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A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland suggests a potential correlation between the use of common prescription medications for reducing stomach acid and an increased risk of migraines and severe headaches.

The study, led by Margaret Slavin, an associate professor of nutrition and food science at UMD, examined data from 11,818 participants to investigate the relationship between acid-reducing drugs and migraine occurrences. Published online in Neurology Clinical Practice, the study highlights concerns regarding the use of these medications.

"Given the wide usage of acid-reducing drugs and these potential implications with migraine, these results warrant further investigation," Slavin said, Maryland Today reported. 

"These drugs are often considered to be overprescribed, and new research has shown other risks tied to long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (another type of medication used for acid reflux), such as an increased risk of dementia."

According to the study, people taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole and esomeprazole, were 70% more likely to experience migraines compared to those not using acid-reducing drugs. Similarly, participants using H2 blockers like cimetidine and famotidine had a 40% higher likelihood of severe headaches, while those taking antacid supplements faced a 30% increased risk.

While the study did not establish a definitive mechanism linking acid-reducing drugs to migraines, the researchers urge individuals experiencing migraines or severe headaches to consult their healthcare provider about the potential association with these medications.

Slavin emphasized the need for further investigation into the implications of these findings, particularly in light of the widespread use of acid reflux medications and the emerging risks associated with long-term usage. Concerns about overprescription and the potential adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors have prompted calls for heightened awareness and caution among healthcare professionals and patients alike.

Despite previous research indicating a potential connection between gastrointestinal conditions and migraines, the current study suggests a distinct association between acid-reducing drugs and migraine occurrences. With limited data available from a relatively small sample size, future studies with larger participant cohorts are essential to establish the complex relationship between acid reflux medications and migraine risk.