This condition is not due necessarily to an excess of stomach acid, and hence is not a deficiency of Pepcid or Prilosec!
There are many conditions that could contribute to the problem: diet and lifestyle is one primary example. Being overweight, eating large meals just before bed, alcohol and certain foods, like tomatoes, chocolate, peppermint, spicy foods can also be a trigger.
At my clinic, we look for food sensitivities and celiac through blood tests, and via a stool analysis; we look for h-pylori infection and other gut bugs like Candida, pathogenic bacteria, parasites. Via a breath analysis, we look for small bowel bacterial overgrowth as well.
While these tests are cooking so to speak, I will put you on an elimination diet for three weeks, to see if your symptoms improve.
Finally I will prescribe various natural remedies like digestive enzymes, glutamine, DGL, and yes even HCL (stomach acid) if necessary.
Books to read:
Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You by Jonathan Wright MD.
No More Heartburn by Sherry Rogers MD.