Common Heartburn Pill May Lead to Unintended Addiction

Millions of people taking over-the-counter acid reflux medication may be unknowingly developing a dependency, experiencing worsened symptoms when they attempt to stop, a leading general practitioner (GP) has cautioned.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, are widely used to reduce stomach acid and alleviate heartburn symptoms like pain and difficulty swallowing. In England alone, 73 million NHS prescriptions for these medications were dispensed in 2022-23.

However, Dr. Ahmed Abd Elbary, a UK-based GP, highlighted in an Instagram video viewed 394,000 times that stopping PPIs can trigger “rebound acid hypersecretion,” where the stomach produces even more acid than before, worsening reflux symptoms.

“I think it is given far too often and people are unaware it can cause rebound symptoms,” Dr. Elbary stated. “The crazy thing is the rebound is often worse than your initial symptom before you started the PPI.”

He urged patients not to abruptly stop taking PPIs and to consult their doctor about potential side effects or withdrawal concerns. While these medications provide quick relief, long-term use is generally discouraged due to potential risks.

Potential Risks of Long-Term PPI Use:

Osteoporosis: Some studies suggest prolonged use may increase the risk of bone thinning by up to 20% due to reduced calcium absorption.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Extended use can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamin B12.
Increased Risk of Stomach Cancer: in rare cases.

Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. If persistent, it can develop into gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Silent reflux, with symptoms like dry cough and throat clearing, can be particularly challenging to diagnose.

Other Medications with Withdrawal Concerns:

Dr. Elbary also warned about withdrawal symptoms associated with other medications:

Venlafaxine (SNRIs): An antidepressant known for difficult withdrawal, including headaches, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Benzodiazepines (Benzos): Medications like lorazepam and diazepam, used for anxiety and insomnia, can lead to severe dependency and withdrawal symptoms, including confusion, anxiety, sweating, and sleep problems.

Health authorities, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), have acknowledged the potential for prolonged and severe withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants. Concerns about benzodiazepine dependency have also led to reduced prescribing.

Dr. Elbary emphasized the importance of discussing medication concerns with a doctor and avoiding sudden discontinuation.