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Summer headaches can be…well, painful, even for non-migraine sufferers. But for those afflicted with chronic migraines, trying to dodge migraine triggers can be especially perplexing under the hot baking sun.  Here are some helpful rules for dealing with summer headaches.

Water yourself regularly…

You’ve heard this time and time again, but it’s worth repeating.  To prevent headaches in the summer, and that includes migraine headaches, force yourself to drink all day long, even if you don’t like it. (And some of us don’t.)

You might think you’re drinking enough water, but you’re probably not.  Some signs of dehydration aren’t obvious; tiredness, sluggish thinking can be easily confused for the “brain fog” that many chronic pain sufferers experience year-round.

For more advice on this rule, read 15 Tricks for Staying Hydrated and Avoiding Migraines.

…But don’t drown in it

This is no joke- Drinking too much water can dilute essential electrolytes that you need, like potassium and sodium, to avoid dehydration headaches.

A good rule of thumb is to drink water before and after eating, but not during.

Don’t drown in perfumes, either

The summer season calls for extra vigilance in avoiding strong scents and headaches.  That’s because heat and humidity combine to intensify odors in lotions, colognes, shampoos, and cleansers.

Don’t leave suntan lotions or bug sprays in the car, which can create a sauna effect guaranteed to bowl you over when you open the door.

Carry smelling salts or a hankie for times when you can’t avoid other people’s perfume- at work, or at amusement parks, for example.

Seek out fragrance-free products that are really perfume-free, not just scented with a masking odor.

For more tips, see Perfumes and Migraines: The Good, the Bad, and the Downright Stinky.

Seek the shade

This is something else that you already know, but what migraine blog about summer headaches would be complete without this essential tip?

Heat isn’t your only enemy this season; the bright light of the sun is another viable migraine trigger.

Things to always store in your car include:

• An extra pair of dark sunglasses
• A wide-brimmed sunhat
• An umbrella (yes!)
• A small beach umbrella
• A sleep mask

Here’s some advice on choosing the perfect pair of migraine shades:  Rainbow Colored Sunglasses that Prevent Migraines

Forget the Hamptons…

When planning your summer vacation, keep it simple. Think local and uncrowned.  (Cheap doesn’t hurt, either!) If you can’t get there by bus or train, then it’s probably not worth the headache. And before your trip, look up migraine hot spots that are close to your hotel, like pharmacies, emergency care, or all-night grocery stores.

Get more advice here: Plan a Headache-Free Summer Vacation: Five Travel Tips

…and the Rocky Mountains

Before settling on a vacation spot, check up on the altitude. Do you have to drive through a winding mountain road to get there? You might be surprised to find that certain summer spots are at “nosebleed” elevations- a common headache trigger for many migraine sufferers.

Please tell us…

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

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Like this? Read more:

6 Migraine Myth-conceptions

11 Headache Triggers you Never Thought Of

References:

Summer Headache: Changes In Weather Could Bring On Headaches And Migraines

Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Migraines are a neurological disorder that occurs most often in women- three to one, according to current research.  Not only does sex determine your proneness for migraine attacks- fierce pounding headaches, nausea, and light sensitivity- but also when it comes to migraine symptoms and triggers, male and female migraineurs are from two different planets.

The X factor

Recently, Australian researchers made a breakthrough discovery- they found a link between the X chromosome and migraine disorder.  Specifically, X chromosomes sometimes interfere with a gene responsible for maintaining iron levels, starting a chain reaction of iron deficiency, less oxygen in the brain, and ultimately, a migraine attack.

Since women have 2 X chromosomes to males’ one X chromosome, it’s no surprise that the tendency to get migraines is so far tilted towards the female.

Why do Women get more Migraines than Men do?

PTSD and male migraines

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) seems to be the deciding factor in demonstrating the difference between male and female migraine sufferers.

Although women are more likely to suffer from PTSD (from child abuse, incest, or alcoholism) than men, and despite the fact that women are three times more likely to get migraine headaches than men, the correlation between PTSD and migraines is somehow significantly stronger in male migraine sufferers.

Studies show that men are four times more likely to suffer a combination of migraines with PTSD than women who get chronic migraines.

