AboutBarbara Judge Expertise Outpatient pharmacy and general health. I have recently completed a Pharmceutical Care Certificate Program offered by Purdue University (Spring 1999 completion). I have personal experience dealing with terminally ill persons and their needs, as well as their families` needs. I graduated in 1984 from Pharmacy School and have been a Licensed Pharmacist since then. I have 18 years retail pharmacy experience. Prior to my pharmacy training I have 3 years hospital experience as a Nurse`s Aide.
Question Hello, I saw someone asking you about headaches from Multi-Vitamins, do you know much about this? I have also read that Niacin and Piperazine in Multi's cause headaches. I recently had an MRI on my head looking for a cause and it came back clear.
Answer Most multivitamins do not cause headaches. Even though they may contain vitamins, such as niacin, which when given at high doses may cause headaches in patients who are very sensitive to niacin, the dose of niacin in a multivitamin is usually 1/10th the dose of that at which you begin to see side effects. Piperazine should not ever be included in a multivitamin since its primary use is as a treatment for roundworms or pinworms. Many times doctors will order an MRI to make absolutely sure the is no easily identifiable cause for headaches and more often than not the results are clear. I'm sure your doctor has talked to you about keeping a headache diary, watching for food triggers, environmental triggers, stress triggers, etc. If your doctor did not I would recommend that you do that and discuss it with your doctor at your next appointment.
