Common Medication Treatments for Indigestion

If you have chronic stomach problems such as indigestion, GERD, or acid reflux disease then you probably already know doctors can prescribe prescription medications to help relieve some of the symptoms which come with these problems. If you've spoken to your doctor about these medications, you probably also know that many of them come with potential side effects that may be just as unpleasant as the indigestion and acid reflux themselves. Unfortunately in some cases, it's not uncommon for prescription medications to cause more problems then they resolve. These problems and side effects are why many people look around for alternative natural remedies to use for their indigestion and acid reflux instead.

If you're like most people, you've probably already try over-the-counter medication options such as antacids. These medications work by neutralizing the acids which are in your stomach. Sometimes over-the-counter antacids can work quite quickly and very well. Unfortunately, these only relieve the symptoms of your indigestion. They cannot fix the damage which has been caused, and if you use them too frequently for too long you may experience additional side effects as well.

Newer over-the-counter indigestion medications have become available which are weaker versions of prescription medications frequently used. Some of these include Pepcid AC, and Zantac. Buying these in over-the-counter form usually gives you about half the dosage of a prescription version. Unlike antacids these medicines work to reduce the amount of acid produced in your stomach. By reducing how much acid your stomach produces to begin with, you can reduce the symptoms of indigestion and acid reflux. These types of medicines don't act as fast as an antacids do, but the relief does tend to last longer. They're particularly good at reducing acid reflux problems at night time when you take them before going to bed. Like other medications for indigestion and acid reflux however, these types of medications can cause a variety of side effects which are unpleasant such as dizziness, drowsiness, and changes in your bowels.

Prilosec is another medication frequently used for indigestion and acid reflux. It use to be available by prescription only, but there is now an over-the-counter form which can be purchased for the treatment of heartburn and indigestion. Prilosec works by blocking the acid production in your stomach and providing time for damaged tissues to heal. Side effects of Prilosec can include problems with breathing, closing of your throat, and swelling in your face, tongue or lips.

In most cases any form of anti-acid or other indigestion medication which can be bought over the counter also has a prescription strength version. Side effects are usually more severe of course, because the strength of these medications is also stronger. Common side effects from most prescription strength acid reflux and indigestion drugs can include things such as abdominal pain, pain, chest pain, fever, nausea, headache, and much more.

Other common medical treatments used for indigestion and acid reflux can include proton pump inhibitors, and prokinetic agents which help your stomach empty its contents much more quickly so that acid does not have as much time to build up. Talk to your doctor about the variety of options available, the side effects of each, and work with them to determine which might be the best option for you.