Migraine prophylaxis: who, why, and how

Cleve Clin J Med. 2006 Sep;73(9):793-4, 797, 800-1 passim. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.73.9.793.

Abstract

If a patient has frequent, severely debilitating migraine headaches, prophylactic treatment may help. Beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, and anticonvulsants have the best evidence of efficacy; calcium channel blockers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also popular because they are well tolerated and inexpensive. We review migraine treatment with emphasis on prophylaxis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chemoprevention / standards
  • Ergot Alkaloids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Migraine Disorders / diagnosis
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Migraine Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Time Factors
  • Tryptamines / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Ergot Alkaloids
  • Tryptamines