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Caffeine and migraine What is the link Medically reviewed by Deena Kuruvilla, MD — By Zia Sherrell, MPH on September 22, 2022For some people, caffeine consumption can trigger migraine symptoms. However, others may find it helps ease their pain, especially in combination with other medications.
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Mia Anderson 4 minutes ago
Scientists are not sure why people have different reactions. Caffeine is a stimulant present in many...
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Evelyn Zhang Member
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Scientists are not sure why people have different reactions. Caffeine is a stimulant present in many beverages and foods, including coffee, tea, and chocolate.
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Thomas Anderson 4 minutes ago
Many people consume it without any problems, but for those with migraine, it could be helpful or har...
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Ava White 5 minutes ago
Does caffeine help with migraine
Share on PinterestBorislav Zhuykov/StocksyCaffeine helps some peop...
Many people consume it without any problems, but for those with migraine, it could be helpful or harmful. Whether a person finds caffeine beneficial for their migraine symptoms depends on their individual response to the substance. This article discusses the relationship between headaches, migraine, and caffeine and how caffeine use might help or hinder these conditions.
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Oliver Taylor 1 minutes ago
Does caffeine help with migraine
Share on PinterestBorislav Zhuykov/StocksyCaffeine helps some peop...
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Evelyn Zhang Member
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Does caffeine help with migraine
Share on PinterestBorislav Zhuykov/StocksyCaffeine helps some people with migraine, but not everyone. Some individuals may find that the substance helps relieve their symptoms, while others find it triggers or worsens them. Before a migraine attack, the body’s blood vessels can dilate.
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Isabella Johnson Member
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Previously, scientists thought this was what caused migraine pain. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which may explain why it helps reduce pain for some people. However, the role of vasodilation in migraine is unclear.
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Madison Singh 2 minutes ago
Scientists now know migraine is a neurological condition and are still learning about the mechanisms...
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Mason Rodriguez 7 minutes ago
Can caffeine trigger migraine
Yes, caffeine itself could act as a trigger for migraine. Research su...
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Evelyn Zhang Member
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Scientists now know migraine is a neurological condition and are still learning about the mechanisms that cause it. Caffeine can also increase the effectiveness of other pain medications by as much as 40%.
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Madison Singh 11 minutes ago
Can caffeine trigger migraine
Yes, caffeine itself could act as a trigger for migraine. Research su...
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Amelia Singh 25 minutes ago
Can caffeine withdrawal trigger migraine
Yes, caffeine withdrawal can also trigger migraine episode...
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Andrew Wilson Member
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Tuesday, 06 May 2025
Can caffeine trigger migraine
Yes, caffeine itself could act as a trigger for migraine. Research suggests that coffee is a migraine trigger for between 6.3% and 14.5% of people. In those with a sensitivity to caffeine, the substance may also increase the intensity of headaches and make them last longer.
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Can caffeine withdrawal trigger migraine
Yes, caffeine withdrawal can also trigger migraine episode...
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If a person’s brain comes to expect a certain dose of caffeine and the amount the individual consu...
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Julia Zhang Member
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Can caffeine withdrawal trigger migraine
Yes, caffeine withdrawal can also trigger migraine episodes. With regular caffeine consumption, the brain can develop a tolerance.
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James Smith 2 minutes ago
If a person’s brain comes to expect a certain dose of caffeine and the amount the individual consu...
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Levels of this chemical increase during migraine attacks. Adenosine sticks to receptors on brain cel...
If a person’s brain comes to expect a certain dose of caffeine and the amount the individual consumes drops, the person may experience caffeine withdrawal. Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include symptoms similar to migraine, such as:headachefatiguetrouble concentratingnausea
Why do people with migraine respond differently to caffeine
Experts do not fully understand the mechanisms of caffeine on the brain, but they know some of its specific targets. Caffeine affects a chemical in the brain known as adenosine.
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Charlotte Lee 5 minutes ago
Levels of this chemical increase during migraine attacks. Adenosine sticks to receptors on brain cel...
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Ethan Thomas 7 minutes ago
Caffeine blocks these receptors and stops their effects, which may be how it helps relieve pain for ...
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Ava White Moderator
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Levels of this chemical increase during migraine attacks. Adenosine sticks to receptors on brain cells, lowering electrical activity and widening blood vessels.
