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Consensus of the Brazilian Headache Society (SBCe) for the Prophylactic Treatment of Episodic Migraine: part I

Consenso da Sociedadade Brasileira de Cefaleia (SBCe) para o tratamento profilático da migrânea episódica: parte I

Abstract

The Brazilian Headache Society (Sociedade Brasileira de Cefaleia, SBCe, in Portuguese) nominated a Committee of Authors with the aim of establishing a consensus with recommendations regarding prophylactic treatment for episodic migraine based on articles published in the worldwide literature, as well as personal experience. Migraine affects 1 billion people around the world and more than 30 million Brazilians. In addition, it is an underdiagnosed and undertreated disorder. It is well known within the medical community of neurologists, and especially among headache specialists, that there is a need to disseminate knowledge about prophylactic treatment for migraine. For this purpose, together with the need for drug updates and to expand knowledge of the disease itself (frequency, intensity, duration, impact and perhaps the progression of migraine), this Consensus was developed, following a full online methodology, by 12 groups who reviewed and wrote about the pharmacological categories of the drugs used and, at the end of the process, met to read and establish conclusions for this document. The drug classes studied were: anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, monoclonal anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (anti-CGRP) antibodies, beta-blockers, antihypertensives, calcium channel inhibitors, other antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs, and dual-action antidepressants), other drugs, and polytherapy. Hormonal treatment and anti-inflammatories and triptans in minimum prophylaxis schemes (miniprophylaxis) will be covered in a specific chapter. The drug classes studied for part I of the Consensus were: anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, monoclonal anti-CGRP antibodies, and beta-blockers.

Keywords
Migraine Disorders; Consensus; Preventive Medicine

Resumo

A Sociedade Brasileira de Cefaleia (SBCe) nomeou um Comitê de Autores com o objetivo de estabelecer um consenso com recomendações sobre o tratamento profilático da enxaqueca episódica com base em artigos da literatura mundial e da experiência pessoal. A enxaqueca é um distúrbio subdiagnosticado e subtratado que acomete um bilhão de pessoas no mundo e mais de 30 milhões de brasileiros. É conhecido na comunidade médica de neurologistas e, sobretudo, dos especialistas em cefaleia, a necessidade de se divulgar o conhecimento sobre o tratamento profilático da enxaqueca. Com esta finalidade, aliada às necessidades de atualizações de drogas e de se aumentar o conhecimento sobre a doença em si (frequência, intensidade, duração, impacto e talvez a progressão da enxaqueca), foi elaborado este Consenso, com metodologia totalmente on-line, por 12 grupos que revisaram e escreveram sobre as categorias farmacológicas das drogas e, ao final, reuniram-se para a leitura e conclusão do documento. As classes de drogas estudadas para este Consenso foram: anticonvulsivantes, antidepressivos tricíclicos, anticorpos monoclonais do antipeptídeo relacionado ao gene da calcitonina (peptídeo relacionado ao gene da calcitonina — anti-CGRP), betabloqueadores, anti-hipertensivos, inibidores dos canais de cálcio, outros antidepressivos (inibidores seletivos de recaptação de serotonina, ISRSs, e antidepressivos de ação dual), outras drogas, e politerapia. O tratamento hormonal, bem como anti-inflamatórios e triptanas em esquema de profilaxia mínima (miniprofilaxia), será abordado em um capítulo próprio. As classes de drogas estudadas na parte I do Consenso foram: anticonvulsivantes, antidepressivos tricíclicos, anticorpos monoclonais anti-CGRP, e betabloqueadores.

Palavras-chave
Transtornos de Enxaqueca; Consenso; Medicina Preventiva.

INTRODUCTION

The Brazilian Headache Society (Sociedade Brasileira de Cefaleia, SBCe, in Portuguese) delegated a committee of experts to compile a consensus with recommendations on the prophylactic treatment of episodic migraine (EM) based on articles in the literature and on personal experience. The detailed research methodology and involvement of the authors, as well as the review of the content provided by each author and by the coordinators, are described below in the “methods” section.

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA

The diagnostic criteria for migraine are based on the third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, published in 2018.11 Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia 2018;38(01):1-211. Doi: 10.1177/0333102417738202. PMID: 29368949 PubMed
https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102417738202...
Migraine is a painful disorder subdivided into migraine without aura, migraine with aura, chronic migraine, and complications of migraine.

Migraine without aura is a recurrent disease that manifests with headache attacks lasting between 4 and 72 hours and pain that can be unilateral, pulsatile, of moderate to severe intensity, associated with nausea and/or vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia, and aggravated by routine physical activities. At least five attacks are required for the diagnosis.11 Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia 2018;38(01):1-211. Doi: 10.1177/0333102417738202. PMID: 29368949 PubMed
https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102417738202...

Migraine with aura presents visual phenomena, sensory or speech disorders and, more rarely, motor, brainstem or retinal disorders. These precede pain or occur alongside the headache attack and can last, separately if the individual has more than 1 of them, between 5 and 60 minutes. In migraine attacks with aura, the headache may have characteristics that meet migraine criteria without aura or be a milder form of headache.

Chronic migraine is a condition in which the headache occurs on at least 15 days or more per month for at least 3 months, with 8 days of typical symptoms of migraine. For this disease, a Brazilian Consensus was written in 2019,22 Kowacs F., Roesler C.A. D. P., Piovesan É.J., Sarmento E.M., Campos H.C. D., Maciel J.A. Jr., Calia L.C., Barea L.M., Ciciarelli M.C., Valença M.M., CostaM.E. N. D. M., Peres M.F. P.,Kowacs P.A., Rocha-Filho P.A. S., Silva-Néto R.P. D., Villa T.R., Jurno M.E. (2019). Consenso da Sociedade Brasileira de Cefaleia sobre o tratamento da migrânea crônica [Consensus of the Brazilian Headache Society on the treatment of chronic migraine]. Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria 77(07):509-520https://doi.org/10.1590/0004-282x20190078
https://doi.org/10.1590/0004-282x2019007...
but it will not be addressed in this manuscript. The present consensus for this disease is based on the prophylactic drug treatment of EM, in which the headache has a frequency of less than 15 days per month (between 1 and 14 days of headache per month).11 Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia 2018;38(01):1-211. Doi: 10.1177/0333102417738202. PMID: 29368949 PubMed
https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102417738202...

EPIDEMIOLOGY

The epidemiology of migraine has been widely studied, and its prevalence has been estimated to range from 3.3% to 21.9% in women and between 0.7% and 16.1% in men. Much of the variation in the studies is explained by age, case definition, and region of the world. In the United States, studies have shown that the prevalence of migraine is of approximately 18% in women and of 6% in men.33 Silberstein S, Loder E, Diamond S, Reed ML, Bigal ME, Lipton RBAMPPAdvisory Group. Probablemigraine in the United States: results of the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention(AMPP) study. Cephalalgia 2007;27(03):220-229. Doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2006.01275.x. PMID: 17263769
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.2006...
In Brazil, it affects 15% of the population.44 Queiroz LP, Peres MF, Piovesan EJ, et al. A nationwide populationbased study of migraine in Brazil. Cephalalgia 2009;29(06): 642-649 It affects one billion people worldwide, including more than 30 million Brazilians and about 40 million Americans. Despite all these alarming numbers, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. The proportion of migraineurs who use over-the-counter medication to treat headaches was of 59% in a 1999 study.44 Queiroz LP, Peres MF, Piovesan EJ, et al. A nationwide populationbased study of migraine in Brazil. Cephalalgia 2009;29(06): 642-649 Preventive medication is little used even in the 21st century (only 12% of individuals maintain their preventive treatment after being prescribed prophylactic medication).55 Diamond S, Bigal ME, Silberstein S, Loder E, Reed M, Lipton RB. Patterns of diagnosis and acute and preventive treatment for migraine in the United States: results from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention study. Headache 2007;47(03): 355-363. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00631.x Erratum in: Headache. 2007; 47(9):1365. PMID: 17371352
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006...

