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The efficacy and safety of venlafaxine in the
prophylaxis of migraine |
Objective.-To evaluate the efficacy and safety of
venlafaxine in the prophylaxis of migraine. Background.-The efficacy of
venlafaxine, which is selectively effective on the serotonergic and
noradrenergic mechanisms, on various headaches and chronic pain syndromes
has been demonstrated. To our knowledge, this is the first
placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study of two different doses
of venlafaxine for migraine treatment. Methods.-In this prospective study,
60 migraine patients without aura were randomly assigned to venlafaxine XR
75 mg, venlafaxine XR 150 mg, or placebo. The frequency of headache
attacks, the severity and the duration of attacks, and analgesic use were
monitored every 2 weeks for 2 months. Adverse events and patient
satisfaction were also evaluated during these visits. At the end of the 2
months, global efficacy and tolerance were investigated. Results.-A
significant difference was observed between the venlafaxine 150 mg and
placebo groups in the number of headache attacks (P= .006). According to
patient satisfaction comparisons, the active drug groups were
significantly different when compared with placebo (P= .001 at visit 2 and
visit 6). When the global efficacy was considered, 80% of patients in the
75-mg group and 88.2% of the patients in the 150-mg group evaluated
treatment benefits as either good or very good. Conclusions.-Venlafaxine
was more effective than placebo and is safe and well tolerated as migraine
prophylaxis. (Headache 2005;45:144-152).
Headache.; 2005 Feb 1;45(2)
Author(s): Ozyalcin S; Talu G; Kiziltan E
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