Migraine

Hi...After years of migraines I'm trying to be more proactive about my headaches. I'm reading books and articles and came across melatonin as a helpful supplement. However, when I read the side of the bottle at the store there was a "do not take" advisory if you have the following....etc. etc. and one of the illnesses listed was migraines. When I asked the pharmacist about it she mentioned serotin levels. I thought I'd ask my doctor. It was not a very productive meeting. She said she didn't really know anything about melatonin. I noticed a few of you take it. Do you know what the warnings on the side of the bottle are about? Thanks.

Huh!

Maybe it's different in Canada? I take melatonin and there is no warning of that sort on the label. Maybe it's because of Seritonin syntrome? I couldn't find a link for it but it's discussed in the forum somewhere, I can't find it right now, but when I do I will post you a link here.

That is the only thing I can think of....but again you should discuss all meds with your doctor (although you said that was not that productive!) try your pharmacist, maybe you will have better luck, plus they have that info at the ready.....

Hi Rhonda!

I'm a chronic migraine with aura sufferer and I take melatonin...My HA specialist strongly recommended it to help with my sleep. (You probably already know this, but melatonin is a substance your body produces for sleep anyway--the pills just give you extra!).

I'm certainly not a doctor, so the info I'm sharing here is just what I've heard from my own specialist. My HA specialist told me that the warnings on the bottle are related to the possibility of "Seratonin Syndrome." Some of the meds we take to prevent migraine affect the seratonin levels in your brain. From what I've been told, Seratonin Syndrome is not very common...Look HERE for more info about Seratonin Syndrome.

But you should ALWAYS consult a doctor before adding any supplement to your medication regimen! Different doctors prescribe different amounts of melatonin, depending on your size, your other meds, and your particular needs! Do you see a headache specialist? If not, it may be time to see one! (A HA specialist should certainly know about melatonin and the proper amounts for you to take!)

I'm sure other members will be along to give you more info about this subject...

jenny

Thanks Jenny - I was looking for that darn link!!!

on paper, melatonin seems good for migraine as it is ideal for establishing regular, and good, sleeping patterns, though in reality I found it is easy to have too much, or perhaps take it too late at night, so that in the morning when you should be awake, you find yourself still feeling sleep "hung over" leaving you vulnerable to an oversleep migraine.

I have used melatonin for years on and off, originally for its benefits as a powerful anti-oxidant, and REM sleep enhancer, though for use with migraines a deft hand with dosage, timing, and an understanding of what is happening when you take it is required as it is somewhat of a double edged sword.

I see what you are saying about the "melatonin hangover" as I call it. If I take it too late at night - then it's hard for me to get up in the morning.

If I know I will not have at least 6 hours to sleep - I won't take it. Which stinks if I can't sleep and keep tossing and turning - didn't take it and then can't because it's already 2 a.m and I have to get up at 6. Ugh - I hate when that happens!!!