- OTC acid reflux meds like TUMS, Prilosec tied to migraines
- 28% of antacid users report migraines; concern over dehydration
- Study suggests proton pump inhibitors increase migraines by 70%
According to one study, the use of common over-the-counter gastritis medications such as TUMS or Prilosec can increase the likelihood of developing migraines by as much as 70 percent.
A cohort of 11,800 individuals was analyzed by researchers from the University of Maryland, of which 2,100 were users of over-the-counter anti-heartburn medications.
This included individuals who were prescribed proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Prilosec) or antacids containing calcium carbonate, which is utilized in TUMS, to alleviate the thorax burning sensation.
A total of 28% of the participants who were prescribed antacids reported experiencing migraines within the preceding three months. In contrast, only 24% of the participants who were not taking the treatments reported such symptoms.
The findings revealed that calcium carbonate increased the risk of migraines by 30%, whereas proton pump inhibitors increased the risk by 70%.
Researchers cautioned that this may be due to the dehydrating effects of the medications, which are known to induce migraines.
Additionally, they expressed apprehension regarding the results, cautioning that prior investigations had established a link between the medications and dementia—a condition that has also been linked to recurrent headaches due to the increased risk of blood vessel injury in the brain.
Annually, millions of people resort to over-the-counter remedies to alleviate dyspepsia, a condition that affects over sixty million Americans.
A burning sensation in the thorax is the result of stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
The aforementioned treatments have been previously associated with an assortment of adverse effects, such as vomiting, parched mouth, nausea, and appetite loss.
This study, however, contributes to the mounting body of evidence suggesting that migraines may be associated with various classes of acid reflux medications.
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Evaluation Survey (NHANES), an annual nationwide questionnaire administered to over a thousand adults in the United States, were analyzed by researchers.
The data utilized in this study were collected from surveys conducted between 1999 and 2004, as only those surveys inquired about migraines or headaches experienced within the preceding three months.
A migraine is not to be confused with a headache.
Migraines are a neurological disorder characterized by symptoms including intense cephalalgia, vomiting, nausea, vomiting, altered mood, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Individuals afflicted with these conditions endure a prolonged, excruciating pulsating sensation on one or both sides of the head, which may persist for several days.
960 individuals, constituting the majority of survey participants, reported using antacids containing proton pump inhibitors (glucose neutralizers) or calcium carbonate, which neutralizes gastric acid.
However, some also resorted to H2 blockers such as Tagamet, which function by decreasing gastric acid levels.
Additionally, they are available over-the-counter.
A quarter of those taking proton pump inhibitors reported experiencing severe migraines, compared to nineteen percent of those not taking the drugs, according to the findings of the researchers.
Additionally, severe headaches affected 25% of those taking H2 blockers, compared to 20% of those who did not take the medications.
Those who took calcium carbonate-containing medications had a 30 percent increased risk of developing a migraine compared to those who did not take such medications.
Additionally, it was discovered that individuals utilizing proton pump inhibitors had a 70% increased likelihood of experiencing a severe headache, whereas those utilizing H2 blockers had a 40% higher likelihood of having one.
Dr. Margaret Slavin, an expert in nutrition science who participated in the research, stated, “These results warrant further investigation in light of the widespread use of acid-reducing medications and their potential implications for migraine.”
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“Proton pump inhibitors are frequently regarded as being overprescribed,” and new research has identified additional hazards, including an increased risk of dementia, associated with long-term use.
“It is essential to note that many individuals do require acid-reducing medications to manage acid reflux or other conditions,” she continued.
“Pill-bearing or severely headache sufferers who are currently taking these medications or supplements should consult their physicians before continuing.”
One of the limitations of the research was that only a minority of study participants were found to be actively utilizing gastritis medications.
The investigation was published in the official journal of the American Academy of Neurology, Neurology Clinical Practice.
