Serotonin Levels and Headaches

[Erikku]

Hi Everyone,

I was reading through some reports about serotonin levels and headaches.  The results were quite mixed and confusing.

Some articles indicate that headaches is contributed by low serotonin levels, hence increasing it would alleviate headaches.

Other point to herbs like feverfew, which inhibits serotonin and thus helps relieve headaches.  

These two points of view seem directly contradicting, can someone shed some light on this?

Thanks

[Ball123]

Hi Cleo!

Lexapro is an antidepressant of the so called SSRI class. It is not proven to be very efficient in migraine prevention but it is however used with effect by some people. It is great that it works for you. If you would one day need to change it there are other drugs that are considered more effective that can be worth checking out.

Good luck!

[Cleopatra09]

Hi everyone.  Just thought I would give you my story..I have suffered with migraines most of my life and it was very depressing. About a year ago I started taking lexapro for anxiety and noticed I wasn't getting migraines or headaches..(there is a difference).or very rare times..I did do some research as to why and apparently it's to do with serotonin levels. I am so happy to be just about rid of this delibitating condition and I hope this information helps someone

[Erikku]

Thanks Ball123 for the reply.

As a follow up to my original post.  I've been having success with a combination of supplements and herbs for migraines, although I still don't know how it's helping but its not really important as long as it works.

For those suffering from migraines.  I'm currently taking magnesium, feverfew and butterbur together on a daily basis.

Since August being on this regimen, no migraine attacks and fingers crossed that it continues to work in the future.

Good to everyone~

[Ball123]

Sorry but sometimes it is like this, that until you know everything you know nothing. Very little is known about headaches and migraines. Some of the drugs used can be very effective but nobody really knows how or why. Some drugs elevate serotonin levels others inhibit serotonin, they can both work.

The same with anti-depressants. They elevate your serotonine level very fast but still it takes two or three weeks before you start to get effect. Why? Nobody knows.

Triptans were developed to constrict the cerebral blood vessels because at that time the leading theory was that the blood vessels dilate to much during a migraine. Today we know that the blood vessels do not dilate and the vasoconstriction of the triptans is seen as an unwanted side effect. Now we think they work because of the serotonine agonist mechanism.

Point is; nobody knows anything!