IMPACT

Migraine imposes a great burden on its sufferers, their families, and society. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016,66 GBD 2016 Disease and Injury Incidence and Prevalence Collaborators. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 328 diseases and injuries for 195 countries, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. Lancet 2017 Sep 16;390(10100):1211-1259. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32154-2. Erratum in: Lancet. 2017 Oct 28;390(10106):e38. PMID: 28919117; PMCID: PMC5605509
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32...
migraine is the second largest cause of years lived with disability among all diseases, second only to depression. However, among young adults aged between 18 and 50 years, migraine is the main overall cause of disability.77 Steiner TJ, Stovner LJ, Vos T, Jensen R, Katsarava Z. Migraine is first cause of disability in under 50s: will health politicians now take notice? J Headache Pain 2018;19(01):17. Doi: 10.1186/s10194-018-0846-2
https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-018-0846-...
It is the largest cause of absenteeism and decreased productivity at work, and it visibly reduces quality of life.55 Diamond S, Bigal ME, Silberstein S, Loder E, Reed M, Lipton RB. Patterns of diagnosis and acute and preventive treatment for migraine in the United States: results from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention study. Headache 2007;47(03): 355-363. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00631.x Erratum in: Headache. 2007; 47(9):1365. PMID: 17371352
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006...
For around 11% of adults who experience migraine, the attacks have a significant impact on their quality of life and productivity.88 Chan KY, Vermeersch S, de Hoon J, Villalón CM,Maassenvandenbrink A. Potential mechanisms of prospective antimigraine drugs: a focus on vascular (side) effects. Pharmacol Ther 2011; 129(03):332-351. Doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2010.12.001. Epub 2010 Dec 2. PMID: 21130807
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.201...
Given this context, one of the main interventions that professionals can implement is to start these patients on drug prophylaxis, to reduce their level of disability.

PRINCIPLES OF PROPHYLAXIS

General principles

  • Consider prophylactic treatment for all migraine patients (diagnosed in accordance with the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition, 201811 Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia 2018;38(01):1-211. Doi: 10.1177/0333102417738202. PMID: 29368949 PubMed
    https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102417738202...
    ).

  • Aim to improve quality of life, decrease the degree of disability regarding the attacks, reduce the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraine episodes, and facilitate the response to abortive treatment.

  • Prophylaxis provides pharmacoeconomic benefits to society, since its use is associated with reduced use of public and private resources, including fewer visits to consultation offices, lower dependence on emergency services, and lesser need for complementary exams.

  • Evaluate the impact on the personal, familial, social and occupational aspects of migraine in patients' lives.

  • Identify associated morbidities and triggering and aggravating factors of migraine.

  • Establish realistic expectations for treatment in relation to the onset of the effects of medication, adverse effects, and probability of success.

  • Involve the patient in the treatment, sharing responsibilities, such as filling out a headache diary, performing physical exercises, observing sleep hygiene etc.

  • Establish criteria for therapeutic efficacy, options, and modifications of treatment. Source: Recomendações para o tratamento da crise migranosa.99 Comitê AD Hoc da Sociedade Brasileira de Cefaléia. Brazilian Headache Society (Filiada à International Headache Society). RECOMENDAÇÕES PARA O TRATAMENTO PROFILÁTICO DA MIGRÂNEA Consenso da Sociedade Brasileira de Cefaléia. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2002;60(01):159-169

Indications

All migraine patients should be evaluated according to their eligibility criteria for prophylaxis, described as follows:

  • Frequency of attacks: in general, drug prophylaxis is indicated when three or more attacks occur per month for at least three months.

  • Degree of major disability (personal, familial, social or occupational aspects): in this case, prophylaxis should be considered if attacks cause profound disability in patients, even if uncommon, that is, once or twice a month.

  • Failure of abortive medication: abortive treatment is considered effective when the person becomes pain-free within two hours after using the medication; if after optimization the treatment is still ineffective in halting an attack, drug prophylaxis should be started.

  • Special subtypes of migraine: hemiplegic, brainstem, retinal, prolonged aura, migraine infarction, and migraine with frequent and atypical auras.

  • Inefficacy of non-pharmacological prophylaxis: when the patient has chosen to start prophylaxis with non-drug measures, but this has been shown to be ineffective. Source: Recomendações para o tratamento da crise migranosa.99 Comitê AD Hoc da Sociedade Brasileira de Cefaléia. Brazilian Headache Society (Filiada à International Headache Society). RECOMENDAÇÕES PARA O TRATAMENTO PROFILÁTICO DA MIGRÂNEA Consenso da Sociedade Brasileira de Cefaléia. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2002;60(01):159-169

Choice of medication

The following criteria should be considered together:

  • Efficacy, tolerability, and safety established through appropriate clinical trials or expert opinion.

  • Associated diseases and symptoms in the period between attacks.

  • Drug and pharmacological interactions.

  • Cost-benefit ratio.

  • Patient preferences.

  • Particularities such as: pregnancy, intention to become pregnant, breastfeeding, age (children and the elderly), kidney disease, liver disease, and allergies.

Management strategies

The following criteria should be considered together:

  • Evaluate excessive use of abortive medications and guide their discontinuity.

  • Go for medications with a better relationship between therapeutic efficacy and side effects.

  • Give preference to monotherapy, although polytherapy may, in selected cases, be more convenient (this topic will be addressed within the present text).

  • Be familiar with possible side effects.

  • Treatment should start with the lowest therapeutic dose, and titration should proceed gradually until significant clinical improvement, or the maximum allowed for each medication is reached.

  • Evaluate each therapeutic regimen for a minimum of two to three months, unless the patient has important adverse effects before this.

  • Maintain effective therapeutic regimens (improvement in the intensity and frequency of attacks, assessed by the headache diary, of more than 75%) for at least 6 months, and gradually discontinue the regimen when the improvement has become consolidated (around 2 years).

  • Resume the previous therapeutic regimen or modify it in the case of relapse of attacks; then, prolong treatment for as long as necessary.

  • Pay special attention to particular situations such as pregnancy, intention to become pregnant, breastfeeding, allergies, and age (children and the elderly). Source: Recomendações para o tratamento da crise migranosa.99 Comitê AD Hoc da Sociedade Brasileira de Cefaléia. Brazilian Headache Society (Filiada à International Headache Society). RECOMENDAÇÕES PARA O TRATAMENTO PROFILÁTICO DA MIGRÂNEA Consenso da Sociedade Brasileira de Cefaléia. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2002;60(01):159-169

METHODS

The SBCe, through its current board, appointed an ad hoc committee with the purpose of creating the present Consensus on the prophylactic treatment of EM and developing recommendations for the management of these patients, in order to disseminate knowledge on the field of headache and assist medical professionals in their routine.

Twelve working groups were created, each dedicated to one or more classes of EM prophylactics.

The members were chosen by the Board of Directors of the SBCe through following the criteria:

  • Proactivity.

  • Ethics.

  • Experience in the writing of articles.

  • Publication in journals and presented works.

  • Recognition.

The coordinator of each group was chosen for their expertise in headache, curriculum and experience working with groups.

The participants in each group reviewed and discussed online the relevant topics on which they wrote the initial text. These texts were reviewed by another group and returned to the original groups for corrections. The corrected texts were reviewed and standardized by the coordinators of the groups. At the last virtual meeting, all the authors assessed and approved the final text of the Consensus.

The search for articles was performed in the PubMed database, covering the period from the earliest articles recorded until the articles published in 2020. The studies included ranged from case reports, case series, non-randomized and/or non-controlled clinical trials and randomized and controlled clinical trials to systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

The evidence available in the literature was assessed based on the evidence levels and classification of recommendations stated in the guidelines of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN)1010 Appendix C: AAN Classification of Evidence for the Rating of a Therapeutic Study. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2015;21(4 Headache):1169. Doi: 10.1212/01.CON.0000470920.20859.fe.PMID: 26252602
https://doi.org/10.1212/01.CON.000047092...
(Table 1).

