The Benefits of Magnesium Oxide for Migraines
If you’re someone who has suffered from migraines, then you know the excruciating pain and discomfort that comes with it. It can leave you feeling debilitated and unable to perform even the most basic of tasks. The good news is that Magnesium Oxide for Migraines might just be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Magnesium oxide is getting a lot of buzz as a potential solution for people dealing with migraines. Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps with everything from muscle and nerve function to energy production, so it’s no surprise it plays an important role in our overall health.
Studies show that a lack of magnesium might increase the risk of migraines, which is why many are turning to supplements for relief. Magnesium oxide, in particular, is a popular and effective option, and more migraine patients are now adding it to their migraine management routine to see the benefits for themselves.
There are many Health Benefits of Magnesium, making it a key mineral for staying healthy. It helps keep your muscles and nerves working properly, regulates blood sugar, and keeps your heartbeat steady. Magnesium also supports energy production and strengthens bones, lowering the risk of osteoporosis. On top of that, it can reduce inflammation and promote better sleep, making it clear why getting enough magnesium is so important for overall well-being.
Does Magnesium Oxide Help with Migraines?
Magnesium oxide has been getting attention for its potential to help with migraines, and research shows it can be effective for some people. Magnesium is believed to work by calming overactive nerve signals in the brain, improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation—all common triggers for migraines. Studies have found that people with migraines often have low magnesium levels, so taking a supplement might help fix that.
Magnesium oxide is a popular choice because it’s affordable and effective at boosting magnesium levels. While it doesn’t work for everyone, a lot of migraine sufferers have noticed a significant reduction of and less intense headaches after adding magnesium oxide to their routine. Just make sure to check with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements—your dosage and needs might be different.
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for many bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, and it has been found to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines. Magnesium oxide, a type of magnesium supplement, has been studied for its potential to prevent migraines and provide relief from migraine symptoms. Several studies have shown that magnesium oxide can reduce headache frequency and severity of migraines in people who suffer from them.
Research suggests that individuals who suffer from migraines often have lower magnesium levels compared to those who don’t. A 2021 study revealed that oral magnesium supplementation is effective in preventing migraine attacks without the risk of adverse side effects.
This study compared the effectiveness of magnesium oxide in prevention of migraine headache in a 24-week trial. The treatment significantly reduced the frequency, duration, and severity of migraines, showing similar efficacy. Magnesium oxide proved to be an effective alternative for migraine prevention without significant side effects.
Magnesium oxide is a popular option for preventing migraines, mainly because it’s affordable and easy to find. That said, magnesium chloride may have better cellular penetration. Studies show that magnesium chloride is better absorbed by the body and may cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively, but magnesium oxide has been widely used and efficacy of magnesium oxide has been studied for improving symptoms of migraines.
Also, magnesium oxide is often combined with other supplements or medications to maximize its benefits. Numerous studies have shown that when taken together with riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, magnesium oxide may provide even more relief from migraines.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, magnesium oxide tablets are affordable, don’t need a prescription, and can be a good option for pregnant women, preventing migraines in those with history of aura, those with menstrual migraines, or don’t have health insurance.
Can Magnesium Oxide Help with a Vestibular Migraine?
Magnesium oxide is often suggested as a treatment for vestibular migraines because it supports both neurological and vascular health. It helps regulate nerve function and relax muscles, calming overactive neurons that could trigger migraine symptoms. Magnesium also improves blood vessel tone, which may lower the chances of vascular changes linked to migraines.
While research is still ongoing, many people with vestibular migraines say they’ve noticed fewer and less intense episodes with regular magnesium supplementation, usually as part of a larger treatment plan. As always, start any new supplements supervision of a healthcare provider.
Magnesium Oxide Dosage for Migraine Headaches
The right dose of magnesium oxide for migraines can depend on your needs and guidance from your doctor. Research generally points to a daily dose of 400 mg to 500 mg as potentially helpful for reducing migraine frequency. That said, it’s a good idea to start with a lower dose to see how your body handles it, since magnesium supplements can sometimes cause side effects like diarrhea or an upset stomach. It’s always smart to check with your healthcare provider to find the right dose for you and make sure it’s safe, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking medications. Taking magnesium with food can also help with absorption and reduce any stomach discomfort.
