Anti reflux medicines linked to high risk of migraine

Taking acid-acidity medications may raise the risk of migraines in individuals already suffering from headache, according to a study.
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.
It is good that people who are suffering from migraines or other severe headaches, and are taking PPIs or H2RAs for treating gastrointestinal symptoms stop these medicines, the researchers said.
The study found that PPIs use was associated with a 70 per cent higher risk of migraines and other headaches, while H2RAs 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.
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.