Table 1
Recommendation levels

THERAPEUTIC CLASSES

Beta-blockers

General aspects

Beta-blockers are the most commonly used drugs in migraine prophylaxis worldwide.1111 Danesh A, Gottschalk PCH. Beta-blockers for migraine prevention: a review article. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2019;21(04):20. Doi: 10.1007/s11940-019-0556-3
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-019-0556-...
The probable mechanism of action is through central regulation with reduction of noradrenergic neuronal triggers, in addition to regulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the periaqueductal gray matter. Some beta-blockers act in the serotoninergic system with reduced serotonin synthesis and with blockade of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B (5HT2B) and 2C (5HT2C).1212 Ramadan NM. Prophylactic migraine therapy: mechanisms and evidence. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2004;8(02):91-95. Doi: 10.1007/s11916-004-0022-z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-004-0022-...

Propranolol

General aspects

Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker with hepatic metabolization, short half-life (four to five hours), and high protein affinity (which should be considered when used concomitantly with other high-protein molecules such as valproate, amitriptyline and nortriptyline). Due to all these pharmacokinetic variables, propranolol should be titrated slowly to reduce the likelihood of adverse effects.1313 Tfelt-Hansen P, Ågesen FN, Pavbro A, Tfelt-Hansen J. Pharmacokinetic Variability of Drugs Used for Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine. CNS Drugs 2017 May;31(05):389-403

Although its liposolubility enbales it to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), it does not act directly on the cerebral vessels; instead, it can centrally modulate the sensitivity of the autonomic tone of the vessels to sensory stimuli during the migraine attack.1414 Min JH, Kwon HM, Nam H. The effect of propranolol on cerebrovascular reactivity to visual stimulation in migraine. J Neurol Sci 2011;305(1-2):136-138. Doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2011.02.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2011.02.02...
Propranolol inhibits the production of nitric oxide by blocking nitric oxide synthase. It also acts on glutamate receptors, with the inhibition of kainate-induced currents and has a synergistic effect on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) blockers, which reduce neuronal activity and have membrane-stabilizing properties.1212 Ramadan NM. Prophylactic migraine therapy: mechanisms and evidence. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2004;8(02):91-95. Doi: 10.1007/s11916-004-0022-z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-004-0022-...

Studies

Propranolol is the beta-blocker with the highest number of studies of relevance for EM prophylaxis. In a systematic review and meta-analysis,1515 Jackson JL, Kuriyama A, Kuwatsuka Y, et al. Beta-blockers for the prevention of headache in adults, a systematic review and metaanalysis. PLoS One 2019;14(03):e0212785. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212785
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.021...
among patients with an average of 4.9 days of pain/month, propranolol was superior to placebo at the end of 8 weeks and 12 weeks in reducing the frequency of attacks. In several double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies,1616 Palferman TG, Gibberd FB, Simmonds JP. Prophylactic propranolol in the treatment of headache. Br J Clin Pract 1983;37(01):28-29

17 Ahuja GK, Verma AK. Propranolol in prophylaxis of migraine. Indian J Med Res 1985;82:263-265
-1818 Kuritzky A, Hering R. Prophylactic treatment ofmigrainewith long acting propranolol - a comparisonwith placebo. Cephalalgia 1987; 7(6, suppl)457-458. Doi: 10.1177/03331024870070S6203
https://doi.org/10.1177/03331024870070S6...
propranolol has been shown to be safe and more effective than placebo after 8 and 12 weeks. A study1919 Silberstein SD, Holland S, Freitag F, Dodick DW, Argoff C, Ashman E. Evidence-based guideline update: Pharmacologic treatment for episodic migraine prevention in adults: Table 1. Neurology 2012;78(17):1337-1345 comparing propranolol with other medications that are considered first-line for migraine prophylaxis indicated that propranolol has favorable results. Another study2020 Jensen R, Brinck T, Olesen J. Sodiumvalproate has a prophylactic effect in migraine without aura: a triple-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Neurology 1994;44(04):647-651 comparing propranolol with valproate showed that propranolol was slightly superior in reducing the number days of pain, with fewer side effects, but without statistical significance. In yet another comparative study,2121 Ashtari F, Shaygannejad V, Akbari M. A double-blind, randomized trial of low-dose topiramate vs propranolol in migraine prophylaxis. Acta Neurol Scand 2008;118(05):301-305 topiramate was superior to propranolol, but both drugs were used at low doses (50 mg topiramate versus 80 mg propranolol/day respectively). However, at higher doses (160 mg/day of propranolol), the result was the same as with topiramate at a dose of 1 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg, regarding the positive response rate, reduction of days of pain, frequency of attacks, and use of abortive medications.2222 Diener HC, Tfelt-Hansen P, Dahlöf C, et al; MIGR-003 Study Group. Topiramate in migraine prophylaxis-results from a placebo-controlled trial with propranolol as an active control. J Neurol 2004; 251(08):943-950. Doi: 10.1007/s00415-004-0464-6
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-004-0464-...

Metoprolol

General aspects

Metoprolol is a selective beta-blocker (beta-1) with high liposolubility, thus having good penetration in the BBB.2323 Fumagalli C, Maurizi N, Marchionni N, Fornasari D. β-blockers: Their new life from hypertension to cancer and migraine. Pharmacol Res 2020;151:104587. Doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104587
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2019.1045...
The beta-1 receptor blockade modulates inhibition of sodium ions (Na + ) and the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase, reduces the neuronal activation threshold in response to noradrenergic stimuli of the locus ceruleus, and regulates periaqueductal gray matter activity.2424 Barbanti P, Aurilia C, Egeo G, Fofi L. Migraine prophylaxis:what is new and what we need? Neurol Sci 2011;32(Suppl 1):S111-S115. Doi: 10.1007/s10072-011-0526-3
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-011-0526-...
Metoprolol has low affinity for 5-HT receptors and has a half-life from 3 to 7 hours, with primarily hepatic metabolism. Due to pharmacokinetic variability, it requires slow titration to avoid more serious side effects.1111 Danesh A, Gottschalk PCH. Beta-blockers for migraine prevention: a review article. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2019;21(04):20. Doi: 10.1007/s11940-019-0556-3
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-019-0556-...

Studies

There are four randomized, controlled, double-blind studies2525 Andersson PG, Dahl S, Hansen JH, et al. Prophylactic treatment of classical and non-classical migraine with metoprolol-a comparison with placebo. Cephalalgia 1983;3(04):207-212. Doi: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.1983.0304207.x
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-2982.1983...

26 Kangasniemi P, Andersen AR, Andersson PG, et al. Classic migraine: effective prophylaxis with metoprolol. Cephalalgia 1987;7(04): 231-238.Doi: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.1987.0704231.x. PMID: 3322569
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-2982.1987...

27 Steiner TJ, Joseph R, Hedman C, Rose FC. Metoprolol in the prophylaxis of migraine: parallel-groups comparison with placebo and dose-ranging follow-up. Headache 1988;28(01): 15-23. Doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2524.1988.hed2801015.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2524.1988...
-2828 Siniatchkin M, Andrasik F, Kropp P, et al. Central mechanisms of controlled-release metoprolol in migraine: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Cephalalgia 2007;27(09):1024-1032. Doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2007.01377.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.2007...
comparing metoprolol at daily doses between 100 and 200 mg with placebo. They2525 Andersson PG, Dahl S, Hansen JH, et al. Prophylactic treatment of classical and non-classical migraine with metoprolol-a comparison with placebo. Cephalalgia 1983;3(04):207-212. Doi: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.1983.0304207.x
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-2982.1983...

26 Kangasniemi P, Andersen AR, Andersson PG, et al. Classic migraine: effective prophylaxis with metoprolol. Cephalalgia 1987;7(04): 231-238.Doi: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.1987.0704231.x. PMID: 3322569
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-2982.1987...

27 Steiner TJ, Joseph R, Hedman C, Rose FC. Metoprolol in the prophylaxis of migraine: parallel-groups comparison with placebo and dose-ranging follow-up. Headache 1988;28(01): 15-23. Doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2524.1988.hed2801015.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2524.1988...
-2828 Siniatchkin M, Andrasik F, Kropp P, et al. Central mechanisms of controlled-release metoprolol in migraine: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Cephalalgia 2007;27(09):1024-1032. Doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2007.01377.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.2007...
have shown the superiority of this medication in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, and also the disability and days of analgesic use.

