If you have reflux does your GP prescribe Gaviscon in addition to PPI meds?

[iPaid]

I have an underactive thyroid so my prescriptions are free. I wondered if GPs give prescription for Gaviscon Extra as I could do without shelling out £12 for it. Don't work or claim benefits.

I know mine wouldn't. But they aren't allowed to prescribe it anyway - when I asked before being diagnosed with a condition that made omeprazole necessary I was given a prescription for a generic brand (which was useless) and was told if I wanted gaviscon I must pay. After diagnosis I was given the omeprazole after trying others (which varied between not working and giving me an upset stomach due to high amount of artificial sweetner). I have found only omeprazole tablets (not capsules) help. I wouldnt be able to have gaviscon on as well - have you thought of asked about a different PPI?

I'm assuming you are aware of diet changes which can help a lot.

Sorry that should say mine aren't allowed to prescribe it not they (ive no idea about other GPs!)

My doctors won't prescribe Gaviscon. They said most people ask and they have to say no, I didn't ask as I hate Gaviscon.

Omeprazole didn't work for me at all and made me throw up a lot. They swapped me to Esomeprazole, which made a world of difference, alongside ranitidine.

Thanks for replies. I'm taking Lansoprazole but am worried about long term side effects such as thinning bones

Becca - I'd appreciate links to advice about dietry changes that have helped you. I try to stay away from Dr Google as I have health anxiety!

mine prescribes peptac not gaviscon.

I'll see if I can find the dietary changes information and post it for you - I have a condition called GERD so it will be to do with that, but the principle is the same (I think). I can't do it now as my internet keeps dropping but I'll come back.

Peptac on prescription here or can purchase over counter for few pounds.

Mine prescribes lansoprazole with ranitadine. Combined I now don't need gaviscon

If you are finding that you have to supplement your PPI with something like Gaviscon on a regular basis then you should ask to either increase the dosage or try a different PPI. In the meantime (or if you are worried about PPI side effects etc) try Asda own brand gaviscon, big bottle for under a fiver and much thicker (and I find more effective) than Gaviscon.

I have had gaviscon prescribed before when I had to go off rabeprazole in preparation for an endoscopy but that was a while ago, no harm in asking though.

Seeing as you have asked about diet/general advice to help with symptoms:
If you smoke, give up smoking (it makes your stomach empty at a slower rate)

If you are overweight (which puts pressure on your internal organs) try to lose some weight

Sleeping with your head more elevated, or lying on your left hand side can help reduce night time reflux for some.

Avoid tight clothing e.g. restrictive waistbands
Avoid (if you can) repetitive motioned such as repeated bending over at the waist

Common triggers include spicy food, chocolate, acidic food (fruit juices, wine etc) white bread but vary widely between people. Some people are soothed by drinking milk whereas others are set off by dairy. Keep a food diary to see if you have anything that makes it worse for you (or makes it better).

Be wary of old wives tales, drinking vinegar to balance pH is nonsense ( basically drinking acid to make your stomach less acidic), drinking vv hot water is probably not good either. I've also seen people recommend taking handfuls of ibruprofen with coffee, both of which will just irritate your stomach lining. However if desperate a teaspoonful of bicarb in a glass of water will help neutralise acid (but only very slightly) as will a sachet of those cranberry drinks you get for cystitis (again asda own brand are good, £1 for 6 sachets).

If you take regular medication make sure to take it before symptoms set in (ideally before breafast to give it time to start working properly), or preemptively if going out for a meal that might set things off.

I hope you find something that helps.

jorahmormont do you know what dosages you were on for both omeprazole and esomeprazole? I hope you don't mind me asking but this is something I have studied. What is interesting is that they are effectively the same drug molecule (with one slight difference which may or may not make a difference in the human body). There is some debate over whether esomeprazole is actually more effective or whether it is a big marketing device. It obviously worked for you (hence my interest)