• Profile
Close

Anti-acidity medications linked to a high risk of migraine, says expert

IANS May 07, 2024

Taking acid reflux medications may raise the risk of migraines in individuals already suffering from the debilitating headache, according to a top neurologist.


Dr Sudhir Kumar from, said this, citing a recent study published in the journal Neurology Clinical Practice.

Led by researchers from the University of Maryland in the US, the study showed that acid-reducing drugs, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole and esomeprazole, histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), H2 blockers such as cimetidine and famotidine, and antacid supplements, are linked to a higher risk of migraines and other severe headaches than people who do not take these medications.

“In people who are suffering from migraines or other severe headaches, and are taking PPIs or H2RAs for treating gastrointestinal symptoms, it may be worthwhile stopping these medicines to see if their headaches reduce,” the doctor wrote in a post on X.

The study found that PPI use was associated with a 70 per cent higher risk of migraines and other headaches, while H2RA use was associated with a 40 per cent higher risk.

“It is possible that these observed associations are related to comorbidity between gastrointestinal (GI) conditions and migraine disease and symptoms, Dr Sudhir explained.

He noted that several studies have observed associations between the presence of migraine and GI conditions, including Helicobacter pylori infection, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, peptic ulcers, gastroparesis, and GERD.

“New cases of migraine have been noted after starting PPI/H2RA therapy. Therefore, further studies are needed to establish the cause-effect relationship,” Dr Sudhir said.

Only Doctors with an M3 India account can read this article. Sign up for free or login with your existing account.
4 reasons why Doctors love M3 India
  • Exclusive Write-ups & Webinars by KOLs

  • Nonloggedininfinity icon
    Daily Quiz by specialty
  • Nonloggedinlock icon
    Paid Market Research Surveys
  • Case discussions, News & Journals' summaries
Sign-up / Log In
x
M3 app logo
Choose easy access to M3 India from your mobile!


M3 instruc arrow
Add M3 India to your Home screen
Tap  Chrome menu  and select "Add to Home screen" to pin the M3 India App to your Home screen
Okay