Hypothesized treatment for migraines using low doses of tryptophan, niacin, calcium, caffeine, and acetylsalicylic acid

The author hypothesized that existing agents known to influence serotonin blood level, vascular tone, and inflammatory reactions might terminate migraines. The author presented the rationale for using five different agents therapeutically and avoiding two other agents during a migraine. The proposed treatment is to use low doses of tryptophan, niacin, calcium, caffeine, and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) soon after migraine symptoms are noticed and to avoid during a migraine high-potassium food and magnesium supplements. Preliminary results from 12 migraine patients indicated that 9 of 12 (75%) had significant benefit from this approach. Using these five agents together is a novel combination and a new idea for treating migraines. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.