Millions of people may be obsessed with acid reflux tablets without their knowledge. This is only possible when the drug or symptoms are about to deteriorate dramatically.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most widely used drug therapies in the world, with 73 million NHS prescriptions distributed in the UK between 2022-23.
It is also available in stores, reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and limiting heartburn in painful symptoms such as pain and difficulty swallowing.
However, once patients stop taking tablets containing omeprazole and lansoprazole, reflux returns “even worse,” said UK-based GP Dr. Ahmed Abd Elbury.
in Instagram Reel After 394,000 views, he explained that this is because the stomach responds to stop the drug by “producing more acids,” which is medically known as rebound acid sensitivity secretion.
“I don’t think it’s given too often and people don’t realize that it can cause rebound symptoms,” Dr. Elbury said.
‘Let’s say you started this because of heartburn or reflux. As you start to move away from it, your stomach actually reacts by producing more acid, further exacerbating reflux and worsening heartburn.
“This means it is very difficult for you to actually take down the medicine.
“The crazy thing is that rebound is often worse than the initial symptoms before starting PPI.”
He added:
“If you’re using them, don’t stop suddenly or change your medication. There may be a reason you need them in the long term.
“However, if you are worried about side effects or rebound withdrawals, please refer to your doctor.”
Acid reflux, or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid travels towards the throat.
If it continues for a long period of time, it is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is usually caused by weak muscles connecting the food pipe to the stomach.
GPS has long warned that tablets like omeprazole and lansoprazole can quickly defeat heartburn symptoms, but ideally only need to be used for a month or two.
Although few studies have shown that long-term stays on drugs may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, which is bone thin, by up to 20%.
Drugs like omeprazole and lansoprazole help reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and limit the painful symptoms of reflux.
People with reflux suffer from the “silent” type, but are much more difficult to diagnose. Symptoms usually consist of dry cough and frequent throat removal.
This is because the drug interferes with the stomach’s ability to absorb calcium. This is an essential mineral for healthy bones.
Taking them for a long period of time can lead to other nutritional deficiencies, such as B12, which is essential for healthy blood cells and neurological function.
However, PPI was not the only drug Dr. Elbow warned that it could lead to “severe withdrawal symptoms.”
Venlafaxine, a member of the group of serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, or antidepressants called SNRIS, is “one of the hardest things to go out,” he added.
“This is why, despite being very effective, it’s very rarely given to you in the beginning,” he added.
According to the NHS, these side effects can lead to headaches, anxiety and fatigue, and difficulty falling asleep.
In 2019, the NHS Watchdog National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also changed guidelines to acknowledge that in some patients the serious side effects of a condition away from antidepressants can last “more than a few months” with symptoms such as confusion, anxiety, sweating, sleep problems, and “emotional changes.”
But Dr. Elbury also said that benzodiazepines, a sedative known as “benzos,” like Lorazepam and Diazepam, can have Some of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms.”
Although few studies have shown that staying with omeprazole can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, which is bone thin, by up to 20%.
He added: “This is the dilemma. These drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety and insomnia.
“But you can build resistance and dependence on them very quickly.
“This can happen relatively quickly, so if I can avoid these medications, I am by no means a fan of prescribing them.
“If someone has been on them for a long time, it’s very difficult for them to come off. It can be very difficult to let them go.”
In 2019, the health chief urged medicine to stop placing benzodiazepines at will as a part of their prescription review, as a result of growing concerns about dependency.
Barium-containing benzos have been an insomnia drug for decades.
But over time, they slowly became less and less liked by the fear of addiction, severe withdrawal symptoms and other issues.
