Migraine is a severe, recurrent headache that may be accompanied by visual disturbances known as an aura. Although it is unclear why some people experience migraines and others don't, the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, states that more than half of migraine sufferers have an affected family member. If your migraines are frequent enough that you need to take painkillers more than twice a week, your doctor may prescribe medicines to help prevent them. UMMC notes that melatonin is sometimes taken before bedtime to help prevent migraines, although evidence to show that it is effective is limited. Talk to your doctor before taking melatonin supplements.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland and is responsible for controlling the circadian or "wake-sleep" cycle. Synthetic melatonin, available in tablets, is commonly used to treat jet-lag and insomnia, although it may also play a role in the treatment of other conditions, including depression, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center adds that it is also sometimes used to help prevent migraines, although the mechanism by which it exerts this effect is unclear.
Effectiveness
Few studies have evaluated the role of melatonin in the treatment of migraine headaches and opinion on whether it can help to prevent them is divided. The results of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in the October 2010 issue of "Neurology" found that taking a slow-release melatonin supplement before bedtime is no more effective than placebo in migraine prevention. However, a medical review article published in the June 2005 issue of "Cephalalgia" states that melatonin may play an important role in the treatment of headache disorders and may offer a new treatment approach.
Side Effects
RxList states that short-term melatonin use is likely safe for most adults, although it may cause side effects such as dizziness, headache, vivid dreams and stomach cramps. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center adds that it may also alter your sleep pattern and mental status. It may also speed up your heart rate. It also causes drowsiness; don't use it before driving or operating dangerous machinery.
Contraindications
Melatonin supplements may interact with other medicines that you may be taking including immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, sedatives and diabetes medicines. It may also make antidepressant drugs less effective. Do not use melatonin supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, avoid taking a melatonin supplement if you have hypertension, diabetes, depression or a seizure disorder.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Migraine Headache
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Melatonin
- "Neurology"; Prophylaxis of Migraine with Melatonin: A Randomized Controlled Trial; K.B. Alstadhaug et al.; October 2010
- "Cephalalgia"; Melatonin, The Pineal Gland and Their Implications for Headache Disorders; M.F. Peres; June 2005
- RxList: Melatonin
