MINNEAPOLIS: People who take acid-reducing drugs may have a higher risk of migraines and other severe headaches than those who do not take acid-reducing drugs, according to a study. Acid reducing medications include proton pump inhibitors Like omeprazole and esomeprazole, Histamine H2-receptor Antagonists or H2 blockers such as cimetidine and famotidine, and antacids.

Study does not prove this acid reducing drugs causes migraine; It only indicates a relationship.

The study’s findings were published in the online issue of Neurology Clinical Practicean official magazine of American Academy of Neurology,

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows up into the esophagus, usually after a meal or while lying down. People suffering from acid reflux may experience heartburn and ulcers. People who have frequent acid reflux may develop this problem. gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which can lead to cancer of the esophagus.

“Given the widespread use of acid-reducing medications and their potential effects with migraine, further investigation of these results is warranted,” study author Margaret Slavin, PhD, RDN, said. University of Maryland In College Park. “These drugs are often 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 about their use of acid-reducing medications and whether they had had migraines or severe headaches in the past three months.

A total of 25 percent of the participants taking proton pump inhibitors had migraine or severe headache, compared with 19 percent of the participants not taking the drug. A total of 25 percent of those taking H2 blockers had severe headaches, compared with 20 percent of those not taking these medications. And 22 percent of those who took antacid supplement Of those who did not take antacids, 20 percent had severe headaches.

When the researchers adjusted for other factors that may affect migraine risk, such as age, gender, and caffeine and alcohol use, they found that people taking proton pump inhibitors had more migraines than people not taking proton pump inhibitors. The chances of getting migraine were 70 percent higher. , This was 40 percent more likely in those taking H2 blockers and 30 percent more likely in those taking antacid supplements.

“It’s important to note that many people need acid-reducing medications to manage acid reflux or other conditions, and people with migraines or severe headaches who are taking these medications or supplements should consult their doctors. Let’s talk about whether they should continue,” Slavin said. ,

Slavin said the study looked only at prescription drugs. Some medications became available for over-the-counter use during the study period, but use of these over-the-counter medications was not included in this study.