How to Reduce Acid Rebound

Acid rebound is, in a certain sense, the flip-side of acid reflux. Some medications that are intended to combat acid reflux disease work by restricting the release of acidic proton ions in the stomach and digestive tract. When these proton-pump inhibitors are withdrawn from the system, that is, when you stop taking the medication, the proton pumps respond by drastically increasing their production--increasing the acidity of the gastrointestinal tract and potentially leading to intense acid reflux discomfort.

Instructions

1

Continue taking your medication unless and until you are prepared to deal with the potential problem of acid rebound. Acid rebound will not occur as long as you are taking proton-pump inhibitors.

2

Reduce your dosage over the period of several weeks. Allow your system to adjust to the decrease in medication gradually, rather than simply eliminating it entirely.

3

Wait at each level of decrease for several days after you have reduced your dosage of the medication. You may experience some milder symptoms of acid rebound during the beginnings of these periods, but those symptoms should disappear as your body adjusts to the new dosage.

4

Phase out your use of the medicine. After you have reduced the dosage to a daily minimum, begin taking the medication every other day. Gradually skip more days until you have completely phased out the medication entirely.

5

Don't increase your intake of proton-pump inhibitors in response to acid rebound symptoms. This will only compound the problem. Instead, combat intermediate phases of acid rebound with simple antacid tablets like Tums. This will ensure that your body is gradually dealing with declining levels of the inhibitor medications.