While gastroesophageal reflux disease can be uncomfortable, the good news is that it is treatable. Your doctor will most likely suggest trying over-the-counter medications and modifications to your lifestyle to help ease the symptoms. However, if those don’t work and you don’t experience relief within the first few weeks, your doctor may want to take a more aggressive approach with prescription medication, or in severe cases, surgery. Medications that can provide relief and are available without a prescription include antacids to provide quick relief, H-2-receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors. Examples of antacids include Tums, Rolaids and Mylanta. They aren’t able to heal the inflamed esophagus, however. H-2-receptor blockers can be used to reduce the production of acid in the stomach and provide longer lasting relief than antacids. Proton pump inhibitors block acid production, giving the esophagus time to heal. Medications available through your doctor that can provide relief are, prescription strength H-2-receptor blockers, prescription strength proton pump inhibitors and medication that is able to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter. If none of these medication avenues work, your doctor may recommend surgery.