This is the first time scientists have seen an emotional disorder have a stronger impact on male chronic headache sufferers than their female counterparts.

Theories abound, but as of yet, no scientific explanation is available that explains the correlation between male migraine sufferers and PTSD.

Please tell us…

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

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You might also like:

PTSD Migraines are from Mars, Genetic Migraines are from Venus, Part 1

Women who get Migraines are also Likely to get This

Symptoms of a Menstrual Migraine

Sources:

New Hope For Migraine Sufferers: Female Gene Blamed For Chronic Headaches

Men, women, and migraine: The role of sex, hormones, obesity, and PTSD

Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Migraines are a neurological disorder that occurs most often in women- three to one, according to current research.  Not only does sex determine your proneness for migraine attacks- fierce pounding headaches, nausea, and light sensitivity- but also when it comes to migraine symptoms and triggers, male and female migraineurs are from two different planets.

Statistically prone

When you look at current migraine research, it seems like it’s the woman’s lot in life to suffer from migraines.

• For example, in an American Migraine Study of 30,000 individuals, scientists found migraine disorder in 18.2% of women and 6.5% of men.
• A UK study noted migraines in 18% of women, where only 8% of men reported having ever suffered a migraine headache.
• Childhood migraine sufferers under the age of 12 are usually boys, but beginning with puberty, the likeliness to suffer from migraines slowly shifts to females, peaking at a 3 to 1 ratio between the ages of 35 and 45.
• When comparing the rate of migraine with aura (MA) versus migraine without aura, scientists note that male migraine aura sufferers are more likely to experience their first migraine from an earlier age (5 yrs.), where female migraineurs who experience migraine with aura began at the age of 12 or 13.

When Migraine Aura with Aphasia leaves you Lost for Words

More migraine triggers

One reason women are most prone to migraines has to do with Mother Nature.  Women get menstrual migraines; men don’t- plain and simple. Women suffer hormonal imbalances as a result of puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, birth control, and menopause- all of which trigger migraines.

About 14% of women only get migraines during their periods, because of hormonal imbalances.

Women get the Lion’s Share of Migraines and Chronic Pain

Another theory is in the way women and men react to stress. Women are more likely to be introspective, to fixate on emotional issues, conflicts, and crises, which in turn trigger migraines, where men are more physical-oriented, and their stress manifests itself in backaches and aggressive behavior.

Please tell us…

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

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Sources:

New Hope For Migraine Sufferers: Female Gene Blamed For Chronic Headaches

Men, women, and migraine: The role of sex, hormones, obesity, and PTSD

Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Your employer doesn’t allow smoking at work, but what about perfumes? Synthetic fragrances trigger migraines, exacerbate asthma symptoms, and cause severe allergic reactions in many people. Here are some tips for getting your coworkers to lay off the fumes without getting fuming mad!

Our first installment, Migraine-ous Fragrances at Work: Know your Rights, dealt with your right to work in a migraine-free, scent-free environment.  Here, we suggest some tactful ways to approach coworkers about their perfume and ask them to stop.

Here are some opening lines, suggestions, and coping mechanisms that may help you breathe easier at work and avoid further migraines:

1) Go straight to the “offender,” but keep it cool.

2) Say something like,

“I love that perfume you’re wearing (even if you don’t), and I wish I could wear it, but unfortunately I get a migraine every time I’m near any kind of cologne. Is there any way you could wait until after work to use perfume?”

3) Apologize for asking her to alter her regular morning prep-up.

It’s likely that she’s been wearing the same perfume for decades, and won’t take kindly to being asked to stop, even if it means preventing headaches.

4) Use words that are passive.  Instead of, “Your perfume is giving me a migraine,” say something like, “I keep getting horrible migraine headaches from perfumes.”

5) Appeal to her in a friendly email. Write something like,

“I hope this doesn’t offend, but I need to tell you about a medical condition that I have- migraine disorder. It causes me to get headaches, nausea, and stomach upset for days, and all it takes is a whiff of perfume to set it off. I’ve noticed that you enjoy wearing perfume, but I’m asking you to, please, avoid wearing it to work.”