The recommended dosage of magnesium oxide for migraines is between 400 and 600 milligrams per day. However, the optimal dosage may vary depending on the severity of your migraines and your individual needs. It is important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements, including magnesium oxide, to determine the right dosage for you.
One of the most common nutraceuticals used for migraine prevention is magnesium. “We’ve seen it be helpful for people with migraine and people with migraine with aura,” says Dr. Hindiyeh, MD, Neurologist at Stanford Medicine. Studies have reported decreased magnesium levels in people with migraine. At adequate levels, magnesium can inhibit glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter. “When thinking about migraine pathophysiology, we think about a hyper-excitable brain,” says Dr. Hindiyeh. “So [magnesium] can certainly stabilize the brain in that sense.”
Patients can use different forms of magnesium, such as magnesium sulfate given intravenously, or magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate taken orally. The American Headache Society recommends a dose of 400-500 milligrams a day for magnesium oxide.
Benefits of Using Magnesium Oxide for Migraines
The potential benefits of using magnesium oxide dietary supplements include:
- Helps with migraines: Studies show that magnesium oxide can cut down how often migraines happen and make them less severe for those who struggle with them.
- Boosts blood flow: Magnesium relaxes and opens up blood vessels, improving blood flow. This can help ease tension in the head and neck, which are common migraine triggers.
- Reduces inflammation: Migraines are often tied to inflammation in the brain. Magnesium oxide’s anti-inflammatory properties may help calm this and provide some relief.
- Affordable and effective: Compared to other migraine treatments, magnesium oxide is budget-friendly and works well for many people.
- Fewer side effects: Unlike some prescription migraine medications, magnesium oxide tends to have fewer side effects, making it a great option if you’re looking to avoid potential medication downsides.
Taking magnesium oxide for migraines can do more than just reduce how often you get migraine attacks or how severe your migraines are. It might also make a significant difference in your health by boosting your heart health and helping with issues like high blood pressure or diabetes. Plus, a lot of people say they feel calmer and less anxious when they take magnesium supplements, which can be great for your mental health and overall well-being.
When Should I Take Magnesium Oxide Supplements?
When it comes to magnesium oxide, timing can make a difference in managing migraines. Many experts recommend taking it daily for migraine prevention, even if you’re not currently experiencing symptoms. It’s a good idea to split your daily dose into smaller amounts taken with meals—this can help your body absorb it better and reduce the chances of stomach upset. If you notice early signs of a migraine, like an aura or light sensitivity, taking a dose during that time might help lessen how severe or long the migraine gets. That said, it’s always smart to follow your doctor’s advice on when and how much to take for the best results.
Magnesium oxide can be taken at any time of the day, but it is best to take it with food to aid in absorption. Some people find that taking magnesium oxide before bed can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines that occur during the night.
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Possible Side Effects of Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium oxide is generally safe for most people, but it can cause some side effects, especially if you take higher doses. Most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, or bloating, and sometimes it might upset your stomach. These issues are usually mild and tend to go away as your body gets used to the supplement. However, taking too much magnesium oxide can occasionally lead to more serious problems like irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, or confusion. To stay safe, stick to the recommended dose and check with your doctor if you notice any worrisome side effects.
While magnesium oxide is generally considered safe, it can cause some side effects in some people, including diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. These side effects can be minimized by starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it over time.
How Long Does it Take for Magnesium Oxide to Start Working
Magnesium oxide usually starts working a few hours after you take it, depending on why you’re using it. If you’re taking it as a laxative, it can help relieve constipation within about 6 hours. On the other hand, if you’re using it to address a magnesium deficiency or support overall health, it might take a few days or even weeks to notice a real difference as your magnesium levels build up. The timing really depends on things like your dosage, how often you take it, and your starting magnesium levels. Be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s advice to use it safely and effectively.
It may take several weeks of taking magnesium oxide for it to have a significant improvement on the frequency and severity of migraines. However, some people may experience relief from migraines within a few days of starting to take magnesium oxide.
Magnesium oxide has plenty of benefits when it comes to migraines. It can help cut down how often migraines happen, make them less severe, and even ease symptoms when they strike. Plus, it’s a natural and safe supplement that works well alongside other migraine treatments, making it a great option to consider.