In comparison with other drugs, metoprolol is also shown to be effective in titratable doses of up to 100 mg/day, compared with clomipramine 100 mg/day and placebo. Only metoprolol showed significant reduction in the frequency and duration of attacks (p< 0.05).2929 Langohr HD, Gerber WD, Koletzki E, Mayer K, Schroth G. Clomipramine and metoprolol in migraine prophylaxis-a doubleblind crossover study. Headache 1985;25(02):107-113. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1985.hed 2502107.x. PMID: 3886599
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.1985...
A comparative study3030 Kangasniemi P, Hedman C. Metoprolol and propranolol in the prophylactic treatment of classical and common migraine. A double-blind study. Cephalalgia 1984;4(02):91-96 between metoprolol 200 mg and propranolol 160 mg showed that both drugs were effective in reducing the frequency of attacks, days of pain, pain intensity, and use of analgesic medications, but there was no statistically significant difference between them.

A controlled study2727 Steiner TJ, Joseph R, Hedman C, Rose FC. Metoprolol in the prophylaxis of migraine: parallel-groups comparison with placebo and dose-ranging follow-up. Headache 1988;28(01): 15-23. Doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2524.1988.hed2801015.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2524.1988...
evaluated the dose-response effect and showed that metoprolol was more effective than placebo, and at a daily dose of 200 mg in comparison with 100 mg.

Timolol

General aspects

Like propranolol, timolol is a non-selective beta-blocker with no intrinsic sympathetic activity. It is a lipophilic drug with central nervous system (CNS) penetration, has good affinity for serotonergic receptors 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C, has hepatic clearance, low protein affinity, and short half-life, of 2 to 5 hours. It can be titrated more quickly, unlike propranolol and metoprolol.1313 Tfelt-Hansen P, Ågesen FN, Pavbro A, Tfelt-Hansen J. Pharmacokinetic Variability of Drugs Used for Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine. CNS Drugs 2017 May;31(05):389-403

Studies

In a randomized double-blinded study,3131 Stellar S, Ahrens SP, Meibohm AR, Reines SA. Migraine prevention with timolol. A double-blind crossover study. JAMA 1984; 252(18):2576-2580 timolol (30 mg/day) was superior to placebo in reducing the frequency of attacks, but there was no difference in pain intensity or duration. A multicenter crossover randomized, controlled, double-blinded study3232 Tfelt-Hansen P, Standnes B, Kangasneimi P, Hakkarainen H, Olesen J. Timolol vs propranolol vs placebo in commonmigraine prophylaxis: a double-blind multicenter trial. Acta Neurol Scand 1984;69(01): 1-8. Doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1984.tb07772.x. PMID: 6367336
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0404.1984...
compared timolol to propranolol. Both drugs were superior to placebo regarding reduction of the mean frequency and severity of attacks. There was no statistically significant difference in the reduction of the frequency of attacks between the groups treated with timolol and propranolol. The conclusion was that timolol had similar efficacy to propranolol, compared with placebo, at a dose of 10 g, to 15 mg twice a day.3232 Tfelt-Hansen P, Standnes B, Kangasneimi P, Hakkarainen H, Olesen J. Timolol vs propranolol vs placebo in commonmigraine prophylaxis: a double-blind multicenter trial. Acta Neurol Scand 1984;69(01): 1-8. Doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1984.tb07772.x. PMID: 6367336
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0404.1984...

Atenolol

General aspects

Atenolol is a selective beta-1 beta-blocker of low liposolubility, with a half-life of six to seven hours, without intrinsic sympathetic activity.2323 Fumagalli C, Maurizi N, Marchionni N, Fornasari D. β-blockers: Their new life from hypertension to cancer and migraine. Pharmacol Res 2020;151:104587. Doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104587
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2019.1045...

Studies

A randomized double-blinded study3333 Forssman B, Lindblad CJ, Zbornikova V. Atenolol for migraine prophylaxis. Headache 1983;23(04):188-190. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1983.hed2304188.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.1983...
with 24 patients showed that the atenolol 100 mg group was superior to placebo in reducing the number of migraine days. However, only four patients were included in the placebo group.

In a multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blinded study,3434 Johannsson V, Nilsson LR, Widelius T, et al. Atenolol in migraine prophylaxis a double-blind cross-over multicentre study. Headache 1987;27(07):372-374. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1987.hed2707372.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.1987...
atenolol 100 mg demonstrated a reduction in an outcome called integrated pain value, which considered the frequency and intensity of attacks. This study3434 Johannsson V, Nilsson LR, Widelius T, et al. Atenolol in migraine prophylaxis a double-blind cross-over multicentre study. Headache 1987;27(07):372-374. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1987.hed2707372.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.1987...
did not clearly explain the primary and secondary outcomes, or the reduction values, nor did it explain what it considered the integrated pain value to be.

A crossover, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study3535 Stensrud P, Sjaastad O. Comparative trial of Tenormin (atenolol) and Inderal (propranolol) inmigraine. Ups JMed Sci Suppl 1980; 31:37-40 with 28 patients compared atenolol 100 mg with propranolol 160 mg and placebo. Atenolol was shown to be more effective than placebo in reducing the number of days of pain. Propranolol was superior to placebo, without statistical significance. In the comparison between atenolol and propranolol, no statistically significant difference was observed. The reduction in the number of days of pain in each group was not stated separately in the study.3535 Stensrud P, Sjaastad O. Comparative trial of Tenormin (atenolol) and Inderal (propranolol) inmigraine. Ups JMed Sci Suppl 1980; 31:37-40

Nadolol

General aspects

Nadolol is a non-selective beta-blocker, with low liposolubility and long half-life (of 20 to 24 hours). It is metabolized in the liver, has moderate protein affinity (28%), and is eliminated by the kidneys.2323 Fumagalli C, Maurizi N, Marchionni N, Fornasari D. β-blockers: Their new life from hypertension to cancer and migraine. Pharmacol Res 2020;151:104587. Doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104587
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2019.1045...

Studies

In a randomized controlled study,3636 Sudilovsky A, Elkind AH, Ryan RE Sr, Saper JR, Stern MA, Meyer JH. Comparative efficacy of nadolol and propranolol in the management of migraine. Headache 1987;27(08):421-426. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1987.hed2708421.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.1987...
nadolol 80 mg and 160 mg once a day was compared with propranolol 160 mg (divided into 2 intakes). It was found to be superior in efficacy and safety compared with propranolol.3636 Sudilovsky A, Elkind AH, Ryan RE Sr, Saper JR, Stern MA, Meyer JH. Comparative efficacy of nadolol and propranolol in the management of migraine. Headache 1987;27(08):421-426. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1987.hed2708421.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.1987...
Currently, this medication is not available in Brazil.

Nebivolol

General aspects

Nebivolol is a third-generation cardio-selective agent that is highly selective for the beta-1 receptor, with additional vasodilation effect mediated by a high release of nitric oxide.3737 Zanchetti A. Clinical pharmacodynamics of nebivolol: new evidence of nitric oxide-mediated vasodilating activity and peculiar haemodynamic properties in hypertensive patients. Blood Press Suppl 2004;1:17-32. Doi: 10.1080/08038020410016548
https://doi.org/10.1080/0803802041001654...
It has no intrinsic sympathetic mimetic activity and has little or no stabilizing membrane activity. Its metabolism is hepatic, and its half-life is of 10 hours.3838 Pessina AC. Metabolic effects and safety profile of nebivolol. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2001;38(Suppl 3):S33-S35. Doi: 10.1097/00005344-200112003-00006
https://doi.org/10.1097/00005344-2001120...

Study

A double-blinded randomized study3939 Schellenberg R, Lichtenthal A, Wöhling H, Graf C, Brixius K. Nebivolol and metoprolol for treating migraine: an advance on beta-blocker treatment? Headache 2008;48(01):118-125. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2007.00785.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2007...
was conducted among 30 migraine patients receiving 5 mg of nebivolol per day or increasing doses of metoprolol (47.5 mg in the first week, 95 mg in the second week, and 142.5 mg in the third to sixth weeks). The reduction in the mean frequency of migraine attacks per month, after a 12-week period, was from 3.4 to 1.3 (metoprolol) and from 3.3 to 1.6 (nebivolol), without statistical differences between the two groups. Nebivolol showed efficacy similar to that of metoprolol and was a well-tolerated drug at a dose of 5 mg, without the need for titration to achieve the therapeutic dose.3939 Schellenberg R, Lichtenthal A, Wöhling H, Graf C, Brixius K. Nebivolol and metoprolol for treating migraine: an advance on beta-blocker treatment? Headache 2008;48(01):118-125. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2007.00785.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2007...