6) If she takes offense, explain that this isn’t about her personal scent; it’s the chemicals contained in the perfume.

7) If she doesn’t get the connection between migraines and perfume, compare it to an allergy.

Most people are hip to respecting other people’s rights to avoid allergens, even if they don’t appreciate the disabling effect migraines can have on a person.

8) Ask your boss if you can change your hours, perhaps show up an hour early, so that you can avoid getting a migraine from certain “environmental factors.”

9) Ask your boss to move your desk away from the offender, or away from restrooms and conference areas.

10) Ask for a seat by a window.

11) Ask to be relocated to another office.

12) Ask your employer to institute a fragrance-free policy.

13) Get more technical about work; avoid live interactions whenever possible by using email, video conferences, social media, SMS’s, and good old-fashioned phone calls to get the job done.

14) Appeal to human resources if your boss is unresponsive.

15) Keep a Neti Pot in your cubicle.

16) Drink plenty of water to clear your sinuses, and use a nasal spray.

17) Wear a surgical mask. (Don’t forget your migraine glasses!)

18) Carry smelling salts.

19) Set up an air purifier by your work desk.

20) Threaten a lawsuit. One woman won a $100,000 settlement against her employer who refused to address her fragrance sensitivity.

Please tell us…

How do you deal with migraines in the workplace?

Have you ever approached a coworker about her perfume? What was her response?

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

You might also like:

34 Migraine-Inducing, Stomach-Turning Toxic Chemicals in Perfume

What’s that Smell? Migraine Sensitivity and Olfactory Auras

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Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

(more…)

Finding a good doctor for migraines is a bit like dating; you’re going to meet a lot of duds before you find your partner in lifelong migraine prevention.  Listed are some useful tips for separating the quacks from the golden geese of migraine doctors.

Tip #1: Ask around

Word of mouth is one of the best venues for migraine doctor hunting.  Start with your extended family. If you suffer from migraines, then chances are good that there is at least one other migraineur in your family tree. Send a mass email to your relatives asking them to recommend a migraine specialist in your area.

If you’re a member of an online support group for migraines, such as on Facebook or various forums, then post your question to the community.

Ask coworkers, school teachers, or even the supermarket checkout girl you see every week!

With millions of people in the US suffering from migraines, you’re bound to find somebody who can give you a good lead.

Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!

Tip #2: Get a referral

Ask your primary care doctor if he can recommend a migraine specialist in the area. Perhaps he can point you in the right direction?

Tip #3: Search the ‘net

The internet is a valuable source for migraine advocacy and information.  Sites migraine.org and the National Headache Foundation have search engines to help you find a local migraine headache specialist or neurologist trained in migraine disorder.

Avoiding Migraine Triggers- Here, There and Everywhere

Tip #4: Trust your instincts

Sometimes, certain doctors have a way of making you feel small, like you’re not worthy of their full attention, or not smart enough to understand what’s good for you. If you feel that your doctor trivializes your suffering or isn’t trying hard enough to find the root cause of your migraine attacks, then toss him back in the ocean and go fishing for a new migraine doctor.

Tip #5: Get chummy with the hired help

Receptionists can be a veritable fountain of information.  When calling to set up an appointment, specify that you’re looking for a specialist in complementary and alternative medicine, if that’s your aim. She should be able to tell you if her employer is the right doctor for you, and if he isn’t, then she might be able to refer you to a different migraine specialist.

Tip #6: Ask a nurse

Next time you visit your migraine specialist or go to the hospital, make a point of chatting up the nurses about migraines. Like receptionists, nurses know a lot of “inside information” and are good at networking with other medical professionals.

Social Security Disability for Migraine- 5 Tips for Filing

Tip #7: Set up a consultation

Treat your first doctor’s appointment like a job interview, which it is- your doctor is interviewing for the position as your migraine specialist. Have a set of questions ready for him, like:

•How many migraine patients have you treated?

•What pain medications do you most often prescribe for migraine headaches?

•What’s your opinion on natural ingredients for migraines?

•If I have questions about my migraine symptoms between meetings, then how can I reach you?

•What credentials do you have in the field of migraine management?

Please tell us…

Are you satisfied with the treatment you get from your migraine doctor?

