MIGRAINE PREVENTION MEDICATIONS

Migraine prevention medications are considered effective if they significantly reduce the frequency or severity of the migraine attacks. They are taken daily and used when migraine episodes exceed three a month or in the case of the attack being debilitating. Examples of migraine prevention medications that can be used to prevent the occurrence of a migraine or headache are:

• Topiramate: Originally developed and FDA approved for the treatment of epilepsy, Topiramate has shown to be effective for the prevention of migraines. It is FDA approved to treat migraines, due to its successful nature intreating them as well as epilepsy sharing a large number of biological and clinical features to migraine.

• Divalproex/Sodium Valproate: Depakote is an anticonvulsant medication used for treating multiple illnesses and disorders and since 1996 has been FDA approved for treating migraines. It’s successful nature in preventing migraine episodes is unknown, however the decrease in substance in the brain that are related to migraine symptoms is a leading theory.

• Propranolol: Propranolol, the first successful beta blocker developed, is commonly used to treat hypertension, anxiety and panic but has been FDA approved to treat migraine. Much like Divalproex, it is not how propranolol and other beta-blockers work to prevent migraine, but is has been shown to be helpful for people who suffer several migraine attacks each month.

• Timolol: Timolol, a beta-blocker, is commonly used to treat hypertension and has show successful results in preventing migraine episodes. Much like Divalproex and Propranolol, it is not known how Timolol and other beta-blockers prevent migraines, but is has been shown to be helpful for people who suffer frequent migraine attacks.