Headaches plague up to 78 percent of the general population form time to time, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. As their name suggests, they primarily affect the head, but also cause discomfort in the neck and shoulders. Taking over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen is usually enough to drive a headache away. If you prefer a more natural headache remedy, you might find that coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, helps, although scientific evidence to show it is effective is limited. Talk to your doctor before taking a CoQ10 supplement.
Properties
CoQ10 occurs naturally in the mitochondria of the body's cells. Also known as ubiquinone and ubidecarenone, CoQ10 is synthesized in the liver and plays an important role in energy production. It is also sometimes used to help prevent or treat a number of conditions, including Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease and asthma. An article published in the March 2010 of "Nutrition" notes that it might also help alleviate headache symptoms in adults, children and adolescents.
Administration
CoQ10 is found in certain foods, such as meats and seafood, and is also available as a dietary supplement. Guidance regarding a suitable dose to help prevent or treat a headache is lacking, although MedlinePlus notes that 100 mg three times daily is used to help prevent migraine headaches. Check with your doctor or pharmacist whether this dosage is likely suitable for you.
Effectiveness
Most research into the effects of CoQ10 on headache has focused on patients with migraine headaches, specifically. For example, the results of a randomized clinical trial in migraine headache patients published in the February 2005 issue of "Neurology" found that 100 mg of CoQ10 taken three times daily was more effective than placebo in reducing migraine attack frequency, the number of headache days and nausea.
Considerations
MedlinePlus notes that CoQ10 is likely safe for most adults and is usually well tolerated. However, it might cause side effects including nausea, appetite loss, diarrhea and stomach upset. CoQ10 might also affect your blood pressure and may heighten the effects of antihypertensive drugs; get medical advice before taking a CoQ10 supplement if you have blood pressure problems. Avoid using CoQ10 during pregnancy or breastfeeding or prior to undergoing surgery. It might interact with other medicines, including chemotherapeutic drugs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tension Headache
- Patient.co.uk; Coenzyme Q10; Dr. Richard Draper; September 2009
- "Nutrition"; Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q10: An Update; G.P. Littarru and L. Tiano; March 2009
- MedlinePlus: Coenzyme Q10
- "Neurology"; Efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 in Migraine Prophylaxis: A Randomized Controlled Trial; P.S. Sando, et al.; February 2010
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