Pindolol

General aspects

Pindolol is a non-selective beta-blocker with a high degree of intrinsic sympathetic mimetic activity, low liposolubility, and a half-life of three to four hours.2323 Fumagalli C, Maurizi N, Marchionni N, Fornasari D. β-blockers: Their new life from hypertension to cancer and migraine. Pharmacol Res 2020;151:104587. Doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104587
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2019.1045...

Studies

No statistically significant differences were observed in two studies comparing pindolol (in doses of 2.5 mg/day and 5 mg/day,4040 EkbomK, Lundberg PO. Clinical trial of LB-46 (d, 1-4-(2-hydroxy-3-isopropylaminopropoxy)indol. An adrenergic beta-receptor blocking agent in migraine prophylaxis. Headache 1972;12(01):15-17. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1972.hed1201015.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.1972...
and of 7.5 mg/day and 15 mg/day4141 Sjaastad O, Stensrud P. Clinical trial of a beta-receptor blocking agent (LB 46) in migraine prophylaxis. Acta Neurol Scand 1972; 48(01):124-128. Doi: 10.1111/ j.1600-0404.1972.tb07532.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0404.1972...
) and placebo.

Conclusion

Among beta-blockers, propranolol and metoprolol are the drugs with the best evidence regarding the reduction of migraine attacks in EM compared with placebo (Level A recommendation).

Anticonvulsants

Topiramate

General aspects

Topiramate acts on multiple molecular targets to increase inhibitory function, such as voltage-dependent sodium channels, calcium channels, carbonic anhydrase, and glutamate kainate receptors. It is well absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, and its maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) is reached in 2 to 3 hours. It binds little to plasma proteins, and it is eliminated unchanged by the kidney and partially by oxidation and hydrolysis. Its half-life of 20 to 30 hours becomes shortened by concomitant use of liver metabolism-inducing drugs.4242 Perucca E. A pharmacological and clinical review on topiramate, a new antiepileptic drug. Pharmacol Res 1997;35(04):241-256. Doi: 10.1006/phrs.1997.0124
https://doi.org/10.1006/phrs.1997.0124...

Studies

Silberstein et al.4343 Silberstein SD, Neto W, Schmitt J, Jacobs DMIGR-001 Study Group. Topiramate in migraine prevention: results of a large controlled trial. Arch Neurol 2004;61(04):490-495. Doi: 10.1001/archneur.61.4.490
https://doi.org/10.1001/archneur.61.4.49...
conducted a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized study on placebo-controlled topiramate, and improvements occurred within the first month of treatment. Patients in the topiramate group had a statistically significant improvement in the group that used 100 mg/day, with a 54% reduction of migraine days/month (p = 0.001), compared with patients treated with placebo (reduction of 22.6%). And Brandes et al.4444 Brandes JL, Saper JR, Diamond M, et al; MIGR-002 Study Group. Topiramate for migraine prevention: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2004;291(08):965-973. Doi: 10.1001/jama.291.8.965
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.291.8.965...
conducted a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized study on topiramate controlled by placebo and propranolol, in which the response rate was significantly higher with topiramate at 50 mg/day (39%; p= 0.01), 100 mg/day (49%; p= 0.001) and 200 mg/day (47%; p= 0.001) than with placebo (23%). The use of rescue medication was reduced in the groups that used topiramate 100 mg/day (p= 0.01) and 200 mg/day (p= 0.005). Diener et al. (2004)2222 Diener HC, Tfelt-Hansen P, Dahlöf C, et al; MIGR-003 Study Group. Topiramate in migraine prophylaxis-results from a placebo-controlled trial with propranolol as an active control. J Neurol 2004; 251(08):943-950. Doi: 10.1007/s00415-004-0464-6
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-004-0464-...
compared topiramate, placebo and propranolol, and showed that topiramate and propranolol had similar efficacy and were superior to placebo. With a 95% confidence interval, both drugs diminished the frequency of days with migraine attacks and of use of acute medication. Diamond et al. (2005),4545 Diamond M, Dahlöf C, Papadopoulos G, Neto W, Wu SC. Topiramate improves health-related quality of life when used to prevent migraine. Headache 2005;45(08):1023-1030 based on these three studies, showed that topiramate, at a dose of 100 mg/day, led to a significant increase in the quality of life of migraineurs for up to 6 months since the beginning of treatment. These authors4545 Diamond M, Dahlöf C, Papadopoulos G, Neto W, Wu SC. Topiramate improves health-related quality of life when used to prevent migraine. Headache 2005;45(08):1023-1030 evaluated quality of life using specific tests for migraineurs: the Mini-Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ) and the Health-Related Quality of Life Assessment Questionnaire (HRQoL).

Sodium valproate/divalproate

General aspects

The anticonvulsant pharmacological properties of sodium valproate were first described in 1975,4646 Simon D, Penry JK. Sodium di-N-propylacetate (DPA) in the treatment of epilepsy. A review. Epilepsia 1975;16(04): 549-573. Doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1157.1975.tb04738.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1528-1157.1975...
and its first evaluation regarding the treatment of migraine was published in 1988.4747 Sørensen KV. Valproate: a new drug in migraine prophylaxis. Acta Neurol Scand 1988;78(04):346-348. Doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1988.tb03667.x. PMID: 3146862
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0404.1988...
Its mechanism of action is related to increased GABA, blockage of voltage-dependent sodium channels, and T-type calcium channels.4848 Cutrer FM, Limmroth V,Moskowitz MA. Possible mechanisms of valproate in migraine prophylaxis. Cephalalgia 1997;17(02): 93-100. Doi: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.1997.1702093.x
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-2982.1997...
It reaches its plasma peak in up to 4 hours, and its half-life ranges from 8 to 12 hours in the conventional form, and is of up to 20 hours in the sustained-release form. It is a weak inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 system, epoxidrase, and glucuronyltransferase, and is almost entirely metabolized by the liver.4949 Linde M, Mulleners WM, Chronicle EP, McCrory DC. Valproate(valproic acid or sodiumvalproate or a combination of the two) for the prophylaxis of episodic migraine in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;(06):CD010611. Doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010611
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD01061...

Studies

There are consistent studies proving the efficacy of valproate/divalproate. Among more than 2 thousand publications, there are 2 main prospective studies on the preventive treatment of EM with valproate, and 4 on divalproate (a compound of valproic acid and sodium valproate in the proportions of 1:1) at doses of 500 mg/day to 1,000 mg/day.4949 Linde M, Mulleners WM, Chronicle EP, McCrory DC. Valproate(valproic acid or sodiumvalproate or a combination of the two) for the prophylaxis of episodic migraine in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;(06):CD010611. Doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010611
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD01061...
The two main studies on valproate (1000mg/dia), which were prospective, randomized and double-blinded, included 63 patients. Hering and Kuritzky5050 Hering R, Kuritzky A. Sodiumvalproateintheprophylactic treatment of migraine: a double-blind study versus placebo. Cephalalgia 1992; 12(02):81-84. Doi: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.1992.1202081.x
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-2982.1992...
(1992) conducted an 8-week study on 29 patients, comparing valproate at 800 mg/day with placebo. Their study showed that the use of this medication resulted in a significant reduction in the frequency of pain compared with placebo, with a mean total number of attacks of 8.826 ± 6.066 with its use compared with an average of 15.586 ± 8.330 with placebo. Jensen et al.2020 Jensen R, Brinck T, Olesen J. Sodiumvalproate has a prophylactic effect in migraine without aura: a triple-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Neurology 1994;44(04):647-651 (1994) analyzed 34 patients for 4 weeks, and observed a reduction about 50% or more in the frequency of pain in the divalproate group, and of 18% in the placebo group. The number of responders increased to 65% in the last 4 weeks of the open phase of the study.2020 Jensen R, Brinck T, Olesen J. Sodiumvalproate has a prophylactic effect in migraine without aura: a triple-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Neurology 1994;44(04):647-651 Mathew et al.5151 Mathew NT, Saper JR, Silberstein SD, et al. Migraine prophylaxis with divalproex. Arch Neurol 1995;52(03):281-286. Doi: 10.1001/archneur.1995.00540270077022. PMID: 7872882
https://doi.org/10.1001/archneur.1995.00...
(1995) analyzed 107 patients in a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blinded study lasting 16 weeks. There was a 48% reduction in the frequency of pain in patients in the divalproate group, and of 14% in the placebo group, in relation to the initial frequency. In addition, there was a significant reduction in the intensity and duration of attacks in the treated patients.

