The effects and side-effects in
migraine prophylaxis of placebo,
Divascan (1-isopropylnoradrenochrome--5--monosemicarbazone) and
pizotifen were compared in a double-blind cross-over study. The dosage was for
Divascan 15 mg a day and for
pizotifen 3 mg a day. Data from the last 6 weeks of each test period of 8 weeks were used to assess the effect of the treatment. Thirty patients entered the trial. Data from 28 patients treated with placebo and
Divascan and 27 patients treated with
pizotifen were used for final evaluation.
Pizotifen significantly reduced the number of
migraine attacks,
headache index and the consumption of
ergotamine.
Divascan also seemed to have effect. The consumption of
ergotamine was reduced compared with placebo and there was a reduction, although not significant, of
headache frequency and
headache index.
Pizotifen gave significantly larger reduction in
headache frequency and
headache index than
Divascan and signficantly more patients stated a preference for
pizotifen compared with
Divascan. A good or very good effect was reported by 11 per cent of the patients on placebo, 39 per cent on
Divascan and 70 per cent on
pizotifen.
Pizotifen had frequent side-effects, mainly drowsiness and
weight gain, whereas
Divascan in this respect did not differ from placebo. Physical examinations and laboratory investigations did not show any significant changes, apart from
weight gain.