Is your doctor knowledgeable in natural ingredients for migraines?

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

You might also like:

Avoiding Migraine Triggers- Here, There and Everywhere

What kind of Doctor should I see for Migraines? Headache Specialists

Sources:

Science-Based Medicine

Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net, Mykl Roventine, hans s

Migraine headaches got you spinning in circles? There are several causes for dizziness with migraine disorder.  Whether you’re experiencing vertigo, lightheadedness, or fatigue, here are some clues that will help you put an end to that dizzy feeling.

Is it dizziness or vertigo?

Dizziness and vertigo are not identical. Sometimes, people complain of vertigo when they are really feeling dizzy, or light-headed. It’s important to know the difference, as true vertigo may necessitate an MRI brain scan.

Dizziness makes you feel confused, tired, weak, and wobbly. If you are a migraine sufferer who experiences dizziness day in, day out, then you should consult your doctor.

Vertigo, on the other hand, is more than just dizziness- you feel intoxicated, as if the room were spinning around, and you have difficulty walking steady. Vertigo from migraines is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. With true vertigo, lying down brings some relief, while sitting up suddenly makes the dizziness worse.

Migraines with aura (MA)

Migraines are often classified by the presence of an aura- a premonitory phenomenon that occurs minutes before a migraine attack strikes.

Migraines with aura begin with a number of disturbing symptoms, including:

• Vertigo
• Fatigue
• Speech slurring
• Visual disturbances, like seeing bright lights, zigzagging colors, dark voids in your field of vision, or eclipsing images
• Temporary partial paralysis
• Painful tingling sensations

Some migraine patients experience vertigo and other symptoms of migraine aura separately from migraine headaches. Migraine vertigo can last for hours or days.

Migraine Headaches and Dizziness- Stop the Ride, I want to get off!

Vestibular migraine

Vestibular migraines are a type of migraine with aura that produces intense vertigo instead of throbbing headaches.  Sudden rocking sensations make you feel dizzy and nauseous, and may last for hours.

Triggers of vestibular migraines include:

• Sudden movements
• Turning the head abruptly
• Driving or being a passenger
• Large crowds

Scientists are certain what causes vestibular migraines, but they believe it is an inherited disorder.

Hemiplegic Migraine Headaches

Hemiplegic migraines are MA-type migraines that may occur as early as childhood.  Unlike vestibular migraines, hemiplegic migraines cause severe head pain, in addition to dizziness, paralysis on one side of the body, and other MA symptoms. Hemiplegic migraines are typically longer-lasting than other types of migraines, and sometimes (but rarely) result in pervasive balance disorders.

Scientists believe that genetic mutations may be the cause of hemiplegic migraines and dizziness.

Medications

Topamax, an anticonvulsant prescribed for epilepsy, is a popular treatment endorsed for migraine headaches. For some, Topamax provides dramatic relief from migraine attacks.

However, a significant number of migraine patients using Topamax complain of side effects such as dizziness, brain fog, fatigue, and memory loss.

Are Migraines linked with Epileptic Seizures? It’s Genetics

Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)

ME/CFS shares several links with migraine disorder, including symptoms like vertigo, chronic pain, and sluggishness. Like migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome occurs in the brain, as a result of the nervous system’s hypersensitivity to various stimuli.

Meniere’s disease

Meniere’s disease is a balance disorder that occurs in the inner ear and the brain. Symptoms include vertigo, ear fullness, partial hearing loss, and tinnitus (ear ringing).  A significant number of Meniere’s disease patients also suffer from migraines.

Migraines and Meniere’s disease: a Match made in Hades

Please tell us…

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

You might also like:

Migraine Comorbidity is not a Death Sentence

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Sources:

What are vestibular migraines?

Balance Problems- Mayo Clinic

Migraines & Central Sensitization in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Images:

MontyPython, APM Alex, Mykl Roventine

How does one tell the difference between ordinary headaches and migraine headaches? In diagnosing migraines, your doctor may run a variety of tests and use specific diagnostic criteria. Here are some basic facts that help your healthcare provider distinguish between tension headaches and the worst migraines of your life…

Migraine symptoms

Any migraine sufferer can attest to the fact that migraines are about more than just a headache; a migraine attack may include a variety of debilitating ailments, in addition to excruciating head pain.

