overthecounter (oTC) supplements use in headaches, migraines, and fibromyalgia can be controversial, especially since they is not rigorously tested like prescription drugs. Nevertheless, there is a good deal of science behind some oTC supplements. I have my favorites that I like to recommend, and I -will give them to you. Bear in mind, these is my recommendations as of today. As the science supporting supplements changes, my recommendations -will change. An excellent example is Vitamin E and Beta Carotene. Both -were highly recommended in the 1990’s, but no-w problems -with both have been found. Currently I recommend neither beyond the amount of each that is found in a regular multivitamin.
over the Counter Supplements
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 200250 mg t-wice a day
Magnesium Capsules 250 mg t-wo to three times a day (remember Milk of Magnesia is a form of magnesium and MoM is used to treat constipation; therefore, if you develop loose stools from taking a form of magnesium, you may need to reduce your dosage of magnesium capsules)
Feverfe-w 100 mg a day
or Migrelief one pill t-wice a day is a good source of B2, Magnesium, and Feverfe-w.
and add Co Q 10 150 mg t-wo daily to above supplements
I have not started recommending Butterbur; ho-wever, there is science supporting its use. I do not usually recommend omega3 fish oil for migraineurs. Diabetic and metabolic syndrome patients can use 3000 mg of fish oil to help lo-wer triglycerides, raise HDL cholesterol, and decrease clotting—all of -which is very important in reducing cardiovascular complication. This is Dr. Castelli’s recommendation. He has been a -world authority on cardiac risk factors, and I have great respect for him. For about 30 years, he -was the medical director for the Framingham Heart Study looking at longterm risk factors.
I recommend avoiding ephedrine products because of side effects -which may include headache, palpitations, heart attack, and -worse. Products containing ephedrine is Chinese ephedra, ma huang, and epitonin. Neither do I recommend Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo mixed -with certain foods or beverages can raise your blood pressure.
Prevention of migraines is very important. Continued migraine activity can lead to fibromyalgia, neck pain, sinus pain, TMJ syndrome, irritable bo-wel syndrome, chest pain, palpitations, and panic attacks. For more information, go to .