Acid Reflux Medications: What Works, What to Avoid, and How to Use Them Safely

When your chest burns after eating, or you wake up with a sour taste in your mouth, you’re likely dealing with acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. Also known as GERD, it affects more than 20% of adults in the U.S. and is one of the most common reasons people visit their doctor for digestive issues. The good news? There are several types of acid reflux medications, drugs designed to reduce or block stomach acid production to relieve symptoms — and not all of them are the same.

There are three main groups: proton pump inhibitors, the strongest acid reducers, often prescribed for long-term GERD management, like omeprazole and esomeprazole; H2 blockers, slower-acting but still effective options that cut acid production by blocking histamine receptors, such as famotidine and ranitidine; and antacids, fast-acting, over-the-counter options that neutralize acid on the spot, like Tums or Rolaids. Each has a different role. Antacids give quick relief but don’t heal damage. H2 blockers last longer and are good for mild cases. PPIs are the go-to for chronic reflux, but they’re not harmless — long-term use can affect bone density, kidney function, and gut bacteria.

Many people take these meds without knowing why or how long they should be on them. A 2023 study in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that nearly half of patients on PPIs had no clear diagnosis — they were just taking them because they felt better after a bad meal. That’s not how it should work. Acid reflux meds don’t fix the root cause — they just mask the symptom. If you’re using them daily for more than two weeks without seeing a doctor, you’re risking side effects and missing out on better solutions, like dietary changes or testing for hiatal hernias.

Some of the posts below dig into how these drugs interact with other conditions — like how PPIs can worsen kidney issues, or why H2 blockers might be safer for older adults. Others explain what happens when you stop them cold turkey, or why some people swear by generic versions while others feel nothing. You’ll find real talk on what works, what doesn’t, and what your doctor might not tell you because they’re rushing through the appointment.