Migraine Supplement

[shellyp22]

Hi I suffer with severe chronic migraines daily and have written you before. I have recently tried nortitriptilyan along with Botox and neither have helped. I am breastfeeding my 7 month old baby and found a supplement online called Migraine Defense. It has the following ingredients and I am wondering if I should quit nursing. I don't have a choice as I have to try something but I would really love to continue if I can. Ingredients include; Borage Oil, Wild Yam Root extract, Dong quai, Vitex, and Black Cohosh root. I realize these are all natural hormones so I am also thinking it may mess with my hormones which will affect my milk supply? Thanks so much for all your help..

[Sandra]

Shellyp22, thanks for posting,

We cannot recommend using herbal medications because of lack of safety data, and they are not FDA regulated. The Black Cohosh, alone has been linked with liver toxicity and increased lead levels. The Borage Oil has also been linked to hepatotoxicity. Many of the herbal medications can also interact with other other medications and cause problems.


"We have a policy of not commenting on the safety of combination herbal products or mega-doses of vitamins. There is rarely satisfactory literature published on the safety of a complimentary therapy in breastfeeding women. It is not ethical for us to make a recommendation based on anecdotes. Also, herbal products are not regulated by the FDA and there can be significant variations in the potency and purity between different products or even between different lots of the same product. Herbs can also interact with each other and with prescription medications, so we tend to advise not taking them at all. As a general rule, breastfeeding is a time for simplicity. Focus on eating a balanced, nutritious diet and minimizing your use of extraneous stuff. When you do take a med or supplement, make sure that you're making that decision based on a clear understanding of the benefits you are likely to get. Benefits are often a lot better researched and documented than risks." -James Abbey, MD

If you have any other questions please call the InfantRisk Center at 806-352-2519. Thanks,

Sandra Lovato R.N.
InfantRisk Center