Omeprazole linked to 70 per cent increase in debilitating condition

Acid reflux drugs like Omeprazole, taken by millions of people in the UK every day, may trigger migraines, according to research from the USA. American scientists found that people who take acid-reducing tablets may be at higher risk of suffering the debilitating headaches than those who don't.

The drugs include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole and esomeprazole, histamine H2-receptor antagonists, or H2 blockers, such as cimetidine and famotidine, and antacid supplements. Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows into the oesophagus, usually after a meal or when lying down.

People with acid reflux may suffer heartburn and ulcers, while those with frequent acid reflux may develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - which can lead to cancer of the oesophagus. Study author Professor Margaret Slavin, of the University of Maryland, said: “Given the wide usage of acid-reducing drugs and these potential implications with migraine, these results warrant further investigation.

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“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 research team analysed data from more than 11,800 people who provided information on use of prescribed acid-reducing drugs and whether they suffered migraine or severe headaches in the previous three months. One in four participants taking PPIs (25 per cent) had migraine or severe headaches, compared to 19 per cent of those who were not taking the drugs.

A total of 25 per cent of those taking H2 blockers also had severe headaches, compared to 20 per cent of those who were not taking the drugs. And 22 per cent of those taking antacid supplements had severe headache, compared to 20 per cent of those not taking them.

When researchers adjusted for other factors that could affect the risk of migraine - such as age and sex plus caffeine and alcohol use - they found that people taking PPIs were 70 per cent more likely to have migraine than people not taking them. Those taking H2 blockers were 40 per cent more likely and those taking antacid supplements were 30 per cent more likely, according to the findings published in the journal Neurology Clinical Practice.

Prof 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 has shown that people with gastrointestinal conditions may be more likely to suffer migraine, but Prof Slavin said that relationship is not likely to fully explain the tie between acid-reducing drugs and migraine found in the study.