Migraines may be triggered by 'overprescribed' acid reflux drugs, study finds

Acid reflux medication could be a major trigger of a painful neurological condition, according to new research.

Scientists based in the United States have discovered an association between acid-reducing medication and migraines. The research found that those who take these tablets may be at a higher risk of suffering from the debilitating condition than those who don't.

The researchers also warned people that while the study shows an association between the medication and the condition, it doesn't definitively prove they are a cause.

The acid reflux drugs include the following:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) including esomeprazole and omeprazole
• Histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2 blockers) such as famotidine and cimetidine
• Antacid supplements
  

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when acid produced in the stomach goes into the oesophagus and produces a painful condition called heartburn. This typically happens after a meal or when a person lies down for a nap or to go to sleep.

Those who suffer from acid reflux may deal with heartburn and ulcers occasionally. However, more frequent acid reflux occurrences can result in the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - which can in turn lead to oesophageal cancer.

Professor Margaret Slavin, study author from the University of Maryland, said: "Given the wide usage of acid-reducing drugs and these potential implications with migraine, these results warrant further investigation.

"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."

The study included data from more than 11,800 participants who gave information on their use of acid reflux medication and whether they suffered with severe headaches or migraines in the last three months.

One in four participants (25 per cent) taking PPIs suffered from migraines or severe headaches which is compared to 19 per cent of those who didn't ingest the medication. 25 per cent of those taking H2 blockers also dealt with migraines in comparison to 20 per cent who weren't taking this medication.

A total of 22 per cent of those who took antacid supplements dealt with severe headaches in comparison with 20 per cent of those who didn't take the drugs.

Researchers then adjusted their study to include other factors that could affect the migraine risk which included age, sex, caffeine intake and alcohol use. After this, they found that those taking PPIs were 70 per cent more likely to have migraines than those who didn't.

Those who took H2 blockers were 40 per cent more likely to develop migraines and antacid supplement takers were 30 per cent more likely, according to the research that was published in the journal, Neurology Clinical Practice.

Professor Slavin added: "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."

Previous research discovered that those with gastrointestinal conditions could be more likely to develop migraines, but Professor Slavin stressed that this relationship is not likely to fully explore the tie between acid reflux medication and migraine found in this study.

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