Creatine may cause headaches and dehydration. Drugs.com states that although evidence is lacking, common reports of side effects include dehydration, muscle cramps and a reduction in blood volume. These possible side effects can cause headaches to form shortly after using the supplement. Stop using creatine if you develop adverse reactions and discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Creatine may cause an allergic reaction that could lead to deadly side effects, such as a rapid pulse and a drop in blood pressure.
Creatine
Creatine is a protein building block that is essential in muscle development. It's naturally produced in the human body and is found in fish and lean red meat, commonly used to make creatine supplements. The supplement is used by the elderly to maintain and build muscle mass and by athletes for increased performance and body building. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that more than 14 million dollars are spent annually on creatine supplements, making it a popular supplement. Creatine is not intended for everyone and may interact with certain medications. Talk with your doctor before using this supplement.
Side Effects
Muscle cramps and decreased blood flow may be responsible for headaches in some people. If you have an allergic reaction to creatine, you may develop sinus headaches from inflammation in your nasal passages. Dehydration is common because creatine pulls water from your digestive system. Because of this possible side effect, Drugs.com recommends increasing the amount of water you drink while taking creatine. If you develop decreased amounts of urine, talk with your doctor because you may have a compilation in your kidneys. Allergic reactions may cause swelling of your lips, trouble breathing, throat swelling and hives.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when you body is loosing more water than it needs to thrive. Dehydration can lead to death if left untreated. Common symptoms of dehydration include thirst, sleepiness, tiredness, dry mouth, lack of urination, dry skin, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness and constipation, according to MayoClinic.com. Call 911 if you develop extreme thirst, lack of sweating, a fever, sunken eyes, low blood pressure, shriveled skin, a rapid heart rate and shallow but fast breathing.
Considerations
Other side effects of taking creatine may include stomach upsetness, diarrhea, dizziness, high blood pressure, liver dysfunction, weight gain and a lack of your body naturally storing creatine. Do not take creatine while pregnant or breastfeeding because of lack of testing.
