Can you just stop taking Protonix?

I will be 84 in November. 2019 In 200, I was diagnosed with Barretts esophagus. I took Aciphex for 15 years and I developed osteoporosis, kidney disease and peripheral neuropathy. I found that long term use of PPIs can cause these problems. My gastroenterologist denied it but switched me to Protonix. It did not help. So I quit "cold turkey” eight months ago and have had not symptoms of acid reflux since. I take alpha lipoic acid for the peripheral neuoropathy which is almost gone.

OMG I have been taking for 2 years and never knew the side effects. I have been suffering from joint aches and pains, fatigue, and developing osteopenia. My orthopedic dr told me recently to take Ampicillen before dental work since I had a knee replacement. I just saw my gastro and she told me I could stop. Thats it, no details or wind down. So glad I found this info. Going to go natural!

I am weaning off of Protonix also. I'm using a natural remedy for heartburn. A tsp baking soda in a glass of water a hour before bedtime neutralizes acid. Working so far. I have reduced from 40mg to 20mg and will start it every other day soon and go from there. Aloe Vera juice is also a good acid reducer and tastes good. I used that sometimes, too.

Hi ,I am on protonix also and I ask my gastro if I could ween of from 40 mg to 20 mg she said yes ,try an alternate them 20 one day 40 the next for a week .I did that and went straight to 20 mg of protonix and a week later I started having heart palpitations in the middle of the night I rush myself to doctors was not sure what was going on, they tested my heart EKG,HOLTER MONITOR and nothing everything seem fine with my heart ,I am still experiencing heart palps and muscle pain that I didnot have before trying to ween off.I went online with my symptoms and found many people are experiencing the same. After reading alot of the responses the finally outcome is don't take your self off cold turkey,try and get low dose from your doctor 20 mg and gradually over a month or so try and get yourself down to 20mg .I would stay on that dose for awhile and then ween off the same way with a zantac 150 mg and then stay off everything .

I also am trying to get off PPI's because of the fracture risk, & because it precipitates C. Difficile which my husband & I have been fighting for over 6 months. I just read that just recently. My doctor says to try to skip one day, & instead use maalox or something similar, then take it the second day. Skip it again & take maalox for 2 days & take one the third day etc... I'm not having much luck with that plan, but it may help you. I get GERD so bad I get erosions . I may never get off of omeprazole completely. I tried just stopping for a week, & had heartburn 24/7. I sleep with the head of the bed raised 8 inches, but that didnt seem to help either except for a hiatal hernia. Good luck to you. It's worth a try. What works for one may not for another you know, but still worth a try to get off of them... Mary

I totally understand your apprehension about taking more PPI's, but realize that you can subject yourself to Barrett's esophagitis, which can be deadly. I understand that if you start taking a pancreatic supplement 1/2 hour before meals, that can help the GERD, but it takes a few months to start working. I myself, am trying to get off of PPI's, because of all the side effects. I have to say that since I started the supplements, indigestion has greatly improved. Best wishes to you!!

That's a new one on me--the stomach polyps. But how much of a problem are the stomach polyps compared to injury to your esophagus which the PPI helps to avoid and heal? I think I recall that the surgeon found esophageal polyps from my last endoscopy which wasn't a problem.

I seriously doubt that Protonix caused the polyps. You can stop it as laurie said. Gotta love that carafate tho.

yes, you can stop the Protonix (pantoprazole) from the stand point that it will not cause you withdrawal symtpoms. The symtpoms for which you were originally taking it such as acid reflux may return though. Are you certain that this medication caused the polyps?