Regarding valproate, valproic acid, and divalproate molecules, divalproate has been shown to be most effective and best tolerated, especially in its sustained-release form.5252 Silberstein SD, Collins SDLong-term Safety of Depakote in Headache Prophylaxis Study Group. Safety of divalproex sodium in migraine prophylaxis: an open-label, long-termstudy. Headache 1999;39(09):633-643

Lamotrigine

General aspects

Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant sodium-channel blocker that can suppress the release of glutamate and aspartate. It blocks T-type calcium channels and inhibits native voltage-dependent calcium channels (types N/P/Q/R) and 5HT3 receptors. This may reduce glutamate release from the ventral striatal limbic projections. Chronic treatment with lamotrigine suppresses cortical spreading depression (CSD), in accordance with its selective action on the migraine aura. Its half-life is of 29 hours, it is completely and rapidly absorbed after oral administration, it has absolute bioavailability of 98%, and its plasma Cmax ranges from 1.4 to 4.8 hours.5353 Beattie K, Phadke G, Novakovic J. Lamotrigine. In: Britton HG, ed. Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol. 2012;37:245-85. Doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-397220-0.00006-4. Epub 2012 Mar 19. PMID: 22469320.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-397220...

Studies

Two double-blinded placebo-controlled studies5454 Steiner TJ, Findley LJ, Yuen AW. Lamotrigine versus placebo in the prophylaxis of migraine with and without aura. Cephalalgia 1997; 17(02):109-112. Doi: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.1997.1702109.x
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-2982.1997...
,5555 Gupta P, Singh S, Goyal V, Shukla G, Behari M. Low-dose topiramate versus lamotrigine in migraine prophylaxis (the Lotolamp study). Headache 2007;47(03):402-412. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00599.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006...
on lamotrigine for the prophylaxis of migraine with and without aura have failed to prove its efficacy. However, in one of these studies,5555 Gupta P, Singh S, Goyal V, Shukla G, Behari M. Low-dose topiramate versus lamotrigine in migraine prophylaxis (the Lotolamp study). Headache 2007;47(03):402-412. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00599.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006...
lamotrigine proved to be effective in reducing the monthly frequency of migraine (one of its secondary outcomes). In three studies (open model)5656 Lampl C, Buzath A, Klinger D, Neumann K. Lamotrigine in the prophylactic treatment ofmigraine aura-a pilot study. Cephalalgia 1999;19(01):58-63. Doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.1999.1901058.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.1999...

57 D’Andrea G, Granella F, Cadaldini M, Manzoni GC. Effectiveness of lamotrigine in the prophylaxis of migraine with aura: an open pilot study. Cephalalgia 1999;19(01):64-66. Doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.1999.1901064.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.1999...
-5858 Lampl C, Katsarava Z, Diener HC, Limmroth V. Lamotrigine reduces migraine aura and migraine attacks in patients with migraine with aura. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2005;76(12): 1730-1732. Doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2005.063750. PMID:1629190
https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.2005.063750...
that tested the efficacy of lamotrigine among individuals with migraine with aura, with doses reaching 100 mg/day, there was a positive prophylactic effect on the frequency and duration of the auras. In one of these studies,5656 Lampl C, Buzath A, Klinger D, Neumann K. Lamotrigine in the prophylactic treatment ofmigraine aura-a pilot study. Cephalalgia 1999;19(01):58-63. Doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.1999.1901058.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.1999...
after halting lamotrigine, there was recurrence of the aura episodes. In another study,5757 D’Andrea G, Granella F, Cadaldini M, Manzoni GC. Effectiveness of lamotrigine in the prophylaxis of migraine with aura: an open pilot study. Cephalalgia 1999;19(01):64-66. Doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.1999.1901064.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.1999...
the episodes of migraine with aura practically disappeared after three months of treatment, but there was no impact of the treatment on episodes of migraine without aura.

In another prospective, controlled, open study, in individuals with migraine with aura and with/without headache, lamotrigine at doses of up to 300 mg/day was effective in reducing the frequency and duration of the auras. In a prospective and retrospective study5959 Pascual J, Caminero AB, Mateos V, et al. Preventing disturbing migraine aura with lamotrigine: an open study. Headache 2004; 44(10):1024-1028. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2004.04198.x. PMID:15546267
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2004...
among subjects with complicated auras, which could be very frequent, long-lasting, affecting the brainstem aura, hemiplegic, aphasic or without headache, there was satisfactory control of 64% of these auras.

There is also a description of two cases in which lamotrigine was effective in controlling (persistent auras) with durations ranging from three months to three years.6060 Chen WT, Fuh JL, Lu SR, Wang SJ. Persistent migrainous visual phenomena might be responsive to lamotrigine. Headache 2001; 41(08):823-825. Doi: 10.1046/j.1526-4610.2001.01150.x
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1526-4610.2001...

Levetiracetam

General aspects

Levetiracetam is a drug that acts on type-N calcium channels and in the allosteric inhibition of GABA and glycine-dependent currents and of synchronized and excessive interneuronal activity.6161 Kumar A, Maini K, Kadian R. Levetiracetam. 2020In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing 2021 Jan. PMID: 29763065. It binds little (10%) to proteins and less than 40% is metabolized by acetamides, without participation of the cytochrome P450 system. Most levetiracetam is excreted unchanged by the kidneys, so dose adjustment is required in cases of renal failure.6262 Patsalos PN. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of levetiracetam. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 2003;25(02):123-129. Doi: 10.1358/mf.2003.25.2.723686. PMID:12731458
https://doi.org/10.1358/mf.2003.25.2.723...
,6363 Lyseng-Williamson KA. Levetiracetam: a review of its use in epilepsy. Drugs 2011;71(04):489-514. Doi: 10.2165/11204490-000000000-00000
https://doi.org/10.2165/11204490-0000000...

Studies

Two randomized double-blinded studies,6464 de Tommaso M, Guido M, Sardaro M, et al. Effects of topiramate and levetiracetam vs placebo on habituation of contingent negative variation in migraine patients. Neurosci Lett 2008; 442(02):81-85. Doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.06.076
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2008.06...
,6565 Verma A, Srivastava D, Kumar A, Singh V. Levetiracetam in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized placebo-controlled study in a rural medical institute in northern India. Clin Neuropharmacol 2013;36(06):193-197. Doi: 10.1097/WNF.0000000000000005
https://doi.org/10.1097/WNF.000000000000...
one placebo-controlled and one controlled with placebo and topiramate for migraine prophylaxis, were conducted. In the first study, levetiracetam was superior in reducing the frequency, intensity, disability and consumption of analgesics. The second study, which was designed not to evaluate efficacy but to assess other parameters (post hoc), showed that in most individuals the frequency of migraine was reduced in relation to the baseline time, while the opposite was seen in the placebo group.

