Rebound and how to safely come off PPIs
Why is it so hard to come off PPIs? Learn about the horrible – but harmless – rebound effect, and how to safely taper off PPIs here.
Why is it so hard to come off PPIs?
When we have used PPI for a few days or longer, and try to come off the medication, it’s very common to experience something called “the rebound effect”. This makes our reflux symptoms come back – but in many cases feeling multiple times worse.
When this happens, it’s easy to assume that you’re not fully treated yet, and go back to taking the pills a couple of weeks more.
But even if it can be very uncomfortable, this rebound effect is really just a natural bodily reaction. Let us explain why.
What is the rebound effect?
The rebound effect occurs when the body starts producing an excessive amount of stomach acid after stopping PPI treatment, which can lead to symptoms that are worse than those experienced before the treatment.
The PPI effect in the body
PPIs work by inhibiting the proton pumps in the stomach. This reduces stomach acid production.
However, stomach acid is something we really need in order to process food, so when the body notices that we are not producing enough, it tries to send more and more signals to the proton pumps to stimulate acid production.
When we stop the medication
When PPI treatment is discontinued, and the proton pumps start functioning normally again, the body responds to the accumulated signals with an overproduction of acid. This results in an “acid surge,” where the stomach produces much more acid than normal – sometimes up to five times as much.
Symptoms of the rebound effect
When suffering from rebound effect, it’s common to experience severe symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, stomach pain, and other digestive issues.
These symptoms can be significantly worse than those experienced before starting the treatment, leading us to believe we still need the PPI medication.
Duration of the rebound effect
For some, the rebound effect may be relatively short, lasting just a few weeks, while others may experience these symptoms for up to six months. It’s difficult to predict how long the rebound effect will last as it depends on the individual and how long they’ve been taking PPIs.
“I tried on more occasions than I care to remember to get off the drug but I always ended up with a terrible rebound and had to swallow the pills yet again.”
Read David’s story here
How to come off PPIs safely
Strengthening muscles
To successfully get off PPIs, you first need to strengthen your inner muscles with IQoro to make sure the diaphragm gets strong enough to keep the acids in the stomach.
Taper down slowly
After a period of training, it’s time to start tapering down the medication slowly over several weeks or months.
When you reduce the PPIs gradually, you also reduce the risk of rebound effect, since you’re giving the body time to adjust its signals to the proton pumps. Towards the end of the tapering process you can even take the medication every other day.
Lifestyle changes and antacids
While getting off the medications, it can also help to adjust your diet to avoid trigger foods for some time, make sure to manage your stress levels in general and especially around meal times.
Finally you can also use antacids (e.g. Gaviscone) during the transition period to protect the esophagus from excess acid production and alleviate symptoms.
Keep up the IQoro training!
It’s important to stick to the recommended training of 3 times per day for the first 6 months with IQoro, to make sure your muscles regain their strength properly. After that, it might be possible to go down to maintenance training once a day or a couple of times per week, while some people need to train longer to reach optimal results.
Occasions when long-term use is necessary
There are instances where PPIs may need to be used for an extended period. Here are some examples:
- During treatment with NSAID medications, when the patient has a history of stomach ulcers
- In high-risk patients with a history of ulcers or bleeding in any part of the gastrointestinal tract
- Patients diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus
With such long-term use, however, regular check-ups are necessary to detect any potential side effects of the medications.
In January, I started scaling back the medication to using it every other day.
Read Pia’s story here
An alternative to PPIs
IQoro is an alternative to PPIs that strengthens the weakened muscles that causes the stomach acid to leak up and cause discomfort. This treats the root cause behind your symptoms.
When your muscles get stronger, you can start to slowly come off the medications over time, following the recommended guidelines to avoid rebound effect.
How IQoro works
IQoro activates the nerves and weakened muscles that cause your discomfort.
When you use IQoro regularly, the muscles are strengthened and the discomfort disappears.
The training routine is easy to implement and only takes 30 seconds.
Does IQoro replace medication?
When you start training with IQoro, you may need to continue taking the medication you’re already using alongside the training—until your muscles are strong enough to keep the stomach acid in place.
Over time, you’ll be able to gradually taper off the medication until you eventually replace your PPIs entirely with IQoro training. Be sure not to stop your medication abruptly, as this could lead to what is known as the rebound effect.
Always consult your prescribing doctor if you wish to reduce any prescribed medication.
Government-funded research proves the effect
Studies on training with IQoro are conducted by research teams at Swedish universities with various professions including surgery, ear-nose-throat, speech therapy, gastroenterology, and radiology.
The research is funded by government funds and research foundations.
IQoro studies on the treatment of a hiatal hernia
Three of the studies conducted on the effect of IQoro, focus on the treatment of a hiatal hernia. Here we take a closer look at these studies.
IQoro winner of the Bionow Product of the Year Award
IQoro has been awarded the prestigious Product of the Year award at the Bionow Awards held in Manchester on 7 March 2024. IQoro was the only foreign nominated entry to win the award, which according to the jury stood out for its effectiveness and ability to replace drugs and surgery.
The winning product is effective, easy to scale and can offset the need for surgery and medication so is therefore very impactful. Read more about the award