Typical symptoms of a migraine attack may include:

• Pounding, long-lasting head pain
• Sharp pain behind the eyes
• Neck stiffness
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Hypersensitivity to bright lights, scents, or loud noises
• Fatigue

Here Comes a Migraine Attack- 20 Telltale Signs

• Visual disturbances, such as bright flickering lights or blind spots
• Vertigo
• Olfactory hallucinations
• Partial, temporary paralysis
• Temporary speech slurring
• Loss of spatial awareness
• Loss of consciousness

The measure of a migraine

In diagnosing migraines, specialists look for a set of specific symptoms occurring in at least five separate migraine attacks.

• Headaches that last between 4-72 hours
• Headaches that cause nausea, vomiting, or extreme sensitivity to bright lights (photophobia) and loud noises (phonophobia)
• Headaches that inhibit normal, day-to-day activities
• Headaches that include two of the following criteria: head pain that is on one side of the head, headaches with pulsating (throbbing) qualities, pain described as moderate to excruciating, or head pain that intensifies with mild physical activity
• Absence of any head injuries or other disorder that can cause severe headaches.

Please tell us…

Share with your friends!

Read more about migraine headaches

Migraine Headaches- Top 7 FAQ’s

Migraines are Excruciating, Trigeminal Neuralgia is Suicide

References:

Migraine Diagnosis: Migraine Health Information – NY Times Health

International Headache Society diagnostic criteria

Free images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Of all the migraine triggers, noise from neighbors can be the most frustrating. Whether it’s dogs barking, rowdy parties, or mysterious thumping sounds over your head, here are some tips for dealing with noise from neighbors, without causing more migraines.

1- Just ask

Plan A is always to confront your neighbor and bring the noise to his attention.

• Wait for a quiet, convenient time to approach your neighbor (assuming there are any non-migraine noise-inducing periods). Don’t be tempted to pound on his door and catch him in the act of noise polluting; you will only get an angry, defensive response.
• Begin with an open mind, and give him the benefit of the doubt.  Explain that you suffer from chronic migraine headaches, and that you are especially susceptible to migraine attacks from loud noise decibels. He might not have realized that he was being offensive.
• Be respectful, even if he isn’t.
• Tell him which times of the day or night are most problematic. If you are home during the day recovering from a migraine headache and the noise is making that impossible, let him know, politely.
• If approaching him personally is not an option, paste a friendly sticky note on his door.
• Always document any verbal or written communications regarding noise pollution.

Helping Others Understand Migraines- 8 Communication Tips

2- Ask again, with a warning

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Only this time, get serious.

• Remind him about city ordinances requiring noise levels, specific to the time of day or night, which can be found at most government sites.
• Put it in a letter, and make a copy for yourself.
• Let him know that under no circumstances will you suffer needlessly from a migraine trigger (noise) that is in his power to control.

3- Circulate

If you’re part of a homeowner’s association (HOA), find out about posting a note in the community newsletter addressing the issue of noise pollution, without mentioning any names, of course. This is another practical, non-accusatory way of spreading the message and preventing further headaches.

4- Talk to your landlord

Get on friendly terms with your landlord or HOA representatives.

• Let them know that you suffer from migraines triggered by noise, and that you have tried to address the topic of noise pollution, to no avail.
• Find out about the HOA or apartment complex rules regarding noisy neighbors, and ask if he can mediate the situation.

5- Soundproof your living space

Sometimes, a few inexpensive soundproofing measures can provide a migraine-friendly noise-free environment.

• Check light switches and other electrical outlets for openings that may be letting in outside noise.  A bit of caulking in the holes may shut out some of that noise
• Apply an acoustic mat under your floor or carpeting, or if possible, between the drywalls.
• Purchase an inexpensive foam window plug.
• Apply green glue, a noiseproofing compound.

7 Room Darkening Tips for Migraine Sufferers

6- Try white noise

Background sounds are helpful for filtering out annoying noises that cause migraines.

