Serotonin and Migraine Headaches Connection & Research

The relationship between Serotonin and migraines or other headaches has been extensively investigated by researchers. Scientists have found that low levels of Serotonin may cause and/or exacerbate headaches among some sufferers.

Low levels of this brain neurotransmitter can negatively affect pain sensitivity, as well as mood and chronic pain syndromes. A lack of Serotonin may also trigger headaches, in some cases.

To resolve this problem, individuals who suffer from frequent headaches may look for ways to boost their Serotonin levels before, after, and during an episode.

Supplements, lifestyle changes, and medications may be used to alter Serotonin activity in the brain. How exactly does Serotonin affect migraines and headache symptoms, and what research evidence is there for the use of serotonergic drugs or supplements as a treatment?

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Understanding the Serotonin and Migraine Connection

Serotonin is a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter found in the brain and the digestive tract. The purpose of this chemical is to facilitate communication between neurons.

Some of the most important functions of Serotonin include the regulation of sleep, mood, temperature, and appetite. In addition, Serotonin also aids in the regulation of pain.

Serotonin has been called the “happiness neurotransmitter” for its role in promoting a satisfied and relaxed state of mind. When Serotonin levels are balanced, positive emotions are often felt, including contentment, happiness, and calm. When levels are low, depressed and anxious thoughts can be more common.

Disruption of Serotonin pathways in the brain have been investigated as potential triggers for headaches and migraines. While headaches and migraines can be caused by a number of different factors, addressing Serotonin dysfunction may be one way to reduce or control symptoms.

What Happens During a Headache?

During a headache, patients report general sensations of pain in the head. However, because there are no pain-sensitive nerves in the brain tissue itself, the pain felt does not originate within the brain.

Instead, information about pain is sent to the thalamus via the trigeminal nerve, which is one of the 12 cranial nerves.

The thalamus reacts to this information by producing the pain sensation, as well as the other symptoms associated with headache and migraine.

These secondary symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Diarrhea
• Trouble concentrating

Not all headaches qualify as migraines. Migraines tend to be significantly more severe and involve more secondary symptoms, in addition to experiencing pain.

However, both migraine and non-migraine headaches may be related to low Serotonin levels in some cases.

Serotonin and Migraines

According to the American Headache Society, research studies have identified a connection between headaches and low Serotonin levels in certain cases.

Specifically, people who suffer from chronic headaches and/or migraines tend to have Serotonin levels that are lower than the normal baseline. In addition, during a headache or migraine episode, these individuals are seen to experience a further drop in Serotonin levels.

On top of discovering a general connection between Serotonin and headaches, research studies have also connected low Serotonin levels to other chronic pain conditions, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, and depression.

Treatments for Low Levels of Serotonin and Migraines

Because of the connection between low Serotonin levels and migraine symptoms, some patients seek to increase their levels of this neurotransmitter in hopes of relieving the symptoms of migraines and non-migraine headaches.

Some of the most common medical treatments used to raise Serotonin levels and prevent headaches include:

Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are sometimes prescribed to patients who suffer from low Serotonin levels. These medications work by preventing the reabsorption of Serotonin, which in turn raises the neurotransmitter’s concentration. This allows the Serotonin more time to interact with neurons and have an effect.

Side effects of SSRIs may include weight changes, insomnia, drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, nausea, reduced sexual desire, difficulty reaching orgasm, and erectile dysfunction.

Serotonin Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Like SSRIs, SNRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of Serotonin. However, these medications also block the reabsorption of Norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter.

Side effects of SNRIs include excessive sweating, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, anxiety, constipation, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and sexual problems.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs raise Serotonin levels by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase,. This enzyme is responsible for removing Serotonin, Dopamine and Norepinephrine from the brain.

Side effects of MAOIs include weight gain, dizziness, rash, sexual problems, sleep disturbances, nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth.

Triptans: Triptans are Serotonin agonists, which means that they activate the receptors that respond to Serotonin. The connection between Serotonin agonists and migraines has been studied extensively. While these medications cannot prevent migraines, they can be used as a rescue medication after a migraine has already begun.

Possible side effects of triptans include dizziness, fatigue, tingling, dry mouth, flushing, and chest pain.

Natural Remedies for Headaches and Migraines

Some patients may attempt natural remedies to raise their Serotonin levels without prescription medication. Some of the most common natural remedies for low Serotonin levels include:

Dietary changes: The body synthesizes Serotonin from the amino acid L-Tryptophan, which is found in a number of high protein foods. Tryptophan from food is broken down in the liver into 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). The 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream to the brain, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and enters the brain tissue. Once inside the brain, the 5-HTP is converted into Serotonin.

Because the body synthesizes Serotonin from the amino acid L-Tryptophan, eating foods that contain this amino acid may raise Serotonin levels. Examples of foods containing L-Tryptophan include chicken, turkey, red meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, soy products, beans, nuts, and seeds.

Reducing consumption of alcohol, caffeine and drugs: Low Serotonin levels may be related to the consumption of alcohol, caffeine and illicit drugs. Avoiding these substances may help increase levels naturally.

Serotonin Supplements for Migraine Headaches

In addition to the natural remedies listed above, some people choose to raise Serotonin levels by taking a Serotonin-boosting supplement. The most popular examples are 5-HTP and L-Tryptophan. Both of these supplements work by increasing the amount of raw materials used to synthesize Serotonin in the body.

However, many people prefer to take 5-HTP supplements over Tryptophan supplements. User reviews state that 5-HTP supplements may work faster and have fewer side effects because 5-HTP is further along the metabolic pathway to Serotonin and requires less processing than Tryptophan. Other people say that Tryptophan supplements work more slowly but have longer-lasting effects than 5-HTP. The choice is therefore up to the user based on their needs.

Keep in mind that excess levels of Serotonin may put the individual at risk of developing Serotonin Syndrome. This condition is characterized by dangerously high levels of Serotonin in the body.

Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome include excess sweating, agitation, fever, increases in blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, if left untreated, Serotonin Syndrome can be fatal. The risk of this condition increases when multiple medications or supplements are used to raise Serotonin, or very high dosages of Serotonin-boosting compounds are used.

Before attempting to boost Serotonin and prevent migraines using any of the treatments above, it is recommended to talk to your doctor to determine the best option for your needs.

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