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Because migraines have many
causes, no one treatment is right for everyone. Some patients respond
especially well to prescription drugs, such as Imitrex, Zomig, or
Ergostat. However, long-term use of prescription medications may
actually result in drug-related headaches, and they can have other
unpleasant side effects. Although you shouldn't stop taking medications
without consulting your doctor first, nondrug treatments may be
safer and gentler. For many people, a blend of conventional and
alternative approaches may work best.
How to take the supplements
The best approach to treatment of migraine attacks is prevention.
Supplements can be very useful for this. If a migraine attack has
already begun, you'll probably still need to take a prescription
medication.
Long-term use of magnesium and calcium can benefit
anyone who suffers from migraines. For additional preventive protection,
try adding feverfew or 5-HTP or, if migraines are especially frequent,
the B vitamin riboflavin. If after two months the supplements you're
taking do not produce satisfactory results, add vitamin C and pantothenic
acid (another B vitamin) to your regimen. Finally, if stress and
anxiety seem to be triggering attacks, add the herb kava.
Magnesium and calcium
Most experts attribute migraines to an abnormal widening and constriction
of the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Some researchers
suspect that one cause may be low levels of the brain chemical serotonin,
which regulates mood and serves many other functions. Magnesium
and calcium, taken long term, can prevent attacks by keeping blood
vessels flexible and by helping the brain process serotonin. In
one study, researchers found that 40% of migraine sufferers were
deficient in magnesium (Clinical Neuroscience 1998:5, 24-27).
Suggested dose:
400 mg magnesium and 100 mg calcium twice a day. Take with food
for best absorption. People with kidney disease should check with
their doctor before taking magnesium.
Feverfew
Feverfew, widely used in Europe, is one of the most popular natural
migraine remedies. It has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Several studies have shown that it can markedly decrease both the
frequency and severity of migraines when taken over several months.
Suggested dose:
250 mg every morning, with or without food. Feverfew is most effective
when taken daily for extended periods. Look for standardized preparations
containing at least 0.4% parthenolide, the active ingredient.
5-HTP
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), a form of the amino acid tryptophan
that the body converts into serotonin, can be as effective as drugs
for preventing migraines. Several months of treatment may be needed
for maximum benefit. Nausea is the main side effect, but if it occurs,
it usually dissipates within several days.
Suggested dose:
100 mg of 5-HTP 3 times a day. Take around mealtime. Don't combine
with prescription antidepressants, such as Prozac.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is believed to help prevent migraines
by nourishing the brain's energy reserves. It may be even more effective
than feverfew or 5-HTP when migraines are ongoing.
Suggested dose:
400 mg every morning. Riboflavin is most effective when taken long
term for relief of chronic migraines.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that may also boost the production
of stress-relieving hormones. Excess stress is thought to play a
role in triggering migraines.
Suggested dose:
1,000 mg 3 times a day. Take with food. Reduce dose of vitamin C
if diarrhea develops.
Pantothenic acid
Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, strengthens nerves and promotes
energy production. Like vitamin C, it may help the body produce
stress-busting hormones. Pantothenic acid also plays a role in serotonin
production. Suggested dose:
400 mg twice a day. Take pantothenic acid with meals.
Kava
Kava, finally, can be a very useful herb for the relief of stress
and anxiety, which are thought to trigger migraine attacks in some
people.
Suggested dose:
250 mg 3 times a day. Kava may be most beneficial during times of
high stress. Look for standardized extracts containing at least
30% kavalactones, the active ingredients in the herb.
The FDA has recently issued warnings on kava due
to its adverse effects on the liver. Before using this herb, please
read the entry on kava in the WholeHealthMD Reference Library.
Call the doctor if...
- Severe headaches develop suddenly, particularly
if they first appear after age 35.
- A headache is accompanied by fever, stiff neck,
weakness on one side of the body, loss of speech, blurred vision,
or disorientation.
- A headache is accompanied by inflamed, clogged
sinuses.
- A severe headache develops after intense physical
exertion or a blow to the head.
- Migraines become more severe or more frequent.
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