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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Of Nexium
Question: I have been taking nexium for approx 20 years and would like to get off this med but realize a need clear cut and probably monitored direction. What would be my first step?
Brief Answer:
does not cause physical dependence
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned since you have been using it for a long period of time but nexium is not a family of medications where tolerance or physical dependence develops.
This means that though a person may need a medication to help them with a particular symptom, the body itself does not develop physical dependence on the medication.
This means that withdrawal symptoms would not develop when it is discontinued.
This would happen to medications belong to the opioid family as well as benzodiazepines (Eg valium, xanax) or anti depressants or anti psychotic medications
Steroids also have to be tapered as well.
You can stop the medication at any time. This particular medication does not need tapering and does not cause withdrawal symptoms.
The main problem however, would be reflux symptoms such as bloating, burning pain, nausea etc
These may occur, if they do then diet changes may be helpful.
Eg:(1) small frequent meals instead of large meals,
(2)avoiding spicy/acid/fried foods,
(3)reduce caffeine /mint,/chocolate/tomatoes/onions
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
does not cause physical dependence
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned since you have been using it for a long period of time but nexium is not a family of medications where tolerance or physical dependence develops.
This means that though a person may need a medication to help them with a particular symptom, the body itself does not develop physical dependence on the medication.
This means that withdrawal symptoms would not develop when it is discontinued.
This would happen to medications belong to the opioid family as well as benzodiazepines (Eg valium, xanax) or anti depressants or anti psychotic medications
Steroids also have to be tapered as well.
You can stop the medication at any time. This particular medication does not need tapering and does not cause withdrawal symptoms.
The main problem however, would be reflux symptoms such as bloating, burning pain, nausea etc
These may occur, if they do then diet changes may be helpful.
Eg:(1) small frequent meals instead of large meals,
(2)avoiding spicy/acid/fried foods,
(3)reduce caffeine /mint,/chocolate/tomatoes/onions
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
It's not the dependence that's my concern it's the long term use and it's possible side effects. I did try to stop this and the result was severe heartburn which I mentioned was not my initial problem. So, that's my dilemma. Would probiotics help? Again, I feel I would need to see someone since the probiotic world is pretty big and would be wanting to do the right thing. Is there a particular specialist for this?
Brief Answer:
a nutritionist or gastroenterologist may be the best options
Detailed Answer:
HI
Possible long term consequences of this family of medications include potential effects on iron absorption as well as magnesium ,calcium , vitamin b12 absorption.
Some medical studies suggested a link to pneumonia and an infection called clostridium difficile.
There are studies showing these can be problems and other studies against ,so far it is not completely clear.
You can check your levels of calcium, magnesium, b12, to see if you have an problem.
The probiotic world as you stated, is large and there is no medical expert dedicated or specializing in that area, so either a nutritionist or a gastroenterologist may be the best option
Please feel free to ask anything else
a nutritionist or gastroenterologist may be the best options
Detailed Answer:
HI
Possible long term consequences of this family of medications include potential effects on iron absorption as well as magnesium ,calcium , vitamin b12 absorption.
Some medical studies suggested a link to pneumonia and an infection called clostridium difficile.
There are studies showing these can be problems and other studies against ,so far it is not completely clear.
You can check your levels of calcium, magnesium, b12, to see if you have an problem.
The probiotic world as you stated, is large and there is no medical expert dedicated or specializing in that area, so either a nutritionist or a gastroenterologist may be the best option
Please feel free to ask anything else
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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