I’m just wondering how many of you are using supplements of some sort against this monster? I’m talking about evidence-based stuff. Nancy recently emphasised to me after a recent conversation with Dr Cherchi in Chicago that he “swears” by the following in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks:
A review I have suggests that there may be a functional interaction between B2, B12 and Q10 together.
I have to admit I have never hit these supps in a proper systematic way. I’ve tried this and that at a certain dose only to feel worse immediately and so I stopped instead of reducing the dose and working with it in a better way. I’m also aware that Tranquility pointed out the MSG content in gel caps that some of these things come in which could have played a role in me feeling bad on the Q10. Not sure.
Another one worth considering which is not anti-migraine per se but where there is evidence for its anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to boost mood is fish oils. The sort I’m talking about have a very good ratio of fats: EPA 400 mg/DHA 200 mg.
It may be useful to add in probiotics for IBS but I don’t think there’s much evidence for this (if at all) or even if by soothing the gut it does anything for IBS when, to me, it appears that the problem originates from a migraine brain and not within the gut.
Any other things anyone can think of? I’m going to order some stuff from iherb.com and really have a crack at this properly. I just saw that Q10 can be ordered in liquid form which means I can titrate it up and no capsules interfering with any of it.
I get B12 injections every 12 weeks, made no difference.
My magnesium tested low. I took one 150 mg tablet at night and it reduced my 3 day migraines to 1 day so it helped, I tried upping it and was dizzy the next day. I stuck to the one at night for years.
B2 made me ill, as did B6 and also B1. Tried B3 (niacin) for a while but that didnt help, I believe the niacin was supposed to dilate the blood vessels and stop the dizziness, so you get the headache instead! I darent take a b supplement as it contains them all.
Jenny, I thought I’d paste your abstract on glucosamine here too. Sounds like another one worth trying:
[size=130]Relief of Migraine Headache from Glucosamine[/size]
An anecdotal case report of a female with osteoarthritis who received glucosamine at 500mg, 3 times daily, noted that she had relief of her migraine headaches for the first time in 20 years while taking Glucosamine. After this case report, the authors gave glucosamine at 500 to 1,500mg, 3 times daily to 10 other patients with therapy-refractory migraine or migraine-like headaches and noticed after 4 to 6 weeks, there was a significant reduction in the frequency and/or intensity of migraine headaches. In some cases, the migraine relief was dose-dependent, providing relief only after the initial dose of 500mg, 3 times daily, was increased. There were no adverse side effects to the glucosamine noted after the 6-month observation period. The authors believe that supplemental glucosamine may enhance mast cell heparin deficiency, which may have an anti-inflammatory effect and prevent neurogenic inflammation that might cause the pain in vascular migraine headache.
I use all the supplements you have mentioned. In addition, I also take DMG, l-carnitine and l-taurine (I was originally diagnosed with epilepsy and summaries of studies I looked at on the internet indicated that these 3 supplements were thought to be of some assistance in slightly reducing the frequency of seizures). For some reason, I never stopped taking the “seizure” supplements. I don’t know if they have any potential benefit for MAV sufferers.
I’m feeling a little better but I can’t really say if the supplements helped. It may be the medicine, effexor and verapamil, or perhaps my brain has started to “re-boot”. Good luck to all.
Scott, What Cherchi says goes with what Robert Kaniecki MD, Director of the Headache Center, Asst. Prof of Neurology at the U of Pitt Medical Center says as well.
While I haven’t really followed any of the supplement suggestions I have read or been told by my doc other than upping my magnesium (and haven’t followed that religiously to be able to tell if it helps), I can share the info that was given to me by the the Headache Center at the University of Pittsburgh where I see one of my neurologists (the one specializing in migraines). The handout covers everything briefly (natural and medical methods for headache management as they call it), most of which we already know. In the section about supplements it reads:
“Certain nutritional supplements have been shown to assist in the stablization of migraine headaches: magnesium (250 mg twice daily), coenzyme Q-10 (150 mg twice daily), vitamin B2/riboflavin (400 mg daily), and alpha lipoic acid (300 mg twice daily). Butterbur root (Petadolex 50-75 mg twice daily) and feverfew are herbal remedies for migraine.”
It was suggested to me that I take the magnesium AND vitamin b2/riboflavin btw (in addition to my prescription). I don’t know if in other patients they would want you to take all of the supplements at once, but it wouldn’t surprise me (minus the herbal ones) since the synergenic properties may work best.