** Thanks for contacting HCM with your health concern 1. Pantoprazole is a prescription drug and belongs to class of drug called as proton pump inhibitor [PPI] frequently advised for gastro esophageal reflux disease [GERD] and other common persistent conditions like peptic ulcer, h.Pylori infection,in prophylaxis of NSAID induced ulcers and Zollinger Ellison syndrome. 2. Long term treatment with pantoprazole leads to decreased absorption of calcium,magnesium and Vitamin B12 which can result in . deficiency of B12: rapid hear beat,tiredness . deficiency of magnesium: muscle spasms,dizziness,seizures . deficiency of calcium: less absorption of calcium can lead to brittle bones called osteoporosis with increased risk of osteoporosis related fracture . since it permanently blocks the proton pump thus in long term it will atrophic gastritis [achlorhydria] i.e. no acid will be there to digest the food resulting in flatulence,dyspepsia,nausea,headache 3. If there is reduction in your symptoms like: heart bun,nausea, regurgitation, difficult swallowing one may assume that the drug is working and before stopping it one should consult his/her doctor since stopping or taking it will depend upon the type and severity of your condition. 4. As you have adjusted eating habits so incorporate the following: i. Take: old brown rice,white gourd melon,green vegetables,garlic,honey, pomegranate,cold milk,amla,rice gruel,shatavri,soup ii. Avoid: chickpea flour,newly harvested rice,horse gram,potato,brinjal,salt, spices,tea/coffee,junk food,alcohol,day time sleeping,curd,sour products.