Valproic acid has been used in the treatment of
migraine headache for nearly 20 years. During this period of use several additional delivery modes have been developed to either improve tolerability or patient compliance with the
divalproex sodium formulation and the
extended-release formulation of
divalproex sodium. Additionally, an intravenous formulation has become available which permits rapid achievement of therapeutic levels of the
drug. There have been a number of reports on the use of
valproic acid in
migraine and other
headache disorders, suggesting it to be an efficacious treatment. This paper reviews the results of the published reports of
valproic acid in
migraine and other
headache disorders, including open-label studies, comparator trials, and double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. These studies have been conducted with the various formulations of
valproic acid that have been on the market. The papers utilized in this study were obtained though Medline searches on
valproic acid and
divalproex sodium coupled with the various
headache disorders. Additionally, the CD-ROM of past issues of
Headache and
Cephalalgia was reviewed for similar keywords. Lastly, the indices of the journal
Headache Quarterly were reviewed for additional articles on
valproic acid and
divalproex sodium.
Valproic acid in its various formulations has been demonstrated to be an efficacious and well-tolerated agent for the preventive treatment of
migraine,
chronic daily headache, and
cluster headache. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to be efficacious and well tolerated in treating acute
migraine attacks when given as an intravenous
solution.