Acid reflux medications like Omeprazole, commonly used in the UK, could potentially increase the likelihood of migraines, a study from the United States suggests. Researchers in America discovered that individuals who consume acid-reducing pills might face a higher risk of experiencing severe headaches compared to those who do not take such medication.
These drugs encompass proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole and esomeprazole, histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2 blockers) such as cimetidine and famotidine, and antacid supplements. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid moves into the esophagus, typically after eating or while lying down.
Individuals with acid reflux may encounter heartburn and ulcers, and persistent acid reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), potentially culminating in esophageal cancer. Professor Margaret Slavin from the University of Maryland, the lead researcher, emphasized the necessity for further investigation into the possible link between migraine and acid-reducing drugs due to their widespread use and associated risks, including an elevated risk of dementia with prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors.
The study team evaluated data from over 11,800 participants who disclosed their usage of prescribed acid-reducing medications and reported experiencing migraines or severe headaches in the past three months. Among participants taking PPIs, 25% reported experiencing migraines or severe headaches, whereas this percentage was 19% among those not using these drugs.
For individuals using H2 blockers, 25% reported severe headaches, compared to 20% of non-users. Additionally, 22% of those taking antacid supplements reported severe headaches, compared to 20% of those who did not take them. After adjusting for various factors like age, sex, caffeine, and alcohol consumption, the researchers found that individuals using PPIs were 70% more likely to experience migraines, with H2 blockers users 40% more likely and antacid supplement users 30% more likely, as per the findings published in the journal Neurology Clinical Practice.
Professor Slavin stressed the importance of consulting healthcare providers for individuals with migraines or severe headaches who are currently using these medications or supplements. While prior studies have indicated a potential association between gastrointestinal conditions and migraines, the study underlines that this relationship alone may not entirely explain the observed connection between acid-reducing drugs and migraines.