According to a study published in the online issue of Neurology®Clinical Practice, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology, those who take acid-reducing medications may be at a higher risk of migraines and other severe headaches than those who do not. Acid-reducing medications include proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole and esomeprazole), histamine H2-receptor antagonists (cimetidine and famotidine), and antacid supplements.
The study does not prove that acid-reducing medicines cause migraines; it only indicates a relationship.
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid runs into the esophagus, typically following a meal or while lying down. People with acid reflux may develop heartburn and ulcers. People who have recurrent acid reflux may develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can progress to esophageal cancer.
It’s important to note that many people do need acid-reducing medications to manage acid reflux or other conditions, and people with migraine or severe headache who are taking these drugs or supplements should talk with their doctors about whether they should continue.
Margaret Slavin
“Given the widespread use of acid-reducing drugs and their potential impact on migraine, these findings warrant further investigation,” stated study author Margaret Slavin, PhD, RDN, of the University of Maryland in College Park. “These drugs are often considered to be overprescribed, and new research has shown other risks tied to long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, such as an increased risk of dementia.”
For the study, researchers examined data from 11,818 persons who reported using acid-reducing medicines and having a migraine or severe headache in the previous three months.
A total of 25% of participants receiving proton pump inhibitors experienced migraine or severe headaches, compared to 19% of those who did not take the drugs. A total of 25% of those receiving H2 blockers experienced severe headaches, compared to 20% of those who did not take the medicines. Furthermore, 22% of individuals who took antacid supplements experienced severe headaches, compared to 20% of those who did not take antacids.
When researchers adjusted for other factors that could affect the risk of migraine, such as age, sex and use of caffeine and alcohol, they found that people taking proton pump inhibitors were 70% more likely to have migraine than people not taking proton pump inhibitors. Those taking H2 blockers were 40% more likely and those taking antacid supplements were 30% more likely.
“It’s important to note that many people do need acid-reducing medications to manage acid reflux or other conditions, and people with migraine or severe headache who are taking these drugs or supplements should talk with their doctors about whether they should continue,” Slavin said.
Slavin clarified that the study solely looked at prescription medicines. Some of the medicines became accessible for non-prescription use throughout the study period, but their use was not included in this analysis.
Other research have revealed that persons with gastrointestinal issues are more likely to suffer from migraines, but Slavin believes the linkage does not entirely explain the link between acid-reducing medications and migraines discovered in the study.
