When dealing with migraines, you'll want to look into all of your options. Your doctor may have you on a conventional treatment plan if you have been diagnosed with migraine. However, these treatment plans don't always cover all of the symptoms you face with migraine.
Supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes. However, the research behind the benefits is limited so take them at your own risk.
Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements are a popular option when thinking about alternative treatments. The reason people turn to them for migraine relief is that OTC supplements are often inexpensive and easier to get than prescriptions. These types of supplements can have therapeutic benefits when dealing with migraines. They are an important part of your overall treatment plan.
OTC supplements are great for people who experience headaches for at least 15 days each month. There's not a lot of research backing up the therapeutic benefits of supplements for migraines. But there are supplements for migraines that are more popular than others, including:
- Magnesium
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- Omega-3 fatty acids
There aren’t many conventional treatments for migraine beyond prescription medications and procedures to try to prevent migraine symptoms. Natural supplements have become a popular alternative to conventional therapies. Beyond supplements, other complementary and alternative medicine therapies include acupuncture, massage, breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga.
Before starting OTC supplements for your migraines, talk to your doctor. They’ll be able to make sure the supplements you’re taking won’t interact with any other medication you may be on. In most cases, supplements don’t cause harmful side effects. But if you notice changes in your symptoms, you should talk to your doctor immediately.
Like other preventative treatments, OTC supplements may take six to eight weeks before you notice a difference in your migraines. You won't see an immediate change in your migraines. You'll need to give the treatment time to set in. You should also manage other parts of your treatment plan when starting supplements and try to avoid migraine triggers.
Research has shown that supplements are more effective for people with episodic migraine. Always make sure you’re buying your supplements from a reputable place.
This includes looking for supplements at a health store or getting recommendations from reputable sources like your doctor. Since the FDA doesn't regulate supplements, you should be careful about buying OTC supplements for migraines online from random websites.
