What if acid reflux medication does not relieve heartburn?

Ongoing burning can happen when the medicine, dose, timing, or treatment length does not suit your symptoms. Heartburn can also be confused with indigestion, irritation of the food pipe, or pain from another source. A clinician may check when the discomfort occurs, whether food or lying down triggers it, and whether swallowing is affected.

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed and do not add, stop, or double doses without advice. Keep a short record of meals, drinks, medicines, timing, and symptoms. Smaller meals, remaining upright after eating, and identifying personal triggers may reduce episodes. A clinician can decide whether to adjust treatment or investigate another explanation. Read more about Acid Reflux Medication.

Get urgent medical help for chest pressure, trouble breathing, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, or sudden severe pain. Arrange a medical appointment if symptoms keep returning, disturb sleep, cause trouble swallowing, or come with repeated vomiting or unexplained weight loss.

Ask whether the symptoms fit heartburn, whether the timing of your medicine is correct, and whether another medicine or condition could be contributing. Ask what changes should prompt urgent assessment.