Acid Reflux Drugs: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What to Ask Your Doctor

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 gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it’s not just occasional heartburn—it’s a chronic issue that affects millions and often needs more than just antacids to manage. The right acid reflux drugs, medications designed to reduce or block stomach acid production can turn sleepless nights into restful ones, but not all of them are created equal.

There are three main types you’ll hear about: proton pump inhibitors, powerful drugs that shut down acid production at the source, like omeprazole and esomeprazole. Then there are H2 blockers, slower-acting but still effective options that reduce acid by targeting histamine receptors, such as ranitidine and famotidine. And finally, the quick-fix antacids, over-the-counter tablets or liquids that neutralize acid on the spot, like Tums or Maalox. Each has a different job, a different timeline, and different risks. PPIs work best for long-term control but can mess with nutrient absorption if used too long. H2 blockers are gentler but fade faster. Antacids? They give instant relief—but only for a few hours.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of brand names. It’s real comparisons: how Prilosec stacks up against other PPIs, why some people switch from one drug to another, and what side effects actually matter. You’ll see how people manage reflux without relying on meds all the time, and what alternatives—like diet changes or positioning tricks—actually help. No marketing fluff. No vague advice. Just straight talk on what works, what doesn’t, and what to ask your doctor before you keep taking the same pill month after month.