[Prophylactic measures and acute treatment of migraine]

The treatment of migraine consists of the acute treatment of the migraine attack and prophylactic measures for either pharmacological or non-pharmacological management. Since the retreat of the ergotamines one can only choose between one of the well-established analgesics and one of seven triptans for the treatment of the migraine attack. Although neither a new triptan nor an innovative new application form has been introduced, the year 2006 will be remembered as the year when the first triptan (naratriptan) was released as a prescription-free over-the-counter drug and when the first sumatriptan generics were marketed in Germany. In addition to the beta-blockers metoprolol and propranolol and the calcium antagonist flunarizine two antiepileptic drugs, topiramate and valproic acid, have been rated as first-line prophylactic drugs in Germany. Due to an extensive and successful study program topiramate has been officially approved in Germany.