Millions of Britons could be at risk of agonising migraines as a side effect of commonly prescribed drugs. New research has revealed that certain heartburn medications are linked to debilitating headaches.
According to researchers in the US, the drugs linked to the painful symptoms include omeprazole, esomeprazole, cimetidine, famotidine and antacid supplements.
Around a quarter of adults in the UK are thought to experience acid reflux and around 70 million of the affected drugs are prescribed by the NHS every year.
Researchers said the drugs are often “overprescribed” amd could have serious long-term implications.
They could even come with an increased risk of dementia, experts warned.
As reported by the American Academy of Neurology, Dr Margaret Slavin – from the University of Maryland – explained: “Given the wide usage of acid-reducing drugs and these potential implications with migraine, these results warrant further investigation.
“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.”
Heartburn, which also known as acid reflux, is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole – sold under brand names Prilosec and Losec, and esomeprazole – sold as Nexium, are commonly taken to alleviate symptoms.
Official NHS figures show around 72 million PPIs were prescribed in Britain in 2022.
The study, published in Neurology Clinical Practice, analysed how they and other heartburn drugs, including H2 blockers, affect people’s risk of migraine.
Researchers looked at prescription drugs in their study, tracking data from 11,818 people.
It revealed that a quarter of people who took PPIs suffered from migraines or severe headaches, compared to 19 percent of those who were not taking the drugs.
A further quarter of those taking H2 blockers reported headaches, compared to 20 percent of those who were not taking those drugs.
And 22 percent of those taking antacid supplements had severe headaches, compared to 20 percent of those not taking antacids.
Dr Slavin added: “It’s important to note that many people do need acid-reducing medications to manage acid reflux or other conditions.
“People with migraine or severe headache who are taking these drugs or supplements should talk with their doctors about whether they should continue.”
According to the NHS, migraines are “common” and usually feels like a very bad headache with a throbbing pain on one side.
You may get other symptoms just before a migraine, such as:
- Feeling very tired and yawning a lot
- Craving certain foods or feeling thirsty
- Changes in your mood
- A stiff neck
- Urinating more.
Some people will also experience:
- Problems with your sight, such as seeing zigzag lines or flashing lights
- Numbness or a tingling that feels like pins and needles
- Feeling dizzy
- Difficulty speaking.
Some treatments include painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, medicines called triptans and medicines that stop you feeling sick or being sick.
You should see your GP if:
- Your migraines are severe or getting worse, or lasting longer than usual
- You have migraines more than once a week
- You’re finding it difficult to control your migraines.