• Assuming the noise isn’t deafening, try installing a window-unit air conditioner, or keeping a floor fan running.
• Listen to relaxing music or environmental sounds on your iPod- not only will it shush out noise pollution, but it will also help you relax and recover from a migraine attack more quickly.
• Purchase a white noise machine.

7- Alert the authorities

This should be one of your last resorts.

• Go to the police and explain the situation; it may be just the first step in establishing a record of your noise complaints.
• Explain that you have approached your neighbor many times, and have tried to resolve the problem peacefully, but that he’s still giving you headaches.
• Call the police during the time that the noise violation occurs.
• Hopefully, a policeman will knock on his door to investigate, and that will be the end of it.

8- Sue ‘em

This is your ultimate last resort, the thing you’ve been warning him about all along.

• Understand that you are legally within your rights to file a lawsuit if unlawful noise is causing you pain and suffering (and how else would you describe a migraine?).
• Going through small claims court, you can easily get monetary damages without the need…or expense of lawyers.
• To file a cease and desist, you will need to go through civil court.

Please tell us…

Have you successfully dealt with a loud noise that was giving you migraines? Please share your experience.

What are some other peaceful ways of dealing with noisy neighbors?

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Read more about migraines and the law

Migraine Headaches Are Not an ADA Disability, Says US Court

Migraines at Work- Can my Employers Fire me from my Job?

Social Security Disability for Migraine- 5 Tips for Filing

References:

7 Tips for Keeping the Peace (and Quiet) With Noisy Neighbors

How To: Soundproof Your Home

What to Do About a Neighbor’s Noise – FAQs

Images:

Free images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are you using beta blockers for preventing migraines? If so, it’s important to understand the risks involved, such as side effects, migraine drug interactions, and other warnings- used incorrectly, beta blockers can be fatal. Here are some basic facts about beta blockers for migraine attack prevention:

Also read Preventing Migraines with Beta Blockers, Part 1: Introduction

Beta blockers side effects

Certain side effects may occur while using beta blockers; report to your physician if you suddenly start experiencing the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Cold hands and feet
• Swelling in the extremities
• Frequent bruising
• Chronic fatigue
• Depression
• Memory loss
• Hallucinations
• Nightmares
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
• Slow heartbeat
• Breathing difficulties
• Sexual dysfunction

If you are nursing, pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, please notify your healthcare provider before using beta blockers for migraines.

Also, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before starting beta blockers:

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Diabetes
• Hyperthyroidism
• Drug allergies

Drug interactions and other warnings!

Certain medications are extremely hazardous when taken in combination with beta blockers.

Please make note of the following drug interactions and warnings:

*ACE inhibitors with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)- fatal heart attack or kidney disease

*Calcium channel blockers or digoxin (Lanoxin) with beta blockers- dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension) or death

*Antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin, and zithromycin) with calcium channel blockers- dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension), dizziness, organ failure, or death

*Antipsychotic drugs thioridazine (Mellaril, Novoridazine, Thioril)   or chlorpromazine (Thorazine, Largactil) with beta blockers- dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension) or death

*Clonidine (Catapres) with beta blockers- dangerously high blood pressure (hypertension) or death

*Barbiturates like Phenobarbital may reduce the efficiency of beta blockers

*Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen may reduce the efficiency of beta blockers

If you decide to discontinue usage of beta blockers, notify your doctor. Sudden cessation of beta blockers may result in heart attack, angina, or death.

Thinking about natural ingredients for migraines?

Several natural supplements provide health benefits without side effects.

Popular natural migraine ingredients include:

*Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) promotes neurological health by regulating calcium channels.

*Riboflavin boosts stamina and maintains mitochondrial health.

*Magnesium is effective at maintaining already healthy blood pressure.

*Coenzyme Q10 provides antioxidant protection, helps to maintain proper immune function, and promotes cardiovascular health.

Please tell us…

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Magnesium- for Migraines and Beyond

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Chronic Pain

References:

Choosing blood pressure medications

Beta Blockers Drugs on MedicineNet.com

Migraine Symptoms, Causes, Treatment on MedicineNet

Images:

MEDICAL RF.COM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY,  ADAM GAULT/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY, TEK IMAGE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY