How To Use Magnesium for Migraines

Migraines are one of the most common neurological illnesses, affecting more than one billion people worldwide each year.

A migraine is a type of headache that involves recurrent attacks of throbbing or pulsating pain, typically on one side of the head. Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, noise, or odors.

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in several bodily processes, including nerve and muscle function, blood sugar and blood pressure regulation, energy production, and more.

Low blood magnesium levels have been linked to migraine headaches. For this reason, some people use magnesium for migraine prevention.

Magnesium is an important nutrient the body needs to function properly. It helps support the immune system, create energy and protein, maintain nerve and muscle function, regulate blood pressure, and much more.

The mineral can also play a role in migraines. Some research suggests magnesium supplementation may be most effective for people with migraines with aura—changes to your vision, language, or other senses that occur shortly before a migraine attack.

Magnesium may help with migraines in the following ways:

• Blocks pain signals in the brain
• Prevents the narrowing of brain blood vessels
• Reduces brain signals that lead to aura
• Prevents migraines related to the menstrual cycle

There is also evidence linking magnesium levels to migraines. Studies have shown that people who have migraines tend to have lower levels of magnesium than people who do not experience migraines.

There are several types of magnesium supplements available, but magnesium oxide is the most frequently used for migraine prevention.

The recommended starting dose of magnesium for migraines is 400 milligrams per day. The maximum dosage recommended is 600 milligrams per day. This dosage exceeds magnesium’s tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 350 milligrams daily. Only take higher magnesium doses under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Side Effects and Risks

Magnesium at recommended doses may cause side effects such as abdominal cramping, nausea, and diarrhea. If you take magnesium in very large doses, have kidney problems, or are of older age, magnesium can build up in your system and cause serious side effects, including:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle weakness
• Cardiac arrest

Due to these risks, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before taking magnesium supplements—especially if you want to take them at a higher dosage for migraine prevention.

Drug Interactions

Magnesium supplements can also interact with certain medications. These may include:

• Antibiotics: Magnesium can block your body from absorbing certain antibiotics, making the antibiotic less effective.
• Bisphosphonates (drugs used to treat osteoporosis): The body may not absorb bisphosphonates as well if you take them too soon before or after taking magnesium.
• Diuretics (water pills): Diuretics can affect how well your body retains magnesium. This can increase or decrease magnesium levels in your system.
• Proton pump inhibitors: Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors can lead to magnesium deficiency.
• Certain heart medications: Taking magnesium with certain heart medications can increase your risk of low blood pressure.

While magnesium is usually considered safe for use during pregnancy, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Some research shows people with migraines tend to have lower levels of magnesium, suggesting magnesium supplementation can help prevent migraine attacks.

One trial concluded that magnesium oxide was as effective as valproate sodium—a prescription migraine treatment—in preventing migraines without serious side effects. Another study found that daily magnesium was effective for short-term prevention of migraines.

Magnesium may be a good option for migraine prevention, as it’s relatively safe and has a low risk of serious side effects.

There are two types of migraine treatments: those that relieve pain (acute medication) and those that prevent future attacks (preventive medication). Depending on the severity of your condition, your healthcare provider may recommend both types of treatments.

Many medication options are available within each treatment type, and your healthcare provider can help you determine the best treatment plan. Certain lifestyle modifications may also help you manage and prevent migraines.

Pain-Relieving Treatment

Acute treatment consists of medications that help stop a migraine attack. You can take the medication as needed at the first sign of a migraine.

Medications to relieve migraine pain may include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Triptans, such as Imitrex (sumatriptan) and Maxalt (rizatriptan)
• Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine
• Gepants, such as Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) and Nurtec (rimegepant)
• Reyvow (lasmiditan)

Preventative Treatment

Preventive medications help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Various medications are used for migraine prevention, including:

• Certain blood pressure medications, such as Inderal (propranolol)
• Some antidepressants, including Prozac (fluoxetine) and Pamelor (nortriptyline)
• Certain antiepileptic drugs, such as Topamax (topiramate) and Neurontin (gabapentin)
• Anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies, such as Aimovig (erenumab)

Botox injections are another preventative treatment option. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved Botox for the treatment of chronic migraines—having 15 or more migraines per month.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle modifications for migraine management include:

• Identify and avoid migraine triggers
• Engage in regular physical activity, defined as 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco use
• Stay well-hydrated
• Discontinue or limit caffeine consumption
• Reduce stress
• Get enough sleep

With such a wide range of medications, lifestyle modifications, and supplements available for migraines, finding the right treatment plan can be challenging. A healthcare provider can help determine the best treatments for you based on the frequency and severity of your migraines, other medications, and medical history.

Although magnesium is a natural supplement, it has risks, especially when taken in higher doses—like the amount recommended for migraine treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting a magnesium supplement.

If you’re taking migraine medications, take them exactly as prescribed. Taking too much or taking the medication too often can cause overuse headaches. Stopping prescribed medications without talking to your provider can also increase your risk of unmanaged or worsening migraines and withdrawal symptoms.

Migraines involve recurrent attacks of throbbing or pulsating pain, typically on one side of the head. Some research shows people who have migraines tend to have lower levels of magnesium, a mineral that supports many bodily functions, highlighting a link between the two.

Some health experts suggest magnesium supplementation can help prevent migraine attacks, with magnesium oxide being the most popular type for migraine treatment. There are some risks, so it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting magnesium supplements for migraine management.

Other medications and lifestyle modifications can also help prevent and manage migraines. If you take prescribed medication for migraines, consult your healthcare provider before adding supplements or stopping your medication.