Anybody using Feverfew? - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

cicka · 07-22-2004, 12:47 PM

My pharmacist recommended Feverfew for my daily headaches. I did some "research" about it and it sounds prety good - diminished migraines, dizziness, anti-inflammatory - good for arthritis, antispasmodic, for nervousness and lowness of spirits, general tonic, eases nausea, tranquilizer - helps aid sleep if taken before bedtime.
This would be like a miracle for us that suffer from migraine, dizziness and nausea.
It's also supposed to help with depression, but how it works is that it inhibits production of Serotonin that causes migraines.
I thought that low Serotonin can CAUSE depression!
So please correct me if I'm wrong, because I would love to start taking it, but want to have this Serotonin theory straightened out, so I could be assured I don't get more depressed than I already am.
Thanks

Mz Migraine · 07-27-2004, 11:09 PM

Personally, I would talk w/my doctor FIRST.

Feverfew should be taken regularly to receive maximum benefit and protection from migraines.
So does this mean I have to take this stuff for the rest of my life?????????????

Possible Side Effects: Mouth ulcers and skin inflammation (dermatitis) may occur.

Taste may be altered, and heart rate increased. Feverfew may interact with anticoagulants, drugs used to manage migraine headaches,

and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It may reduce the absorption of iron. Feverfew is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

I don't think it's for me. I'm already taking Topamax & my migraines are *manageable* however, the side effects are a doozies but tolorable!

LauraLu · 07-28-2004, 04:23 PM

I have only heard positive things from Feverfew. I am currently taking it and I have felt incrediby better. I am no longer getting daily headaches. Give it a try!!! The positives far outweigh the pain.

Mz Migraine · 07-28-2004, 07:39 PM

The side effects are too scary for me!

I no longer have daily headaches using Topamax & the side effects are not life threatening like Feverfew.

Migraine108 · 07-29-2004, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cicka

It's also supposed to help with depression, but how it works is that it inhibits production of Serotonin that causes migraines.
I thought that low Serotonin can CAUSE depression!
So please correct me if I'm wrong, because I would love to start taking it, but want to have this Serotonin theory straightened out, so I could be assured I don't get more depressed than I already am.
Thanks

I went thru trying to figure this out too. Not sure if this right, from what I have read, it 'sounds' like feverfew does not necessarily decrease the serotonin (?), anyway what it DOES do, is keeps the body from peeing it out. Feverfew makes a connection between the synapses so the serotonin can stay in the body and do its thing.

But you have to take it for a good 30 days or more for it to work. For some it takes up to 3 months for it to kick in, but one study I read, most were able to discontinue their meds after 30 days tho not before. I only stated about two weeks ago, so haven't much to report yet.

Migraine 108