Caffeine and Migraines – What is the Connection?

As with other types of treatments, the debate will rage on about the relationship between caffeine and migraines, but here is some information that may help some to better understand the effects caffeine can have on this disorder.

Some people swear that the only thing that helps them during a bout with migraine headaches is strong coffee. Still other people avoid caffeine altogether since they are concerned that simply consuming a cup of coffee may trigger a bad migraine headache.

The truth is that caffeine can have a beneficial effect on migraines if it is taken early on when symptoms are first noticed. The reason for this is that caffeine helps to reduce the inflammation of blood vessels in the brain that is thought to be a primary cause of migraines. With that said, if you are looking for a natural way to reduce the occurrence of migraines, a cup of strong coffee, soda or tea may be the answer.

Caffeine and migraines – what to watch out for

It may surprise you to know that caffeine is a common ingredient in many over the counter as well as prescription medications that are considered pain relievers. Caffeine is generally added in efforts to speed the effectiveness of such products as Tylenol and Excedrin. This is very beneficial for those who need to realize fast results.

With all of this information, there are also drawbacks from using caffeine on a regular basis if you suffer from migraines. If you are using caffeine to manage migraines, you may want to be aware that when it is used in to great quantities and too frequently, there are some undesirable side effects that are often associated when the body does not get its fix. Withdrawal symptoms may include headaches, nausea, fatigue, and anxiety.

This is true whether caffeine for migraines is taken in the form of medication or if you drink it in any form. It is the caffeine withdrawal that can be your worst nightmare if your body is used to being supplied regularly with it. For those already suffering from frequent migraines, this can be counter-productive. This is especially true when the body becomes more resistant to the drugs that you are using to relieve the pain.

Caffeine and migraines – is more better?

Sometimes when an individual finds a remedy that works for them, they are tempted to use it often and in large quantities. This is not a good idea since as mentioned previously over-indulgence can lead to dependence and caffeine for migraines being less effective. Caffeine is often used to maintain alertness and to prevent a person from falling asleep. This is another reason it should not be over used when trying to treat migraines. Poor sleep quality is often one of the triggers for migraines.

If you are concerned about drinking more tea or coffee than you should, or have noticed an increase in frequency of migraines, maybe it is time to cut back or cut out the use of caffeine altogether. It is often recommended that you slowly decrease consumption rather than stopping cold turkey to reduce the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms. Caffeine and migraines do mix, but you must be cautious when taking in caffeine.

For additional compelling information on Medication for Migraine please get back to the home page.