Kim, I've been wondering how you are. Hope the ranitidine is working for you. I'll be going off Prilosec soon, and on to ranitidine too (150 mg. 2x daily at first, then tapering to 75 mg. 2x daily, then down to once a day, and hopefully then to "as needed." At least that's what I'm hoping will work. Don't want to stay on Prilosec too long, because the constipation (a side effect) has given me some nasty hemorrhoids. I'm miserable today because of those. Hopefully, the ranitidine (because it's not as strong) will cause less of a constipation problem for me.

I know you were wondering whether the ranitidine would work out. Sure hope so, and that you're feeling good these days.

Hi Madge

I am actually off everything right now. The prilosec was causing me some problems too. I did switch to the ranitidine and used that for about a month. I am now taking it as needed but haven't had to for a while. I had no problems on the ranitidine at all. I had no problems with the nexium either just the prilosec for some reason. Good luck to you and hopefully you will be able to get off these meds too.

Kim

Kim, how wonderful that you're off medication now, except for as needed. Gives me some hope here. Can you now eat tomatoes, chocolate, mint, have coffee and greasy foods without taking ranitidine? Or is that too much to hope for? LOL.

Madge
I can eat and drink anything! I have even gone back to my morning coffee. I only have 2 cups at the most and that is it for the day. I do still eat chocolate and mint. I am careful though because I don't want the symptoms to come back. If I think there is going to be a problem I stop the coffee for a couple of days. That use to be the worse for me, the coffee. After my endoscopy the doctor told me that I would probably be able to take it as needed so there is hope for you too!

Kim

Wow, Kim...that's great! I still get some acidy phlegm for awhile every evening, and sometimes a mild ache in my chest (but not every day). Maybe when I make the switch to ranitidine that will go away? I'm trying to remember what else bothered you about Prilosec, but can't. I'm dealing with hemorrhoids now, which I think is caused by constipation (from Prilosec). I see that constipation can be a side effect of ranitidine too. Sigh...

I'm kind of torn between starting the ranitidine and waiting another month (staying on Prilosec). I'm wondering whether staying on the Prilosec a little longer will ensure that I'm healed better. (Since ranitidine is supposed to be less strong.) On the other hand, maybe my symptoms are being prolonged by being on the Prilosec. Or else I'm not healed yet. Just not sure what to do. Doctor isn't much help. I'd hate to start the ranitidine and get the reflux pressure, belching, and pain back. I still get some of that now, after being on Prilosec since Oct. 1.

Any thoughts?







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Madge
The only thing that helped me heal was nexium. I was on that for almost 3 months I think and then switched to the prilosec. I was only taking that for a short while and then went on to the ranitidine for a short while. I had taken the rantidine before and had no problems with it. I only had problems with the prilosec for some reason.
Whenever I think I am going to have a problem I will take nexium since that is the one medication that worked best for me. I guess I was just lucky to have it clear up pretty quickly. I was told by my doctor that bad reflux flare ups are also a symptom of Lyme which I also have. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

Kim

Hi everyone!

Two years ago I developed gastritis (infl;amed stomach lining), it lasted 4 months and now it is back after 16 months.

I found out 2 years ago that I am allergic to the omeprazole family (which includes nexium and prilosec in the US). So I HAVE to just use ranitidine. It does work but takes longer. It's all they had before the PPIs. Wha's interesting is that ranitidine is really bad news for me too. It bloats my stomach up like a balloon and it feels worse for days after I stop taking it. I have to use it to get rid of the soreness of the gastritis, bu in doing so I inflame the rest of my stomach too.

Well I have been on it for a week as I'm hoping I caught the gastritis earlythis time and I am suffering from the agonising bloating pains right now. I have had to come off the ranitidine yesterday and am just on Gaviscon liquid 4 spoonfuls 4 times a day.

Squiggle, I have wanted to have Gaviscon on hand to take in addition to other meds when needed, but can only find the mint flavored liquid Gaviscon, and my doctor said to avoid mint since it always causes reflux problems for me. What kind of Gaviscon do you use? (Why would they flavor it with mint when mint is a trigger? Mylanta does that too.)

Hi Madge.

You can get Gaviscon here in the Uk in 3 flavours: original, mint & new cool. I tend to prefer the flavour of "cool" but is is mint based. The "original" flavour has no mint though, it is aniseed so maybe you could try that?

I have heard (on PS) that in some people mint can open up the valve at the top of the stomach which causes reflux. I don't know whether that is true. Might be worth asking the Gaviscon manufacturers. Loads of antacids seem to include it. In my case I would relish it opening as it might let the painful gas out, however it doesn't seem to. Hot water seems to work best!

Madge
Speaking of liquid antacids..I was taking the liquid maalox MAX. It really worked on me for the bloating and pressure. I forgot to mention that. I know there are different ones out there but my husband who is a pharmacist said he recommends this one to his customers. I tried the Mylanta but it didn't work as well. I just wanted to add this to the list!

Kim