alternatives to my daily PPI's?

I was doing some research today and had an unpleasant realization - the PPI's I have been taking since surgery may be responsible for my sudden allergy to shrimp which is sort of scary and not cool.

It started me on some research looking for holistic/naturopathic alternatives to PPI's and I'm wondering if anyone here has had any luck with alternatives. Alternatively, has anyone weaned themselves off of a ppi with success?

I have tried to wean off of the PPI's without success after each 2 week course. The acid + noisy belly return rapidly. From what I am reading even products like tums can cause problems when used long term.

Thanks in advance...

Laurie

PPIs have a rebound effect, so when you go off them you will have worse reflux than when you started.  You could try transitioning to an H2 blocker, like pepcid or zanac.  I was able to do that successfully, then stepped down the frequency of the H2 blocker so I'm only taking it as needed.  You can also take regular antacids while on an H2 blocker, for breakthrough reflux.

This is really helpful, thanks! So, I will switch from Prilosec to Pepcid, I assume daily, right? I'll add tums as needed while I decrease the Pepcid. Did you reduce the dose of the H2, or just change the dosing pattern e.g. taking them further apart?

I just started a new course of Pepcid so I will start this when it finishes.

Thanks again,
Laurie

I changed the dosing pattern, but changing the dosage would probably work as well.  I stopped taking my daily PPI, got the rebound effect, and started a daily H2 blocker.  Then I went every other day, then as needed.  It took a few months to get back to normal.