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Liam Wilson Member
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Caffeine blocks these receptors and stops their effects, which may be how it helps relieve pain for some people. However, in those who regularly consume caffeine, the substance has reduced effects on brain activity and blood vessel size.
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Emma Wilson Admin
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Regular and extended caffeine use may change the numbers and functions of adenosine receptors, contributing to caffeine tolerance and reducing its effects on migraine symptoms. How to tell if caffeine helps or triggers migraine
The only way to know for sure if caffeine helps or triggers migraine symptoms is to test it out. People can do this in several ways:Test caffeine during an episode: People who consume caffeine infrequently may benefit from trying it alone or combining it with pain medication during an episode.Keeping a diary: People who consume caffeine more regularly may find it helps keep a symptom diary.
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For this option, they should record when they consume caffeine and when they experience symptoms. If...
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For this option, they should record when they consume caffeine and when they experience symptoms. If there is a pattern, caffeine may be a trigger.Reducing caffeine intake: Steadily reducing caffeine intake may allow someone to see if they experience migraine due to caffeine withdrawal or whether their symptoms improve without caffeine consumption. If someone suspects caffeine triggers migraine symptoms, they should speak with a doctor.
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They may help devise a plan to help individuals wean off caffeine and avoid potential withdrawal sym...
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This includes pain medications with added caffeine, such as Excedrin, which contains acetaminophen, ...
They may help devise a plan to help individuals wean off caffeine and avoid potential withdrawal symptoms. Caffeine medications for migraine
The American Headache Society’s 2021 guidelines state that people with migraine can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications for mild or moderate migraine pain.
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This includes pain medications with added caffeine, such as Excedrin, which contains acetaminophen, ...
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However, it is important to speak with a doctor about the symptoms, particularly if someone does not...
This includes pain medications with added caffeine, such as Excedrin, which contains acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. An individual may take medications containing caffeine at the first sign of a migraine.
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However, it is important to speak with a doctor about the symptoms, particularly if someone does not...
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For symptoms that do not respond to these OTC options, a doctor can prescribe migraine-specific trea...
However, it is important to speak with a doctor about the symptoms, particularly if someone does not yet have an official diagnosis of migraine. The symptoms of migraine can be similar to more serious conditions that require medical attention. A doctor can also advise on how best to use medications for migraine to avoid medication overuse headaches, or rebound headaches.
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For symptoms that do not respond to these OTC options, a doctor can prescribe migraine-specific trea...
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Some potential questions to ask include:Which migraine medications are suitable for me?Could caffein...
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For symptoms that do not respond to these OTC options, a doctor can prescribe migraine-specific treatments, such as triptans. Learn whether drinking coffee could help with migraine. Questions to ask a doctor
If a person wants to know more about caffeine and migraine or whether caffeine medications might help their symptoms, they can consult a doctor.
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Some potential questions to ask include:Which migraine medications are suitable for me?Could caffein...
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Some potential questions to ask include:Which migraine medications are suitable for me?Could caffeine help?How much caffeine is beneficial?What are the possible side effects?Could caffeine-containing pain medications interact with other drugs?How can I avoid caffeine withdrawal symptoms? Summary
Caffeine is an ingredient in some pain medications that people can use for migraine.
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Audrey Mueller Member
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It may help relieve pain for some individuals. However, others may find that caffeine consumption, or caffeine withdrawal, triggers migraine episodes.
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If a person suspects that caffeine may be a factor in their migraine headaches, they should keep a m...
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If a person suspects that caffeine may be a factor in their migraine headaches, they should keep a migraine diary to track their intake and symptoms. Alternatively, they could try weaning off the substance to see if it helps.
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If a person wants to try caffeine medications for migraine for the first time, they should first spe...
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Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affecti...
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If a person wants to try caffeine medications for migraine for the first time, they should first speak with a doctor or pharmacist. Individuals should follow the directions on drug labels and be aware of possible side effects and interactions with other medications. Last medically reviewed on September 22, 2022Headache / MigraineNeurology / NeuroscienceMedically reviewed by Deena Kuruvilla, MD — By Zia Sherrell, MPH on September 22, 2022
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Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affecti...
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Caffeine and migraine: Does it help or cause migraine? Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer&a...
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Scientists are not sure why people have different reactions. Caffeine is a stimulant present in many...