[angel0772001]

What is a good over the counter medication to help manage my acid reflux. I had hyperemesis with both of my kids and so it made we have real problems with reflux. I get so much pain. Please I'm in need of a good medication.

[J_9]

If you are still having problems after having your kids, I speak from not only education but experience, OTC meds are only a cover up and will not help long term. You need to be evaluated for GERD as this, if left untreated and covered with OTC meds, can actually burn your esophagus only causing long term, possibly permanent damage.

I currently take Nexium, it is prescription, and is a total and complete lifesaver since I was damaged by ignoring the problem and only taking OTC meds as a "band-aid" fix.

[angel0772001]

Well I have to wait till I get back on insurance. I know I have to see the dr but my insurance hasn't kicked in yet so I need an alternate for right now

[J_9]

You can try meds such as Prevacid OTC, but remember this is just a "band aid" fix. Without treatment you risk permanent damage to the esophagus, and possibly even esophageal cancer. If you have not been diagnosed by a doctor, this could be caused by a number of other illnesses, some not so serious, others very serious.

[angel0772001]

OK thank you. Well could it just be really bad indigestion. As long as I don't eat a few hours before bed and as long as I don't eat spicy foods I'm fine. That's the time when I do eat spicy foods and eat before bed I'm in a lot of pain

[twinkiedooter]

You might just look into an alkaline diet. I've suffered recently from a lot of acid reflux and since I've changed my food intake to food high in alkaline content my acid reflux has gone away. There are certain foods that help your body cope with the extra acid your stomach produces. Just taking over the counter stuff is not the answer - or taking rx's either for that matter. Do some research online about what foods you should eat that are alkaline and then try that diet for a week and see if your acid reflux disappears. Mine did in less than a week so I know it works. I had acid reflux so bad that I would be awakened at night with acid in my throat and going down into my lungs. I would wake up literally coughing for my life! That is a horrible way to wake up coughing for your life so I think I know about the horrors of acid reflux gone wild.

[jmjoseph]

Just like J_9, I take Nexium every day. It's absolutely amazing. I have a hiatal hernia, and have had it for 30 years. I was constantly taking Tums or Rolaids by the roll. No more of that.

I agree with the responses here that suggest a doctor's visit, and tests to find out what is wrong. But in the meanwhile, Prilosec and Prevacid are basically the same drug compounds, and are over the counter at weaker strengths. Don't expect to take one when you have indigestion, and it work. You need to take it once a day, for a few days, for it to work at it's optimum.

Good luck to you.