Can My Daughter with Basilar-Type Migraine Take Coenzyme Q10?

Can patients with basilar-type migraine take Coenzyme Q10?

My daughter is 16 years old and in her second year of high school.
She has experienced occasional dizziness since the sixth grade, and the situation worsened during her third year of junior high.
In her first year of high school, we took her to National Taiwan University Hospital, where she was diagnosed with basilar-type migraine.
However, the medication prescribed by the doctor had significant side effects that severely impacted her daily routine.
We tried switching medications, but nothing worked, so we ultimately decided to stop and instead use Dramamine, B1, Motilium, Tagamet, and Sibelium prescribed by a nearby clinic.
These have been somewhat effective and do not have noticeable side effects.
I am concerned about the long-term effects of these medications on her health.
Additionally, a friend from the south, who also suffers from severe headaches, mentioned that a doctor at National Cheng Kung University Hospital suggested he could take Coenzyme Q10.
I would like to ask if it is appropriate for my daughter to take Coenzyme Q10 given her condition.
If so, what would be the recommended daily dosage? Thank you!

Ye A-Sang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/12/27

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology

There is no evidence to recommend the use of Coenzyme Q10 for the treatment of migraines.
Patients with migraines should consider preventive medication under the following circumstances: (1) experiencing two or more attacks per week, (2) attacks lasting longer than 48 hours, (3) the severity of the headache is very high, (4) acute treatments often do not fully alleviate the pain, and (5) the duration of aura prior to the headache is excessively long.
Currently known medications can reduce the frequency of attacks by approximately half for most patients (these medications include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and tricyclic antidepressants, among others).
If the patient's condition has been well controlled after using preventive medication for more than six months, a gradual reduction in dosage may be considered.

Reply Date: 2011/12/27

More Info

When considering whether your daughter, who has been diagnosed with basilar-type migraine, can take Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), it's important to look at both the safety and potential benefits of this supplement in the context of her current medication regimen and her overall health.

Basilar-type migraine, a subtype of migraine that can cause symptoms like dizziness, visual disturbances, and sometimes even neurological symptoms, can be particularly challenging to manage. The medications your daughter has been prescribed, including Dramamine (used for motion sickness), B1 (thiamine), Motilium (domperidone), Tagamet (cimetidine), and Sibelium (flunarizine), are aimed at alleviating her symptoms. While these medications may provide some relief, they can also have side effects, especially when taken long-term. For instance, Tagamet can interact with other medications and may lead to gastrointestinal issues, while Motilium can cause cardiac side effects in some patients.

Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant that plays a crucial role in energy production within cells. Research has shown that CoQ10 may be beneficial for migraine sufferers, including those with basilar-type migraine. Some studies suggest that CoQ10 can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. The typical dosage for migraine prevention ranges from 100 mg to 300 mg per day, often divided into two or three doses. However, it's essential to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to monitor for any potential side effects.

In terms of safety, CoQ10 is generally considered safe for most people, including adolescents. It has a low incidence of side effects, which may include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea. Importantly, CoQ10 does not have known significant interactions with the medications your daughter is currently taking, making it a suitable option to consider.

Before starting CoQ10, it is crucial to consult with your daughter's healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on her medical history, current medications, and overall health status. Additionally, they may want to monitor her response to CoQ10, especially since she has had adverse reactions to other medications in the past.

In summary, Coenzyme Q10 may be a beneficial addition to your daughter's treatment plan for basilar-type migraine, potentially helping to reduce the frequency and severity of her headaches without significant side effects. The recommended dosage typically ranges from 100 mg to 300 mg per day, but this should be confirmed with her healthcare provider. It's essential to ensure that any new supplement or medication is integrated safely into her existing treatment regimen, considering her unique health needs and responses to previous treatments.

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