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Alprazolam in chronic tension type headache
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Alprazolam showed no significant difference in reducing headache frequency for chronic tension-type headaches. However, it did significantly decrease the headache index and analgesic intake compared to placebo.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) is a prevalent condition with significant impact on quality of life.
- Current treatment options for CTTH have limitations, necessitating exploration of alternative therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of alprazolam in treating patients with chronic tension-type headache.
- To compare alprazolam's effects against a placebo in a double-blind, cross-over study design.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, cross-over study involving 62 patients with CTTH.
- Patients received either alprazolam or placebo for two 4-week periods, separated by a 2-week washout period.
- Outcome measures included headache frequency, headache index, and analgesic intake.
Main Results:
- No significant difference was found in the overall response rate regarding headache frequency reduction between alprazolam and placebo.
- A statistically significant decrease in the headache index was observed with alprazolam compared to placebo (P < 0.05).
- Mean weekly analgesic intake was significantly lower during alprazolam treatment versus the run-in period. Side effects were mild and did not lead to study withdrawal.
Conclusions:
- Alprazolam may offer benefits in reducing headache severity (headache index) and reliance on analgesics for CTTH patients.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and establish alprazolam's role in CTTH management.