Three open studies6666 Gallai V, Alberti A, Rossi C, Coppola F, Gallai B, Mazzotta G, Sarchielli P. An open-label pilot study on the efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam in the prophylaxis of migraine. The Journal of Headache and Pain 2003;4(02):92-96,6767 Pizza V, Busillo V, Agresta A, Bisogno A, Capasso A. Elderly Patients with Migraine: An Open-Label Study on Prophylaxis Therapy with Levetiracetam. Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2011;11(01):31-34 tested the efficacy of levetiracetam in the prevention of migraine. One was performed in individuals with migraine with and without aura,6666 Gallai V, Alberti A, Rossi C, Coppola F, Gallai B, Mazzotta G, Sarchielli P. An open-label pilot study on the efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam in the prophylaxis of migraine. The Journal of Headache and Pain 2003;4(02):92-96 another, among elderly migraineurs,6767 Pizza V, Busillo V, Agresta A, Bisogno A, Capasso A. Elderly Patients with Migraine: An Open-Label Study on Prophylaxis Therapy with Levetiracetam. Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2011;11(01):31-34 and the third, only in individuals with migraine with aura.6868 Brighina F, Palermo A, Aloisio A, Francolini M, Giglia G, Fierro B. Levetiracetamin the prophylaxis ofmigrainewith aura: a6-month open-label study. Clin Neuropharmacol 2006;29(06):338-342. Doi: 10.1097/01.WNF.0000236766.08409.03. PMID: 17095897
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.WNF.000023676...
In the first two,6666 Gallai V, Alberti A, Rossi C, Coppola F, Gallai B, Mazzotta G, Sarchielli P. An open-label pilot study on the efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam in the prophylaxis of migraine. The Journal of Headache and Pain 2003;4(02):92-96,6767 Pizza V, Busillo V, Agresta A, Bisogno A, Capasso A. Elderly Patients with Migraine: An Open-Label Study on Prophylaxis Therapy with Levetiracetam. Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2011;11(01):31-34 there were significant reductions in the frequency of episodes in relation to baseline and in the intake of symptomatic drugs, while in the third6868 Brighina F, Palermo A, Aloisio A, Francolini M, Giglia G, Fierro B. Levetiracetamin the prophylaxis ofmigrainewith aura: a6-month open-label study. Clin Neuropharmacol 2006;29(06):338-342. Doi: 10.1097/01.WNF.0000236766.08409.03. PMID: 17095897
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.WNF.000023676...
there were reductions in the frequency, intensity and duration of headache episodes and better aura control.

Gabapentin/pregabalin

General aspects

The modulation of the release of neurotransmitters exerted by gabapentin and pregabalin is related to binding to the calcium channel α2δ1 subunit in neuronal membranes. Neither of these agents undergoes hepatic metabolism. They do not bind to plasma proteins and are excreted unchanged by the kidneys. The half-life of both gabapentin and pregabalin ranges from five to nine hours.

Studies

Two double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies6969 Silberstein S, Goode-Sellers S, Twomey C, Saiers J, Ascher J. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II trial of gabapentin enacarbil for migraine prophylaxis. Cephalalgia 2013;33(02):101-111,7070 Mathew NT, Rapoport A, Saper J, Magnus L, Klapper J, Ramadan N, Stacey B, Tepper S. Efficacy of gabapentin in migraine prophylaxis. Headache 2001 Feb;41(2):119-28. doi: 10.1046/j.1526-4610.2001.111006119.x. PMID: 11251695
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1526-4610.2001...
were conducted. In one,6969 Silberstein S, Goode-Sellers S, Twomey C, Saiers J, Ascher J. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II trial of gabapentin enacarbil for migraine prophylaxis. Cephalalgia 2013;33(02):101-111 gabapentin enacarbil did not outperform placebo. In the other,7070 Mathew NT, Rapoport A, Saper J, Magnus L, Klapper J, Ramadan N, Stacey B, Tepper S. Efficacy of gabapentin in migraine prophylaxis. Headache 2001 Feb;41(2):119-28. doi: 10.1046/j.1526-4610.2001.111006119.x. PMID: 11251695
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1526-4610.2001...
with gabapentin, the authors found a reduction of 50% or more in the occurrence of migraine for 4 weeks compared with placebo — 50% or less — about 50% (46 × 16). These results were not maintained when analyzed using the “intention to treat” criterion, that is, when the population who received at least one dose of the medication under study (active or placebo) was analyzed, not just the individuals who concluded the whole study. In a randomized, open class-III study7171 Zain S, Khan M, Alam R, Zafar I, Ahmed S. Comparison of efficacy and safety of topiramate with gabapentin in migraine prophylaxis: randomized open label control trial. J Pak Med Assoc 2013; 63(01):3-7 controlled with topiramate, the use of gabapentin and topiramate led to a significant reduction in the frequency, duration and severity of the episodes, and in the intensity of pain. Although topiramate was more effective than gabapentin in all outcomes, it also presented lower tolerability.7171 Zain S, Khan M, Alam R, Zafar I, Ahmed S. Comparison of efficacy and safety of topiramate with gabapentin in migraine prophylaxis: randomized open label control trial. J Pak Med Assoc 2013; 63(01):3-7 In a randomized, open, class-IV, uncontrolled study,7272 Jiménez-Hernández MD, Torrecillas Nárvaez MD, Friera Acebal G. Eficacia y seguridad de la gabapentina en el tratamiento preventivo de la migraña. [Effectiveness and safety of gabapentin in the preventive treatment ofmigraine]Rev Neurol 2002;35(07):603-606 the authors observed a reduction in the frequency and intensity of migraine episodes, and in the duration of pain, and they suggested that gabapentin doses of 1,200 mg/day were as effective as 2,000 mg/day.

A randomized, double-blinded class-II study7373 Hesami O, Shams MR, Ayazkhoo L, et al. Comparison of pregabalin and sodium valproate in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized double-blinded study. Iran J Pharm Res 2018;17(02):783-789 compared pregabalin with sodium valproate in the prevention of migraine, and revealed that both were effective after the first month, and that they were comparable in the third month of treatment, in relation to the baseline, in terms of reduction in the average monthly frequency, intensity and duration of migraine episodes. Although this study7373 Hesami O, Shams MR, Ayazkhoo L, et al. Comparison of pregabalin and sodium valproate in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized double-blinded study. Iran J Pharm Res 2018;17(02):783-789 was conducted with an adequate number of subjects, both drugs were used at low doses (valproate: 400 mg/day; pregabalin: 100 mg/day). In an uncontrolled open study7474 Pizzolato R, Villani V, Prosperini L, Ciuffoli A, Sette G. Efficacy and tolerability of pregabalin as preventive treatment for migraine: a 3-month follow-up study. J Headache Pain 2011;12(05):521-525 with a target dose of pregabalin of 300 mg/day, the authors found a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of migraine episodes from the first to the third month of treatment compared with the baseline. The greatest reduction in the frequency of migraine episodes was observed in patients whose dose was increased in the first month of therapy.

Carbamazepine

General aspects

Carbamazepine is a modulator of sodium channels of neuronal membranes. Its bioavailability is high, reaching 90%, and its metabolism is hepatic.7575 Alrashood ST. Carbamazepine. Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol 2016;41:133-321

Studies

Regarding migraine, there is a single crossover placebo-controlled clinical trial7676 Rompel H, Bauermeister PW. Aetiology of migraine and prevention with carbamazepine (Tegretol): results of a double-blind, cross-over study. S Afr Med J 1970;44(04):75-80 which only reports on the individuals who completed the entire study, and does not provide information about exclusions and their reasons. The authors7676 Rompel H, Bauermeister PW. Aetiology of migraine and prevention with carbamazepine (Tegretol): results of a double-blind, cross-over study. S Afr Med J 1970;44(04):75-80 reported an improvement in 38 out of 45 (84.4%) patients in the carbamazepine arm and only in 13 out of 48 (27.1%) in the placebo arm (p< 0.001). The duration of the treatment was of 12 weeks. Mulleners et al.7777 Mulleners WM, McCrory DC, LindeM. Antiepileptics in migraine prophylaxis: an updated Cochrane review. Cephalalgia 2015;35(01):51-62 (2015) calculated the confidence interval of this study and found it to be very low (11.77; 3.92 - 35.32), which makes it difficult to assume that these results can be properly interpreted.

Oxcarbazepine

General aspects

Oxcarbazepine is structurally related to carbamazepine; thus, it modulates sodium channels of neuronal membranes, but also modulates the release of glutamate.7878 Preuss CV, Randhawa G,Wy TJP, Saadabadi A. Oxcarbazepine. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021. PMID: 29493938.

