Warning of new side effects of acid reflux medications taken by millions of people
Millions of people taking acid reflux medications may be at greater risk for migraines, experts warn.
Scientists have discovered that medications commonly used to treat symptoms such as chest pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing can cause debilitating headaches.
The drugs include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole and esomeprazole, H2 blockers such as cimetidine and famotidine, and antacids – all of which are available in Britain.
Researchers from the University of Maryland analyzed data from more than 11,800 people who provided information about their use of acid-lowering medications and whether they had suffered from migraines or severe headaches in the past three months.
Analyzes found that people who used PPIs were 70 percent more likely to have migraines than people who did not use them, those who used H2 blockers were 40 percent more likely and those who used antacids were 30 percent more likely.
The drugs include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole and esomeprazole (pictured), histamine H2 receptor antagonists or H2 blockers, such as cimetidine and famotidine, and antacid supplements. Prilosec is a branded version of omeprazole
Acid reflux is caused by stomach acid flowing into the esophagus – the tube that connects the mouth and stomach.
It usually occurs after a meal or while lying down, and can cause heartburn and ulcers. About a quarter of people in Britain suffer from reflux.
Study author Margaret Slavin said: ‘Given the widespread use of acid-lowering medications and these potential implications for migraine, these results warrant further research.
‘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.
“It’s important to note that many people require acid-lowering medications to manage acid reflux or other conditions, and people with migraines or severe headaches who take these medications or supplements should discuss with their doctor whether they should continue taking them.”
Other studies have shown that people with gastrointestinal disorders are more likely to experience migraines.
But Ms. Slavin said this relationship is unlikely to fully explain the relationship between acid-lowering medications and migraines found in this study.
She also said that the medications analyzed in the study were all prescription medications, not over-the-counter medications.
A study published last year discovered a possible link between taking heartburn medications for more than four and a half years and developing dementia later in life.
Scientists at the University of Minnesota found that people who had taken PPI drugs for more than 4.4 years were 33 percent more likely to develop dementia than those who did not take the drugs at all.