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[_mara_]

We've all talked about how awful migraines are and I've gotten a lot of good advice from this board. I might be on to something that I wanted to share with other migraine sufferers: niacin.

A few weeks ago, my doctor suggested I take a daily dose of no-flush niacin (540 mg) because my cholesterol is higher than what it should be, given my gender, age, and lifestyle. I grumbled about this...I didn't want to take a pill, what about side effects, etc. However, I read the research , which confirmed that niacin is a good way to increase my HDL, lower my LDL, etc. I started taking it once a day and have had no side effects.

Ever since I stared taking niacin, I haven't had a single headache. Not a tension headache, not a migraine. My Imitrex is collecting dust on my shelf, and I have to admit that's a pretty good feeling.

I did some research on the Internet and found that niacin is, in fact, a treatment for migraines. Although it's only been a few weeks, it appears to be working. I don't want to speak to soon, but if it keeps working I think I will cry with joy. I will keep you posted.

[amidst]

I am curious if the niacin treatment is still helping you out on the migraine side of things?

[conjugate]

Good question; I've been thinking about going on a niacin regimen for the HDL thing, myself.

[ufo_tofu]

I had heard this about niacin.  I tried it last year briefly and maybe I'll try it again.  Hell, I'll try anything . . .

[avatara]

I can't speak to niacin's effectiveness for migraines, but I have taken no-flush niacin for cholesterol for a few years. Back in my late 20s, my bloodwork showed (genetic) borderline-high cholesterol, and the MD wanted to prescribe a statin. I did my own research, and instead started taking no-flush niacin combined with CoQ-10 and deodorized garlic pills. From what I remember, this is a common treatment regimen outside the US. About a year later, my total cholesterol was in the normal range, my LDL and triglycerides were down and HDL was up. I've continued to have good bloodwork results. By the way, no MD I've met has condoned this regimen, but they don't argue with the results.

[llanfair]

I've been taking a daily B50 complex, which includes 50 mg niacin (ie. less than 10% of the dose the OP is taking).  "No-flush niacin" is a new term for me - does it have a longer half-life in the body? I'd like to know more.

Speaking for myself, the best check on my migraines has been Paxil, which I take for anxiety - apparently some MDs prescribe SSRIs for migraine.  My migraines have become much less frequent and much, much less severe.

[collegekidsmom]

Also, Toprol is another drug that can cause an end to all headaches. However, it is a pretty strong beta-blocker, and is often prescribed either for angina or hypertension.

The "no-flush" thing with niacin-would be important because I think people that take niacin can frequently experience "flushing" or something similar to hot flashes. Hot face, sweating, etc. That has been a down-side of niacin, and so it would be nice if this "no-flush" product has taken care of that annoying side effect.

[avatara]

If anyone's interested,the no-flush niacin I use is made by Solgar. The bottle mentions that no-flush niacin is Inositol Hexanicotinate, or Inositol-bound niacin (whatever that means), which eliminates the flushing and gastrointestinal side-effects of regular niacin.

There's also a form of niacin called niacinamide; it doesn't work at all for cholesterol, but is considered a mild anti-anxiety remedy and is also used for skin problems.

[conjugate]

If anyone's interested,the no-flush niacin I use is made by Solgar. The bottle mentions that no-flush niacin is Inositol Hexanicotinate, or Inositol-bound niacin (whatever that means), which eliminates the flushing and gastrointestinal side-effects of regular niacin.

There's also a form of niacin called niacinamide; it doesn't work at all for cholesterol, but is considered a mild anti-anxiety remedy and is also used for skin problems.

Disclaimer: I know nothing of chemistry, really.  But:
"Inositol Hexanicotinate" suggests that Niacin is chemically similar to, or contains, nicotine?  Can anybody confirm or deny?

[llanfair]

If anyone's interested,the no-flush niacin I use is made by Solgar. The bottle mentions that no-flush niacin is Inositol Hexanicotinate, or Inositol-bound niacin (whatever that means), which eliminates the flushing and gastrointestinal side-effects of regular niacin.

There's also a form of niacin called niacinamide; it doesn't work at all for cholesterol, but is considered a mild anti-anxiety remedy and is also used for skin problems.

Disclaimer: I know nothing of chemistry, really.  But:
"Inositol Hexanicotinate" suggests that Niacin is chemically similar to, or contains, nicotine?  Can anybody confirm or deny?

From http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_inositol_hexanicotinate_effective_in_lowering_cholesterol

"Inositol hexanicotinate is an ester of inositol and niacin. In the body it is slowly hydrolyzed releasing both of these important nutrients. The ester is more effective than niacin in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, Abou El-Enein, Hafez, Salem and Abdel (1983)."

Inositol is a sugar; hexanicotinate is a form of niacin.  No nicotine involved.

[titian]

Niacin is nicotinic acid, also known as nicotinate in solution.

Nicotine is different chemically. Both are pyridines, and parts of the structures are similar...maybe kind of like very distant cousins. Nictoine has a more complex structure.

[dellaroux]

Curious about where Ergomar stands in relationship to current knowledge and migraines. I had them briefly (thank goodness, don't know how anyone stands it on a regular basis) when going through early menopause at age 37. Within 15 minutes, one (sometimes 2) small sublingual tablet knocked them right out....no more headache.

I didn't need them after a few months (again, thank goodness...) but later heard something about them being taken off the market, then nothing else.

Just curious, mostly, but are they still in fact a valid way to get rid of migraines? Or have they been replaced?

[conjugate]

Curious about where Ergomar stands in relationship to current knowledge and migraines. I had them briefly (thank goodness, don't know how anyone stands it on a regular basis) when going through early menopause at age 37. Within 15 minutes, one (sometimes 2) small sublingual tablet knocked them right out....no more headache.

I didn't need them after a few months (again, thank goodness...) but later heard something about them being taken off the market, then nothing else.

Just curious, mostly, but are they still in fact a valid way to get rid of migraines? Or have they been replaced?

Ergomar is still available, but Ergostat has been taken off the market.  Or so this site says.

[amidst]

It seems that there are a few migraine sufferers here. Would you mind sharing preventive treatments that have been successful for you?

I have been diagnosed when I was 5 years old, I am now 32. In the last few years, I have experienced frequent rebound migraines (probably a side effect of Imitrex...the only one that was actually efficient). After seeing a few neurologists and trying all three major treatments (aka beta-blockers, anti-depressants and anti-epileptics), I give up on western medicine to deal with chronic pain - all these treatments had unbearable side-effects for daily functioning. I am just about to try out acupuncture now....