Abstract | OBJECTIVE: BACKGROUND: Controlled and open-label trials of divalproex sodium have previously demonstrated its efficacy and safety in the treatment of migraine and chronic daily headaches. These data were primarily short-term and did not examine interaction between treatment variables. METHODS: RESULTS: The mean improvement was 47%, with an improvement in migraine of about 65%. At least a 50% reduction in headache frequency was reported by 93 of the 138 patients receiving treatment with only divalproex sodium. No correlation between response and age, sex, duration of treatment, and the prescribed dose of divalproex sodium was demonstrated. Adverse events occurred in approximately 35% of the patients. None were severe. Women were more likely to experience adverse effects than men. Weight gain, however, occurred less commonly in women (mean, 1.9 lbs) than in men (mean, 7 lbs). Initial body weight and age did not correlate with the weight change. CONCLUSIONS:
Divalproex sodium can be used for a prolonged period as a sole agent for the successful treatment of chronic daily headache. Nearly 75% of the patients had at least a 50% reduction in headache frequency, and adverse effects occurred in approximately one third. Weight gain was negligible and hepatotoxicity did not occur during treatment periods of up to 6 years.
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Authors | F G Freitag, S Diamond, M L Diamond, G J Urban |
Journal | Headache
(Headache)
Vol. 41
Issue 3
Pg. 271-8
(Mar 2001)
ISSN: 0017-8748 [Print] United States |
PMID | 11264687
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Body Weight
(drug effects)
- Female
- Headache Disorders
(etiology, prevention & control)
- Humans
- Male
- Migraine Disorders
(complications, prevention & control)
- Retrospective Studies
- Tension-Type Headache
(complications, prevention & control)
- Time Factors
- Treatment Outcome
- Valproic Acid
(therapeutic use)
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