Going Drug Free -- and experiment

I have been taking Dexilant (sp?) as an acid-blocker and it's very expensive. As the prescription was getting low, I wanted to call my doctor and ask him to switch me to something generic now that I'm so far past surgery, and experiment to see if I can use something less expensive.  Somehow I never got around to calling the doc, the prescription ran out, and I didn't pick up the refill.

Days later, I've had very little problem without it.  Occasionally (maybe once a day or maybe not at all) I'll have discomfort and take Gaviscon. But this has me thinking...

The only other thing I take daily (besides vitamins and such) is Cymbalta for depression.  Some of my depression issues (fatigue, especially) are present even when I'm on the Cymbalta.  I was off of it for years and when I started having issues again, got back on and was improved. I'm considering that maybe it's time for me to go off it again and see what happens.

So I'm thinking of going to my PCP and telling him my goal is to get my body clean of all medication and start from zero and figure out what (if anything) I really need now that I no longer am overweight (or obese).

I might end up on antidepressants again, on acid-blockers, whatever. But I'd like to start clean and then figure it out. 

The only question I have about this is the acid situation. He seems very aware of WLS issues. I talked to him prior to my surgery and he gave me good advice. But what this would mean is having him take over this part of my care, at least experimentally.

I think I'm going to do it.

What do I have to lose? I'm totally open to going back on any meds that I realize I need. I've just decided that taking stuff daily because I needed it before without knowing for sure that I need it now doesn't make sense to me.

Reactions, anyone? Pro? Con?

I would love to give up my PPI but even after 5 years I don't think I can.  I don't have classic acid reflux but I get a burny stomach without the PPI.  I think drinking lots of water helps with acid.  I always cut down on my antidepressant in the spring and summer because mine is basically related to getting enough sunshine.  I am afraid to cut it out completely because I don't want to be a weepy mess.

Good luck with your experiment and keep us posted.

Thank you!

Only problem with not taking an acid blocker is that if you get an ulcer it would be very bad. Also you could damage something even before you really know it. I would at least take a Prilosec OTC every day. My thoughts anyway.

Thank you. That's exactly the kind of thing I needed to know/read.

PLEASE be sure you go off the Cymbalta under a doctor's care.  You probably know that.  Even when I tapered off Cymbalta I still still had some side affects, although minor.

Good Luck!!

 

When I went off cymbalta before I went cold turkey, not under a doctor's care. I will NOT make that mistake again! But thank you for the reminder!

As far as the PPI goes, I'll refer you to a post I made a few days ago:

 

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/VSG/4612188/Reflux-its-no-joke-man/