A serious side effect of heartburn medications

Heartburn medications can increase the risk of painful migraines, a new study shows.

Drugs used to relieve heartburn symptoms, known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), include omeprazole, esomeprazole, cimetidine, famotidine, and antacid supplements.

US researchers tracked data on 11,818 people, with a quarter of people taking PPIs suffering from migraines or severe headaches.

22% of those who took antacid supplements suffered from severe headaches, compared to 20% of those who did not take antacids.

American researchers found that people who take acid reflux drugs (heartburn) are more likely to suffer from severe headaches, compared to those who do not take them.

Dr Margaret Slavin, from the University of Maryland, said: 'Given the widespread use of antacid medications and these potential migraine effects, the findings require further investigation.'

She continued: “People who suffer from migraines or severe headaches, and who take these medications or nutritional supplements, should talk to their doctors about whether they should continue taking them.”

The study was published in the journal Neurology Clinical Practice.