Potentially Harmful Remedies for Migraines

If you use herbal remedies, know that some herbs may interact with migraine medicines. And this can be dangerous. Researchers need to do more studies. But they advise people to use caution.

Triptans are a class of prescription medicines used to treat migraine pain. Tricyclic antidepressants are used to prevent migraines. These medicines may interact with herbal remedies, including:

• Echinacea.

• Garlic (in large doses).

• Ginkgo biloba.

• Ginseng.

• St. John’s wort.

• Valerian root.

• Grapefruit.

These herbs reduce the liver’s ability to process medicines. This may cause a dangerous interaction. For example, taking St. John’s wort with a tricyclic antidepressant can cause a serious reaction. It can even be fatal. Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s wort, and valerian root may make migraine symptoms worse. But other studies show that St. John’s wort can lessen migraine pain.

Feverfew is an herbal supplement that has been studied and recognized as having benefits in some groups of people with migraine.

Some energy drinks, and certain ingredients such as ephedra (ma huang), may trigger or worsen headaches and migraines. Ephedra was taken off the market because of the risk of stroke.

More research about how herbs and medicines interact is needed. Because the effects may be dangerous, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herb, vitamin, or other dietary supplements you take. Treat an herbal remedy just like a medicine. If there is an herb you want to take, talk to your doctor and pharmacist. They can tell you if it is safe or not.