Too Much Acid In Esophagus At Night!

[ravenjeh 16]

Last night, I woke up to a horrible feeling. I had taken my medicine (antidepressants) and gone to bed. About 35 minutes later, I woke to my throat on fire and a strong taste of my pills (you know the bitter taste on your tongue before you swallow a pill..). It was so strong I thought I was going to vomit. I drank something and even ate a little bite of something hoping to cool down my throat. It gradually got better over the next 10-15 minutes until I could fall asleep again. It was almost as if the acid in my stomach washed up a pill in my throat where it sat there for a while during my sleep. Has anyone else experienced this? I don't take any PPI's or antiacids except for Tums. I used to try them all, but nothing really cured my acid so I just learned to live with it. Except I take Tums 2-3 times daily for that uncomfortable acid feeling in my stomach. So, should I take something for acid right before bed to prevent this? Ughhh, I hope and pray that I don't get gallbladder problems...

[Foxbins 625]

Yes, take something. Acid washing up your esophagus can damage it. Have you tried H2 blockers like Pepcid or Tagamet? They work a little differently than PPIs. What PPIs have you tried?

[ravenjeh 16]

I have tried Prilosec, Nexium and Zantac. They might have helped some, since I don't remember having quite this much acid before. I'm definitely getting something to take today.

[nateeks 3]

yip you need to get back on your PPI right away and take it consistently at night before you go to bed. Your esophagus will eventually heal. I have had the same experience. I take nexium 40 mg. good luck!

[Foxbins 625]

Some people do need to take a PPI twice a day to control the acid, you may be one of them. If I were you, I'd pick whatever worked best for you in the past and try it again at twice the dose.

[longer-life 139]

With the help of a gastroenterologist or other professional, keep trying to find the right combination for you. If not, it could lead into something very serious in the future. I am in that process myself right now. H2blockers did not work, so I am now trying a PPI in combination with an antacid. Waiting to see how I do with that. Good luck!

[ravenjeh 16]

Just an update- I started taking Pepcid and my acid is virtually gone!!! I take one in the morning and one at night, and rarely I still need a Tums after a meal. And the best part is... the generic is only $4 a bottle at walmart! Thanks for the advice, guys!

[thebionicbroad 127]

​If you took your pill right before bed, there's a good chance that the pill was still in your esophagus, and dissolved there. You should take pills about 30 minutes before bedtime, to give them a "head start."

[sasicas 194]

I would definitely get on something. I have had that issue before if I didn't stay on top of my meds. I take 1 Nexium in the morning and 1 Nexium and 1 Zantac about an hour before bed.

[Mrs.Newme 21]

This is a strong debate on another thread. I've had similar experiences when hungry or when lying flat. Prior to my sleeve, I rarely had heartburn. When I did it was due to a direct cause, such as pregnancy with my last child or some type of food that didn't sit right with me. I've found acids do come up rather quickly and have done some investigating into reasons for acid reflux when I didn't experience this before. There are times where it is stronger for me:

1) when I am hungry

2) when I wake in the morning and am lying completely flat

3) when I take in too much and the sleeve tells me nope...it isn't going to fit.

I can't speak to your antidepressants, but have you contacted your surgeon to see if its okay to take them in the am? Or maybe take them with something like your Protein drink?

I kind of look at my sleeve like a narrow soda bottle, if you overfill it will back up explosively. If there is not enough items to balance teh acids, the same thing occurs.

I have to take OTC prilosec, but doesn't stop the gastric secretions completely. But the Protein Drink soothes.

I have also found a sf mint helps also with soothing the burn.

Good luck.