Use of intravenous valproic acid for acute migraine.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To review the literature regarding the use of intravenous valproic acid in aborting an acute migraine attack.

DATA SOURCES:

A MEDLINE (1967-June 2007) and bibliographic search of the English-language literature was conducted using the search terms valproic acid and migraine disorders.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

All articles identified through the search were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Divalproex sodium is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of migraine headaches. The use of intravenous valproic acid has been studied as a possible treatment for acute migraine. Available studies are small, mostly open-label and non-placebo-controlled, and used variable doses. Valproic acid has not been shown to be superior to comparator drugs and was inferior to prochlorperazine in one trial.

CONCLUSIONS:

Intravenous valproic acid has not been proven effective for acute migraine treatment. Future trials should be larger, placebo-controlled, and use a standardized dose and outcome measures.

• Authors: Lawrence A Frazee, Kimberly C Foraker
• Journal: The Annals of pharmacotherapy (Ann Pharmacother) Vol. 42 Issue 3 Pg. 403-7 (Mar 2008) ISSN: 1542-6270 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18303140 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Valproic Acid

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Clinical Trials as Topic (methods)
• Humans
• Injections, Intravenous
• Migraine Disorders (drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Valproic Acid (administration & dosage)