I want to take nexium (esomeprazole) for gerd but i am afraid of the long term side effects. should i risk it?

Yes: Even with all the recent concerns raised about medications like nexium, (esomeprazole) they remain among the safest medications available today. Consult with your doctor, as usually treatment with this type of medication does not need to be "forever." intermittent use for six weeks at a time may be sufficient.

Other options : There are other options rather than drug therapy to treat gerd --- seek out a good integrative medicine physician who will try to evaluate the actual cause of your gerd and direct therapy there --such as the need for a probiotic or improving bile flow and liver function.