If you're one of the nearly 30 million people in the United States who experiences debilitating migraine symptoms, you may benefit from increasing your CoQ10 intake. CoQ10 -- short for coenzyme Q-10 -- is a naturally-occurring antioxidant that helps your cells make energy. You can increase your CoQ10 intake by consuming more foods rich in this antioxidant, such as fatty fish and whole grains, or by taking a daily CoQ10 dietary supplement. Get medical advice before taking it.
Consult a Doctor
A doctor familiar with your complete medical history is the only person qualified to recommend a particular dosage of CoQ10. Additionally, the dosage of CoQ10 you need to take to control your migraine headaches may vary depending on your health, weight and age. For these reasons, talk with a physician before beginning to take CoQ10 supplements.
Dosing Guidelines
Health professionals with the University of Michigan Health System recommend taking 100 to 150mg of CoQ10 daily to prevent migraine headaches. Typically, treatment with CoQ10 is a long-term migraine management plan and requires daily administration for several months to maintain migraine relief. Each dose of CoQ10 should be taken with a meal that contains a small amount of fat because this nutrient is fat soluble.
Safety Information
If you use CoQ10 supplements as directed, you typically won't experience negative side effects. In certain cases, however, mild stomach upset may occur, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and appetite loss. Infrequently, treatment with CoQ10 may also result in the appearance of a mild skin rash across your body. Seek care from a doctor if any of these side effects persist or become severe.
Medication Interactions
If you're receiving treatment with other medications, taking CoQ10 may be inappropriate. CoQ10 supplements may reduce the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications, such as clopidigrel and warfarin. In addition, CoQ10 may increase the effects of blood pressure-lowering medications, such as enalapril and metoprolol.
