I have read that the course of treatment with nexium is for 4 to 8 weeks to heal and a second dose may be needed. I went off of it one day and the minute I ate food I got heartburn so bad that I was unable to do daily things. I did take the pill after the reaction and it took more than 24 hrs to calm it down. So I am wondering why nexium didnt heal my problem? Should I take a different drug for this problem?