Migraine is a type of headache that is associated with vomiting, nausea, lack of sleep or food, exposure to light and depression. People with migraine often describe the pain in one side of the head. Some people with migraine get warning symptoms such as a blind spot or tingling in the arm or leg. An alternative treatment fore migraine is a natural supplement, 5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan. Always take this supplement under the supervision of a doctor.
Function
People with migraine may have low levels of serotonin in the body, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that transmits nerve signals between the neurons. 5-HTP increases the serotonin levels in the body. 5-HTP is derived from an essential amino acid, tryptophan, which is present in food. In the brain, 5-HTP is converted to serotonin, which reduces the symptoms associated with migraine. 5-HTP in pill form works like the antidepressants that are thought to increase the serotonin levels in the body.
Dosage
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center suggests a 5-HTP dosage of 400 to 600 mg daily to reduce the symptoms associated with migraine. In one study, 5-HTP at a dosage of 600 mg was administered daily to 124 people for six months. Researchers found that 5-HTP proved equally effective as methysergide, a standard drug used to treat migraine headache. 5-HTP reduced the intensity and duration of migraines. 5-HTP at a dosage of 400 mg daily also showed good results in the similar study.
Warning
5-HTP may help people suffering from migraine, but its use has been associated with eosinophilic myalgia syndrome, a fatal disorder that affects the skin, blood and muscles. A high dose of 5-HTP may cause serotonin syndrome, a condition caused by excess accumulation of serotonin in the body. Serotonin syndrome may lead to unconsciousness and death in an individual. 5-HTP may also cause side effects like nausea, feelings of fullness and heartburn in some people.
Safety
People with migraine should always consult a doctor before taking before taking higher-than-recommended doses of 5-HTP. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid taking 5-HTP.
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