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Excedrin Migraine
Depletes
Prolonged use of Excedrin Migraine can impact 8 essential nutrients.
Vitamin C
Research suggests that taking Vitamin C alongside Acetaminophen might prolong the medication's presence in the bloodstream. This could potentially allow for lower Acetaminophen doses, thereby reducing the risk of side effects.
Replace with Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid (200 mg)
Research:
Zinc
Studies indicate that medications like aspirin can increase zinc loss through urine. Zinc plays a vital role in wound healing, protein synthesis, cell reproduction, immunity, and vision. If you take aspirin regularly, consider monitoring zinc levels and supplementation may be beneficial to prevent a deficiency.
Replace with Zinc Bisglycinate (12.5 mg)
Research:
Folic Acid
Regular aspirin use, even at therapeutic doses, can lead to lower-than-normal levels of folate in the blood (serum folate). Additionally, aspirin might slightly increase the amount of folate excreted in urine, potentially disrupting the body's folate balance. For those taking regular aspirin therapy, folic acid supplementation should be considered to prevent a deficiency.
Replace with Folate (.2mg as L-5-Methylfolate) (0.34 DFE)
Research:
NAC
Studies suggest that acetaminophen may cause liver damage in high doses or with certain risk factors. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been shown to offer protective benefits for the liver against the potential toxic effects of acetaminophen.
Replace with N-Acetylcysteine (200 mg)
Research: Hendrickson RG. What is the most appropriate dose of N-acetylcysteine after massive acetaminophen overdose? Clin Toxicol...
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) contains a group of complex flavonoids called silymarin. This natural compound has been shown to increase glutathione levels in the liver. Acetaminophen, a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer, can be harmful to the liver in high doses or for people with certain risk factors. Research suggests that silymarin may help elevate glutathione levels within the liver. Glutathione is an important antioxidant that the body uses to combat damage, and its depletion is believed to play a role in how acetaminophen harms the liver.
Replace with Milk Thistle  (Silybum marianum) (seed) Standardized 80% Silymarin Flavonoids) (200 mg)
Research: Abdilkerim Oyman, et al. Protective Effects of Silymarin on Acetaminophen-Induced Toxic Hepatitis. EJMA 2022;2(1):1–6. Noor...
Niacinamide
Acetaminophen, a common pain reliever and fever reducer, is generally safe at recommended doses. However, overdosing can lead to severe oxidative stress, a cellular imbalance that damages the liver and can cause acute liver failure. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, has been shown to be effective in mitigating many conditions caused by oxidative stress. Recent research specifically investigated its ability to protect the liver from acetaminophen damage. The study found that niacinamide offered both preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (therapeutic) benefits.
Replace with Niacinamide (100 mg)
Research: Mahmoud YI, Mahmoud AA. Role of nicotinamide (vitamin B3) in acetaminophen-induced changes in rat liver: Nicotinamide effect...
Vitamin B12
Research found that individuals hospitalized with heart disease and a history of aspirin use were nearly twice as likely to have low or borderline vitamin B12 levels compared to non-aspirin users. While this doesn't definitively prove aspirin causes B12 deficiency, it raises a potential link. Aspirin can irritate the stomach lining in some individuals. This is concerning because the stomach plays a crucial role in vitamin B12 absorption by producing hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. Both are essential for proper B12 uptake.
Replace with Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin (0.2 mg)
Research: van Oijen MG, Laheij RJ, Peters WH, Jansen JB, Verheugt FW; BACH study. Association of aspirin use with vitamin B12...
Also Benefits From:
Omega 3
Omega-3 fatty acids offer promise for managing pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA). Research suggests they may work by reducing inflammation, a key contributor to OA pain and stiffness. Studies involving over 2000 patients with OA showed that omega-3 supplementation significantly lessened joint pain compared to a placebo. This improvement was accompanied by increased joint function, suggesting omega-3s might help people with OA move more easily and comfortably.
Research: Kuszewski JC, Wong RHX, Howe PRC. Fish oil supplementation reduces osteoarthritis-specific pain in older adults with...
Health Impact
Excedrin Migraine-induced nutrient depletion can lead to a range of health problems
Scurvy & Fragile Blood Vessels
Modern case reports and re-analyses of classic scurvy trials show that vitamin C deficiency causes defective collagen and capillary integrity, with slow recovery of scar strength even after repletion if deficiency is prolonged.
Research: Gandhi M et al. Scurvy: rediscovering a forgotten disease. Clin Case Rep. 2023;11(6):e10296835.; Hujoel PP, Hujoel MLA....
Delayed Wound Healing & Fatigue
Systematic reviews report improved healing of chronic wounds with vitamin C supplementation in deficient or high-need states, supporting the clinical impact of inadequate ascorbate on tissue repair.
Research: Bechara N et al. The role of vitamin C in tissue repair and wound healing: a systematic review. Int Wound J....
Weakened Immune Response
Classic dermatology and immunology literature shows that zinc deficiency causes lymphopenia and reduced immune capacity; more recent work links marginal deficiency to impaired inflammatory and anti-microbial responses.
Research: Fraker PJ et al. The dynamic link between the integrity of the immune system and zinc status. JAMA Dermatol....
Slow Skin & Wound Healing
Experimental and clinical studies demonstrate that zinc deficiency is associated with skin lesions, delayed wound closure and abnormal inflammatory responses, while zinc repletion can improve healing outcomes in selected populations.
Research: Lin PH, Sermersheim M et al. Zinc in wound healing modulation. Nutrients. 2017;9(1):16.; News-Medical. The role of zinc in...
High Homocysteine & Vascular Risk
Meta-analyses of randomized trials show that folic acid supplementation lowers homocysteine and modestly reduces stroke and overall cardiovascular disease risk in some populations, especially where baseline folate status is low, highlighting the adverse vascular profile of folate deficiency.
Research: Li Y et al. Folic acid supplementation and the risk of cardiovascular diseases: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled...
Folate-Related Megaloblastic Anemia
Hematology and nutrition reviews describe folate deficiency as a classic cause of megaloblastic anemia and mucosal abnormalities, frequently exacerbated by medications that antagonize folate metabolism.
Research: O’Leary F, Samman S. Vitamin B12 in health and disease. Nutrients. 2010;2(3):299-316. (discussion of folate and B12 in...
Lower Glutathione & Detox Capacity
NAC is the standard antidote for acetaminophen overdose, where it replenishes glutathione and prevents hepatic necrosis; this illustrates the consequences of insufficient glutathione precursors under toxic load.
Research: Heard KJ. Acetylcysteine for acetaminophen poisoning. N Engl J Med. 2008;359(3):285-292.; Hodgman MJ, Garrard AR. A review...
Side Effects
Common side effects of Excedrin Migraine, some of which may be related to nutrient depletion
Review
Some common side effects of Excedrin Migraine include:

1. Nausea
2. Upset stomach
3. Heartburn
4. Dry mouth
5. Dizziness
6. Insomnia
7. Nervousness
8. Rash or itching
9. Blurred vision
10. Constipation
11. Ringing in the ears

More serious side effects may include:

1. Chest pain
2. Trouble breathing
3. Swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
4. Severe headache
5. Confusion
6. Seizures

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these serious side effects. It is also important to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed the maximum daily limit to avoid these side effects.
Get Support
We've developed a formula to replenish the nutrients depleted by Excedrin Migraine.
Excedrin Migraine Support Formula

Aspirin Support

Once Daily Capsule

Learn More

Rx Not Required

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