If you experience heartburn symptoms once in a while, there is probably no reason for you to see a doctor. OTC heartburn medications can provide relief for most occasional heartburn sufferers. However, if you experience severe heartburn, or heartburn that occurs more than twice a week, or if you experience any of the other symptoms of GERD, you may need prescription medications. Talk to your doctor if you have heartburn several times a week, if it wakes you up at night, or if it returns soon after your antacid wears off. Also, if you have difficulty swallowing, heartburn that persists even though you’re taking prescription medications, regurgitated blood, black stools, or unexplained weight loss, see the doctor right away because you may have serious complications that require treatment.