Caffeine is a component of coffee and added to energy drinks to give you a lift. Excessive caffeine use can cause caffeine-withdrawal headaches, but it is used in over-the-counter medications to provide relief from tension and migraine headaches. The main reason for caffeine being added to medications is the ability to restrict blood flow in your blood vessels. This is important if your migraines are relieved by consuming caffeine.
Adenosine
Adenosine is a blood vessel constrictor that mediates blood flow to the brain and functions as a painkiller in the body. During migraines, adenosine activity increases, possibly leading to acute migraines or intensified migraine pain, according to the American Headache Society. Caffeine can decrease the effects of adenosine when you feel the beginnings of a migraine headache. Caffeine is similar to adenosine in structure. When consumed, caffeine fits into adenosine receptors in your nerves but downplays the adenosine activity, thereby providing relief in the early stages of a migraine attack.
Magnesium Loss
Migraine sufferers may need to increase their intake of magnesium. Magnesium plays a role in the relaxation and tensing ability of your blood vessels. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, magnesium status is related to the severity and frequency of migraine headaches. Caffeine stimulates magnesium losses from its diuretic effect. Inducing low magnesium levels by consuming caffeine on a daily basis could open you up to having more migraine headaches. Supplementation may prove beneficial for those with low blood levels of magnesium. Consult with your doctor and have your magnesium levels checked before adding more magnesium to your diet.
Caffeine Headaches
For some sufferers of migraine headaches, caffeine can trigger migraines. People who consume caffeinated beverages on a daily basis but exclude them over the weekend may develop "weekend withdrawal" headaches. Your blood vessels and nerves become used to the action of caffeine, but when you miss your daily intake over the weekend, you end up suffering from a migraine, according to the American Headache Society.
Caffeine as Medicine
Caffeine is useful in stopping migraines during the initial onset of the headaches. According to Maria White at the University of Michigan, caffeine use can initially stop the pain associated with migraines, but once the effect of it wears off, the pain can come back. This is especially true if you drink caffeinated beverages on a regular basis.
Caffeine Intake
Most over-the-counter medications used to treat migraines contain caffeine to increase absorption of the medications and aid in reducing swelling of the blood vessels in the neck. Adding up to 130 mg of caffeine in conjunction with common pain relievers provides relief from migraines better than eliminating the caffeine, according to the National Headache Foundation. Most people drink between 200 to 300 mg of caffeine from coffee or other beverages. Caffeine increases your body's absorption of over-the-counter pain relievers, increasing their effectiveness.
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