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Anticonvulsant drugs in primary headaches prophylaxis
1Neurological Department, Policlinico S. Pietro, Via Forlanini 15, I-24036 Ponte S. Pietro (BG), Italy. fabio_frediani@yahoo.it
Summary
Anticonvulsant drugs like divalproex sodium and topiramate are effective for migraine prophylaxis. Newer antiepileptic drugs show increasing evidence for headache treatment, offering new options for patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anticonvulsant drugs have been utilized for migraine prophylaxis since the 1970s.
- Newer antiepileptic medications are gaining attention for their potential in pain management, particularly for primary headaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics, efficacy, and safety of anticonvulsant drugs used in primary headache prophylaxis.
- To compare established treatments like divalproex sodium with newer options such as gabapentin, lamotrigine, and topiramate.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on anticonvulsant drug use in primary headache prophylaxis.
- Analysis of data regarding dosages, treatment duration, side effects, and efficacy of various medications.
Main Results:
- Divalproex sodium has extensive evidence supporting its efficacy and tolerability in migraine treatment.
- Evidence for newer drugs like topiramate is growing, indicating good efficacy and a favorable safety profile for headache prophylaxis.
Conclusions:
- Established anticonvulsants remain a cornerstone of primary headache prophylaxis.
- Emerging antiepileptic drugs, especially topiramate, represent promising alternatives with increasing evidence of effectiveness and safety.