Potentially Harmful Remedies for Migraines

If you’ve ever taken an herbal remedy, you should know that some herbs may interact dangerously with migraine medicines. Researchers need to do more studies, but they advise people to use caution.

Triptans, a class of prescription medicines used to treat migraine pain, and tricyclic antidepressants, used to prevent migraine, may interact with the following herbal remedies:

• 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 instance, taking St. John’s wort with a tricyclic antidepressant can cause a serious—even fatal—reaction. Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s wort, and valerian root may worsen migraine symptoms. Other studies, however, 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 populations of people with migraine.

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

More research about herb-medicine interactions is needed. Because of the possibly dangerous effects, however, tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about any herb, vitamin, or other dietary supplement you take. Treat an herbal remedy just like a medicine. If your provider and pharmacist know what herb you’re thinking about taking, they can advise you if it is safe or not.