Prilosec OTC Review

Prilosec (generic name: omeprazole) works by decreasing the production of stomach acid at the source.  Therefore, it not only works for relentless heartburn, but it also is used to treat symptoms of GastroEsopageal Reflux Disease (also known as GERD) and help heal erosive esophagitis (which is a fancy way of describing damage to your esophagus caused by the burning effects of excess stomach acid).

My specialist introduced me to Prilosec a few years ago to help treat gastric ulcers.  Strangely, I didn't have any problems with heartburn or acid reflux, but the ulcers caused terrible stomach pain during the course of the day.  I was given Prilosec to take every day for six months (under my doctor's care).  The ulcer did heal and I was finally able to eat normally again.

Unfortunately, it was not a permanent solution.  From time to time I still need to take a 14-day course of Prilosec when I begin to feel that the stomach acid is causing discomfort.  This product is not intended for immediate relief and may take up to 4 days for patients to notice full benefit. 

The package comes with two 14-day packs of pills, and the dosing instructions advise taking one pill every 24 hours.  The packaging itself annoys me because it is one of those foil and plastic deals that I can barely open --even with long fingernails.  Aside from that frustration, it's easy to pop in your mouth with a full glass of water and then forget about until the next day. 

Prilosec has worked well for me and I recommend it highly.  Since it tends to be a little pricey at $20 for a 28-day supply, I would also recommend trying the generic version of Omeprazole if you want to save a little cash.