Creatine and headache: what to know

Headache can follow hard training, hot weather, missed meals, poor sleep, caffeine changes or inadequate fluids. If creatine was started at the same time, several changes may be overlapping. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can cause headache with thirst, dizziness, weakness or nausea. Nasal congestion from allergic rhinitis, a common cold or chronic sinusitis can produce pressure around the face. Anxiety can add muscle tension and altered breathing. COVID-19 and dengue fever are other possibilities when headache comes with infectious symptoms, so the wider pattern matters.

Pause creatine and strenuous exercise while you assess the pattern. Rest somewhere cool, take fluids according to your health needs, eat if you have missed a meal, and avoid adding extra caffeine or stimulant products. Note when the headache starts, where it is felt, how severe it is, associated symptoms and what you have taken. If headaches recur, interfere with normal activity or follow a new supplement, arrange a clinical review.

Seek emergency care for a sudden severe headache, new weakness, trouble speaking, seizure, fainting, confusion, stiff neck, repeated vomiting or a headache after a significant head injury. Seek prompt advice for headache with high fever, a spreading rash, severe eye pain, marked dehydration or worsening symptoms after heat exposure.

Could my headache be related to hydration, heat, caffeine, infection, blood pressure or another medicine? Should I stop creatine or change my training? Which symptoms would mean I need urgent assessment?