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IV Drugs Or Magnesium To Treat Migraine?
Posted by: Dr. Mercola
August 25 2001 | 3,291 views

Giving migraine patients the drug valproate sodium "rapidly and forcefully" eases severe headaches without side effects.

Patients were given injections of 100 milligrams (mg) of the anti-seizure drug Depakote (valproate sodium) every 5 minutes until their pain was relieved. On average, patients received 720 mg of the drug and achieved maximum pain relief in 50 minutes.

Patients' average rating for symptom relief was 88%, and many reported complete pain relief. No problems with drowsiness or euphoria were reported, although most patients said they felt very calm after treatment.

Headache Quarterly 2001;12:39-41



Dr. Mercola's Comments:
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My experience is that most migraines reduce quite dramatically when the diet clears up. However, for a variety of reasons, there are a number of patients who do not follow the eating changes and their migraines don't improve.

Improving one's food choices is clearly the best option as prevention always is. Not only do the migraines improve but one's overall health also benefits.

However, there are people who do great at optimizing their food choices and still have migraines, but they are a minority. Migraine pain is quite severe, so it is helpful to have a full draw of help for the pain when it comes.

I generally find that IV magnesium aborts well over 75% of the headaches. Usually magnesium sulfate works quite nicely. One could use magnesium chloride, but I have found that most people have elevated chloride levels so I use magnesium sulfate. The magnesium causes the blood vessels to dilate and makes the person very warm; depending on how fast the IV is pushed. I usually use 1500 mg IV for the average adult.

This is far safer, more effective, and less expensive than the drug suggestted above. But since it is not a drug, it will not be promoted. However, as mentioned above, improving one's food choices is the first choice.

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