Acid reflux medication use linked to increased migraine risk

MADRID, (EUROPA PRESS). – People who take acid-reducing medications may be at greater risk of migraine and other severe headaches than people who do not take these medications, according to a study published in ‘Neurology,’ an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology by the University of Maryland in College Park (United States).

Acid-reducing drugs include proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and esomeprazole, histamine H2 receptor antagonists or H2 blockers such as cimetidine and famotidine, and antacid supplements. The study does not prove that acid-reducing drugs cause migraine; it only shows an association.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, usually after a meal or while lying down. People with acid reflux may experience heartburn and ulcers. People with frequent acid reflux may develop gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which can lead to esophageal cancer.

“Given the widespread use of acid-reducing drugs and these potential implications for migraine, these results warrant further investigation,” said study author Margaret Slavin, MD, of the University of Maryland in College Park. “These medications are often considered overprescribed, and new research has shown other risks associated with long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, such as an increased risk of dementia.”

For the study, researchers looked at data from 11,818 people who provided information on their use of acid-reducing medications and whether they had had a migraine or severe headache in the past three months.

A total of 25 percent of participants taking proton pump inhibitors had a migraine or severe headache, compared with 19 percent of those not taking the medications. A total of 25 percent of those taking H2 blockers had a severe headache, compared with 20 percent of those not taking the medications. And 22 percent of those taking antacid supplements had a severe headache, compared with 20 percent of those not taking the medications.

When researchers adjusted for other factors that might affect migraine risk, such as age, sex, and caffeine and alcohol use, they found that people taking proton pump inhibitors were 70% more likely to have migraines 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 need acid-reducing medications to control acid reflux or other conditions, and people with migraines or severe headaches who take these medications or supplements should talk to their doctors about whether they should continue them,” Slavin said.

Slavin noted that the study only looked at prescription drugs. Some of the drugs were available for over-the-counter use in nonprescription doses during the study period, but the use of these drugs over the counter was not included in this study.

Other studies have shown that people with gastrointestinal conditions may be more likely to get migraines, but Slavin notes that that relationship is unlikely to fully explain the link between acid-reducing drugs and migraines found in the study. One limitation of the study is that a small number of people were taking the drugs, especially H2 blockers.