If heartburn keeps ruining your day, the right medication can change everything. Below we break down the most common acid reducers, easy‑to‑use OTC picks, and prescription swaps that actually help.
Most people start with a drug you can buy without a script. Antacids like Tums or Rolaids neutralize stomach acid fast, but they only work for a few hours. If you need longer relief, look at H2 blockers such as famotidine (Pepcid) or ranitidine (Zantac). They reduce acid production and last up to 12 hours.
For night‑time sufferers, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in low dose can be a game‑changer. OTC versions of omeprazole (Prilosec) or lansoprazole (Prevacid) keep the stomach quiet for 24 hours. Just remember they aren’t meant for daily use beyond a couple of weeks without doctor approval.
When OTC options fall short, doctors often prescribe stronger PPIs or combination drugs. If omeprazole isn’t right for you—maybe it caused headaches or didn’t calm your symptoms—there are seven solid alternatives:
All of these need a prescription, so talk to your doctor about dosage and how long you should stay on them. They’ll also check for interactions with other meds you might be taking.
Beyond pills, lifestyle tweaks boost any medication’s effect. Eat smaller meals, avoid lying down right after eating, and skip trigger foods like spicy dishes, caffeine, or chocolate. Elevating the head of your bed can stop nighttime reflux without extra drugs.
In short, start simple with an OTC antacid or low‑dose PPI. If symptoms linger, ask your doctor about one of the prescription alternatives listed above. Pair the right drug with a few easy habit changes, and you’ll likely see those burning feelings fade faster than you expect.
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