I am a 61 year old woman that has been taking Pantoprazole Sodium for acid reflux for approximately 18 months. I am slightly overweight, but very active walking on average 2-3 miles per day and/or riding my bicycle. I would like to discontinue taking this medication, but have had trouble weaning myself off of it without the acid reflux flaring up viciously. For the past 6 weeks, I have taken 1/2 tablet with pretty good results, but I want to get off of it completely. I also have a hiatal hernia and also experience sharp, stabbing pain in the back of my head (vagus nerve pain) when my reflux flares up. Any suggestions on how I can get off this PPI????