Alka-Seltzer Gold for migraine?
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I’ve heard from more than one place that a quick fix to the stomach can often lead to a quick migraine fix. Dr. Robert Milne has found in his practice that some patients can find relief from a migraine triggered by certain foods. The trick? Simply dissolve two tablets of Alka-Seltzer Gold in a glass of water, and drink.
Alka-Seltzer Gold contains the antacids sodium citrate and potassium citrate, specially treated sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and citric acid. Notice that, unlike the original Alka-Seltzer, it doesn’t contain any aspirin. So it seems that the effect on the stomach is somehow stopping the symptoms before they get too far.
Alka-Seltzer works to neutralize stomach acid via chemical reaction. There are other antacids that are not based on sodium bicarbonate, such as Tums (calcium based), Amphojel (aluminum based) and Rolaids (a combination of ingredients).
Do you have a similar story? Leave a comment!
24 October 2006 @ 6:40 am
Dear James,
I too have found that treating the stomach, as well as the head, with Alka-Seltzer has curbed my migraine attacks. This is particularly helpful when I get that special ‘migraine’ sick feeling in my stomach even before the pain in my head starts. I use the regular Alka-Selzer with aspirin.
Dori
25 October 2006 @ 8:01 am
Thanks for the comment. It would be interesting to see how effective the Alka-Selter without aspirin would be – it just might do the exact same thing.
29 January 2007 @ 2:55 pm
Haven’t tried Alka but by accident discovered help for my stomach migraines. While out one day felt a migraine starting but not having any tablets I bought a water. When I started drinking I realised it was sparkling water but within 5 mins I started feeling better. Now I make myself a bottle of soda stream with no flavouring just water and bubbles. I suppose soda water may give the same effect. I also take 1/4 tsp baking soda in small amount of hot water if I feel a migraine starting. My sister has said that making your own capsules of baking soda works just as well if you are away from home. She uses them for food allergies.
5 March 2011 @ 1:55 pm
Alka-seltzer has helped me with my migraines for years.
It is often the final “touch” that will help dissipate the migraine. I take it after I’ve taken other migraine medication–and if I’m having status migraine.
16 November 2017 @ 11:03 am
That’s great to hear! I get stuck in the same pattern after days of migraine hell and my meds not always aborting the pain. How exactly do you use the Alka seltzer gold?
Thanks!
Mona
20 March 2013 @ 1:42 pm
Yes, I had an allergist who told me to use Alka-Seltzer Gold for headaches years ago. I asked my regular doctor recently if stomach acid could have any relation to my headaches and he acted like I was crazy but I’ve found that when the acid goes away, so does the headache. I’m glad to see that I’m not crazy after all
since other people have found it works.
30 November 2014 @ 11:14 pm
An allergist told me 20 years ago to use Alka Seltzer Gold for headaches. I still forget to use it when I have one but it usually works. I also get eye strain headaches but most of the time, Gold works!
2 July 2017 @ 1:03 am
Hi James,
This week I felt my migraine is coming, and first time I used Alka Seltzer Gold after an hour I was so happy.Alka Seltzer Gold worked very well for me. Jas
20 September 2017 @ 4:20 pm
I stopped spending the money on Alka Seltzer and now use baking soda in water. It works faster and is cheaper then Alka Seltzer.
18 November 2017 @ 6:43 pm
I used to use Alka Seltzer to calm my stomach before taking my migraine medication until I ran out one day. I used baking soda in luke warm water and it worked like a charm. I have been using it ever since and it always works and is much cheaper then buying Alka Seltzer
16 July 2023 @ 5:16 pm
I haven’t had the ‘disastrous’ vomiting and excruciating head pain with my migraine since trying a dissolvable antacid 3 years ago. I usually take one that’s combined with a painkiller such as alka seltzer but suspect it’s the sodium bicarbonate that’s the main help. Why don’t doctors recommend it?