I have tried Omeprazole, Rinitidine, Lansoprazol and various others without much relief. It has now been decided that surgery is the only option which I'm very wary about. I have never been told about rabeprazol, so would also be interested to hear others success if they had it.
I do sympathise Rainydays, reflux is really awful especially when it's a daily occurrence. I hope you find relief soon!
The hospital specialist who diagnosed my "laryngopharyngeal reflux" suggested treatment with both omeprazole and Gaviscon Advance...he was most insistent it should be the Advance variety.
He also said that the timing of the medications was very important for best results. I had to take the omeprazole 30 mins before every main meal and the Gaviscon a little after eating, and also at bedtime.
Six weeks of treatment and the symptoms stopped and haven't come back...that was nearly two years ago.
side effects don't necessarily happen to everyone, though, methyl? If the others don't work, I'd be inclined to give it a go and just note anything that might count as a side effect.
I take the odd Rennie through the daytime but at night I take two desert spoons of Tesco's Heartburn & Indigestion Liquid (like Gaviscon but cheaper) 30 minutes before going to bed.