How Much Coffee Is Too Much for Migraine Sufferers?

THURSDAY, Aug. 8, 2019 -- If you have migraines, one or two cups of coffee a day may be okay, but three or more could raise your risk of an attack, a new study concludes.

"Interestingly, despite some patients with episodic migraine thinking they need to avoid caffeine, we found that drinking one to two servings/day was not associated with higher risk of headache," said study principal investigator Dr. Suzanne Bertisch, of the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

Epilepsy Drug Tied to Higher Risk of Suicidal Behavior in Young Users

THURSDAY, June 13, 2019 -- A new study supports the notion that a drug used to control epilepsy and other disorders could make some young people more prone to suicide.

The medicine, pregabalin (Lyrica), comes from a class of drugs called gabapentinoids. Besides their use against epilepsy, these drugs are also used to treat nerve pain and anxiety disorders, as well as symptoms of Parkinson's disease. But according to British researchers, pregabalin has also been linked to a heightened risk for suicidal behavior, overdoses, injuries and car crashes.

Money Worries Around Food May Spur Migraines

TUESDAY, June 25, 2019 -- It's a link that few might consider, but new research suggests young adults who worry about affording groceries may be more likely to suffer migraines.

The study, of nearly 15,000 Americans aged 24 to 32, found that migraines were common among those reporting "food insecurity." About one-quarter said they'd been diagnosed with the headaches, compared to just under 14% of other young adults.

New Migraine Drug Might Help When Other Meds Don't

WEDNESDAY, July 10, 2019 -- A new migraine drug might offer an alternative to people who do not get relief from current medications, a new trial suggests.

The drug, called rimegepant, hasn't yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. But it belongs to a new class of drugs that has come to the market within the past year -- known as CGRP inhibitors.

Widely Prescribed Class of Meds Might Raise Dementia Risk

MONDAY, June 24, 2019 -- Doctors often prescribe anticholinergic drugs for a variety of ills. But a new study suggests they may increase the risk of dementia in older patients.

These medicines include everything from Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to certain antipsychotics and Parkinson's meds. They're used to treat a wide range of other conditions, including depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, overactive bladder, allergies, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Could Heavier Folks Be at Lower Risk for ALS?

WEDNESDAY, June 26, 2019 -- It's not often that anything good is associated with obesity. Yet heavy folks and those who bulk up as they age may have less risk for the deadly disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a new study finds.

The Norwegian study found that over several decades, people who packed on the most weight had a 37% lower risk of ALS compared to those who maintained their figure or got thinner.