off omeprazole is not an option but I do swallow Priosec in am and zantac afternoon with tums with needed on every third day the others I use zantac morning and evening with tums in between. I feel so much better the days I use the one Priosec(not sure I am spelling right) but I am having a calcium intake problem so I am using doctors suggestion for using tums, zantac and prilosec.

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My doctor said the way to get off omeprazole/Prilosec if you take one pill daily is to take 1/2 pill daily for 2 weeks, then 1/4 pill daily for 2 weeks, and then stop. I've been at the 1/4 pill level for several months; need to just quit!

@lelia

My doctor said the way to get off omeprazole/Prilosec if you take one pill daily is to take 1/2 pill daily for 2 weeks, then 1/4 pill daily for 2 weeks, and then stop. I've been at the 1/4 pill level for several months; need to just quit!

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@lelia I'm confused. I never knew that omeprazole had to be stopped gradually. What happens if you just stop taking it? I was taking twice the amount I am now taking and when the doctor cut that in half I had no effects from that. Plus, I have always had capsules, those would be tough to cut in half.
JK

You don't have to quit gradually, but doing so helps you body adjust. Regarding splitting the capsules, you could just switch to over the counter Prilosec; those are pills, not capsules. Hope this helps.

@contentandwell You are suppose to do it gradually. I take 40 mg 2 x a day now. I have just quit taking all at once and have done both gradually stopped it. Ether way when I stop. I am good for about 3 weeks or 4 weeks without it. Then bam it's back with a fury. I think maybe you can quit taking it, but you are talking about a tremendous lifestyle change in the way you can eat. ,
I started out with acid reflux,then it turned into gerd,and now barretts.. When you have barretts it is difficult to stop this medicine.
Possibly cutting back to 1 pill a day. But you need to give up everything just about. Live on a diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. No sugars,sweets, or fattening foods, and knock your weight to looking like scarecrow. Not counting staying away from any acidic foods, my favorite chocolate.
I wish everyone good luck who is trying to do this. I know I am trying myself too.

@travelgirl

@contentandwell You are suppose to do it gradually. I take 40 mg 2 x a day now. I have just quit taking all at once and have done both gradually stopped it. Ether way when I stop. I am good for about 3 weeks or 4 weeks without it. Then bam it's back with a fury. I think maybe you can quit taking it, but you are talking about a tremendous lifestyle change in the way you can eat. ,
I started out with acid reflux,then it turned into gerd,and now barretts.. When you have barretts it is difficult to stop this medicine.
Possibly cutting back to 1 pill a day. But you need to give up everything just about. Live on a diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. No sugars,sweets, or fattening foods, and knock your weight to looking like scarecrow. Not counting staying away from any acidic foods, my favorite chocolate.
I wish everyone good luck who is trying to do this. I know I am trying myself too.

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@travelgirl As I mentioned, I too have Barrett's but with my last endoscopy, a little over a year ago, the doctor said I didn't need to have another one for two years.
I must admit, I do not follow as rigorous diet as generally prescribed for Barrett's but have no ill effects, I must have a very mild case of it. I only take one omeprazole, 20 mg a day. It's funny that I never had acid reflux or GERD, the only symptom was hoarseness.
I love fruits and vegetables but of course citrus is out, and I don't recall being told I had to lose weight despite having been overweight at the time — actually I still am, but not nearly as much as I once was. My BMI is just over 25 now whereas it used to be over 30. I don't eat a lot of sweets but that too is something I do not recall being told to stay away from. I don't eat them because I am mildly diabetic. I do generally eat a square of very dark chocolate every morning, but I do not overdo.
The things I remember being told to stay away from were citrus, tomatoes, and coffee.
JK

@contentandwell I do also have a hernia so maybe the combo of a hernia and barrett's Being combined worsen my symptoms? That's why they said to loose weight?? Yes Coffee, Tea, Tomatoes, Citrus, Garlic, Onions, Fatty Foods, Fried Foods, Soda's, Sparking Water, ZERO Alcohol, Sugar,Chocolate, Eat several small meals a day. No food 3 hours before bedtime, no water 2 hours before bedtime. Sleep on an angle.
Might as well wire my jaw shut. LOL. Cause everything I love is on the DO NOT EAT LIST…