If you have the unfortunate privilege to experience migraines, here's a tip for possible relief.
*****This is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before starting or stopping medicine. This is intended solely for education purposes.*****
According to a recent 3 month study, melatonin provided considerable migraine relief compared with placebo and amitriptyline (antidepressant). There were also considerably less side effects (adverse effects) with melatonin compared to amitiptyline. Also, bonus weight loss seen in the melatonin group! Both placebo and amitriptyline groups showed weight gain.
Melatonin is widely available OTC. Do your research for the best brand and product out there!
Naturally produced by our bodies (via the pineal gland), melatonin is an important hormone. It helps regulate our sleep/wake cycle and is thus very important for sleep regulation. We all know that not enough sleep, poor quality of sleep, or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia can lead to many health issues including headaches and migraines, possibly stemming from low levels of melatonin.
The study suggests using 3mg melatonin (roughly equal to 25mg amitriptyline) nightly. Keeping with circadian rythms and when melatonin naturally peaks, take supplement between 10-11pm every night. To view the entire article search www.medscape.com article titled OTC Supplement May Aid in Migraine Prevention. Medscape. March 26, 2013.
I wonder how melatonin could benefit a narcoleptic, if at all. This may be worth checking out! If you are a PWN and have tried melatonin as a supplement for over a month, let me know. I'm curious if anyone with narcolepsy has reaped any benefits from this supplementation.
Thank you for this information! I am an RN, with Narcolepsy that often suffers from migraines. I'm going to try some melatonin and let you know. I take Provigil, which often times is amazing, but can sometimes cause migraines!
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