Creatine = Headache

[BrysZ]

Anybody else get a headache while on creatine? This is the third time over the last two years I have used creatine and have to quit due to a pounding headache. Most times I am fine until I do my first work set and then POW. Splitting headache that last for hours. I drink a shit-ton of water and still no change. It subsides between sets, almost disappears during the set and then right afterward it is rediculous. I have noticed it only happens when I have been on creatine for a couple weeks. Any advice...I know...stop taking creatine...anything else interesting? Thank you.

[Turkish Juicer]

Several people have reported creatine related headaches before in this forum and elsewhere.

Yes, there may be a direct correlation between Creatine use and headaches due to taking high doses of creatine and not consuming enough fluids throughout the day.

The more creatine that is stored in the muscles, the more water is drawn into and stored in the muscles. Your body's need for water increases, as does your chance of becoming dehydrated. The onset of a headache is a common symptom of dehydration.

Maintaining hydration throughout the day can help prevent the development of headaches due to creatine use. You should drink water frequently throughout the day. Thirst alone is an inadequate indicator of dehydration. Caffeine is a diuretic that aggravates dehydration, so you should avoid consuming caffeinated products if you take creatine and suffer from headaches. Taking high doses of creatine can also be a factor in dehydration, so be sure to take only recommended doses.

[dec11]

ya, dehydration caused by the creatine mate, i suffer migraines and if i dont kp my fluids topped up while on creatine they are more prevalent

[BrysZ]

Thanks guys!!!

[Ashop]

Never a problem for me or a complaint that I have really heard from
anyone that I train.

[AbusedYam]

Drink more water

[prodigious]

Any suggestion on how much water? What if the headaches still happen with 4+ litres of water?

[slfmade]

I've never had headaches due to creatine, so I can't speak from personal experience, but it sounds like you need to drink more water. 4 litters of water isn't even a gallon. I would be consuming at least a gallon a day even if I wasn't using supplements. If using supplements like creatine, I would bump it to 1.5 or 2 gallons of water a day if your training justifies it!

[Far from massive]

On top of what others have said are you hydrating while working out? In addition to your regular intake by consuming small amounts of water after every set you will be able to hydrate a lot better.

[jypoll]

Any suggestion on how much water? What if the headaches still happen with 4+ litres of water?

4+ litres really isnt that much water, especially for being on creatine

[Turkish Juicer]

I've never had headaches due to creatine, so I can't speak from personal experience, but it sounds like you need to drink more water. 4 litters of water isn't even a gallon. I would be consuming at least a gallon a day even if I wasn't using supplements. If using supplements like creatine, I would bump it to 1.5 or 2 gallons of water a day if your training justifies it!

4 lt is well over a gallon.

[Turkish Juicer]

4+ litres really isnt that much water, especially for being on creatine

Whether 4 lt of water ED isn't much water depends on the individual's bodyweight, the climate he lives in, how much he sweats and daily sodium intake as well as daily intake of natural diuretics.

[SEOINAGE]

Old thread, but the first time I ever took creatine I got mild headaches, felt more like my head was swelling. And pretty sure that was jsut during the loading phase. I no longer ever load or cycle. if I want to be on it im on it, takes a little longer to be full concentration in your system but its fine, and when I dont feel like taking it anymore I stop till whenever. Haven't taken it in a year, but make best gains on it.

[prodigious]

I got headaches when I
Only drank 4 liters of water, as soon as I jumped it to 5-6 they went away

[flexxi]

U retain water while on it so your body needs more water ...