Studies

Regarding migraine, only one randomized, double-blinded clinical trial7979 Silberstein S, Saper J, Berenson F, Somogyi M, McCague K, D’Souza J. Oxcarbazepine in migraine headache: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Neurology 2008;70(07): 548-555 has tested oxcarbazepine (n = 85) versus placebo. There was no statistically significant advantage of oxcarbazepine over placebo, except for the secondary variable of improvement in functional capacity.

Vigabatrin

General aspects

Vigabatrin exerts its GABA-ergic effect through selective and non-competitive inhibition of GABA-transaminase.8080 Wheless JW, Ramsay RE, Collins SD. Vigabatrin. Neurotherapeutics 2007;4(01):163-172

Studies

There is a single double-blinded crossover trial,8181 Ghose K, Niven BE, Berry D. A double-blind crossover comparison of the effects of vigabatrin with placebo in the prevention of migraine headache. J Headache Pain 2002;3(02):79-85. Doi: 10.1007/s101940200022 PubMed
https://doi.org/10.1007/s101940200022...
in which 23 migraineurs were evaluated. However, due to the possible beta-type bias, the duration of the study, and the possibility of potentially limiting and irreversible adverse events, such as GABAergic retinopathy, a consensus was reached, which states that vigabatrin should not be used for the preventive treatment of migraine.8181 Ghose K, Niven BE, Berry D. A double-blind crossover comparison of the effects of vigabatrin with placebo in the prevention of migraine headache. J Headache Pain 2002;3(02):79-85. Doi: 10.1007/s101940200022 PubMed
https://doi.org/10.1007/s101940200022...

Clonazepam

General aspects

Clonazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine group and increases the effect of the GABA neurotransmitter on GABA-A receptors in a highly potent and prolonged manner, besides having a serotoninergic agonist effect.8282 Griffin CE III, Kaye AM, Bueno FR, Kaye AD. Benzodiazepine pharmacology and central nervous system-mediated effects. Ochsner J 2013;13(02):214-223

Studies

A double-blinded, placebo-controlled study8383 Stensrud P, Sjaastad O. Clonazepam (rivotril) in migraine prophylaxis. Headache 1979;19(06):333-334 with clonazepam at doses of 1 mg/day to 2 mg/day revealed that its use led to a reduction in the number of headache days compared with placebo.8383 Stensrud P, Sjaastad O. Clonazepam (rivotril) in migraine prophylaxis. Headache 1979;19(06):333-334 However, due to the risk of addiction,8484 Maizels M. Clonazepam for refractory headache: three cases illustrative of benefit and risk. Headache 2010;50(04):650-656. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010.01633.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010...
this is not a drug recommended for the prophylactic treatment of migraine.

Zonisamide (ZNZ)

General aspects

Zonisamide is an antiepileptic drug that has weak carbonic anhydrase-inhibiting action and blocks voltage-dependent sodium channels, thus modulating GABA-ergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. In addition, it reduces the activity of the low-voltage T-type calcium channels (they are found in the trigeminal ganglion and caudal nucleus) and they play a role in mediating the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).8585 Kadian R, Kumar A. Zonisamide. [Updated 2019 Oct 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020

Studies

Two randomized double-blinded studies8686 Mohammadianinejad SE, Abbasi V, Sajedi SA, et al. Zonisamide versus topiramate in migraine prophylaxis: a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Clin Neuropharmacol 2011;34(04): 174-177. Doi: 10.1097/WNF.0b013e318225140c. PMID:2173 8025
https://doi.org/10.1097/WNF.0b013e318225...
,8787 Assarzadegan F, Tabesh H, Hosseini-Zijoud SM, Beale AD, Shoghli A, Ghafoori Yazdi M, Mansouri B, Hesami O, Beladi Moghadam N, Delavar KasmaeiH. Comparing Zonisamide With Sodium Valproate in the Management of Migraine Headaches: Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial of Efficacy and Safety. Iran Red Crescent Med J 2016 Apr 30;18(9):e23768. doi: 10.5812/ircmj.23768. PMID: 28144450; PMCID: PMC5253208
https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.23768....
that compared ZNZ and another prophylactic drug for EM prophylaxis were evaluated. In one,8686 Mohammadianinejad SE, Abbasi V, Sajedi SA, et al. Zonisamide versus topiramate in migraine prophylaxis: a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Clin Neuropharmacol 2011;34(04): 174-177. Doi: 10.1097/WNF.0b013e318225140c. PMID:2173 8025
https://doi.org/10.1097/WNF.0b013e318225...
ZNZ was superior to topiramate in reducing the intensity of migraine attacks; in the other,8787 Assarzadegan F, Tabesh H, Hosseini-Zijoud SM, Beale AD, Shoghli A, Ghafoori Yazdi M, Mansouri B, Hesami O, Beladi Moghadam N, Delavar KasmaeiH. Comparing Zonisamide With Sodium Valproate in the Management of Migraine Headaches: Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial of Efficacy and Safety. Iran Red Crescent Med J 2016 Apr 30;18(9):e23768. doi: 10.5812/ircmj.23768. PMID: 28144450; PMCID: PMC5253208
https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.23768....
ZNZ had an efficacy similar to that of valproate, differing from the latter only in terms of adverse events.

Three other studies8888 Villani V, Ciuffoli A, Prosperini L, Sette G. Zonisamide for migraine prophylaxis in topiramate-intolerant patients: an observational study. Headache 2011;51(02):287-291. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010.01842.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010...

89 Drake ME Jr, Greathouse NI, Renner JB, Armentbright AD. Openlabel zonisamide for refractory migraine. Clin Neuropharmacol 2004;27(06):278-280. Doi: 10.1097/01.wnf.0000150866.98887.77
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.wnf.000015086...
-9090 Chung JY, Kim MW, Kim M. Efficacy of zonisamide in migraineurs with nonresponse to topiramate. BioMed Res Int 2014; 2014:891348. Doi: 10.1155/2014/891348
https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/891348...
reported that ZNZ was effective in reducing the intensity and frequency of attacks: a prospective open study8888 Villani V, Ciuffoli A, Prosperini L, Sette G. Zonisamide for migraine prophylaxis in topiramate-intolerant patients: an observational study. Headache 2011;51(02):287-291. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010.01842.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010...
on patients who responded to topiramate but discontinued it due to adverse events; another8989 Drake ME Jr, Greathouse NI, Renner JB, Armentbright AD. Openlabel zonisamide for refractory migraine. Clin Neuropharmacol 2004;27(06):278-280. Doi: 10.1097/01.wnf.0000150866.98887.77
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.wnf.000015086...
on patients with refractory migraine; and a retrospective study9090 Chung JY, Kim MW, Kim M. Efficacy of zonisamide in migraineurs with nonresponse to topiramate. BioMed Res Int 2014; 2014:891348. Doi: 10.1155/2014/891348
https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/891348...
on patients who did not respond to topiramate. The doses used in these studies ranged from 100 mg to 400 mg per day.

Conclusion

Among anticonvulsants, the most studied are topiramate and valproate/divalproate. These have unambiguous efficacy, are well documented, and have A-level recommendation. For levetiracetam, and ZNZ, the level of recommendation is B. For gabapentin/pregabalin, the recommendation is C. There is no evidence to support the routine prescription of lamotrigine, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, vigabatrin and clonazepam. However, lamotrigine shows efficacy in the prophylaxis for migraine aura. When prescribing an anticonvulsant, close attention needs to be paid not only to its efficacy but also to its sedative, psychotropic, and systemic effects, which often compromise its tolerability.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TADs)

General aspects

The mechanism of action common to tricyclic antidepressants (TADs) at the presynaptic level is the blocking of monoamine reuptake, mainly norepinephrine (NA) and serotonin (5-HT), and, to a lesser extent, dopamine (DA). Tertiary amines (amitriptyline and clomipramine) preferentially inhibit the reuptake of 5-HT, while secondary amines (nortriptyline) inhibit that of NA. There are no significant differences in the selectivity of presynaptic reuptake blockade. Postsynaptic activity varies depending on the neurotransmitter system involved, and it is usually responsible for the side effects of these drugs. Tricyclic antidepressants block the muscarinic (cholinergic), type-1 histaminergic, α2- and β-adrenergic, and several rarer dopaminergic receptors. These actions do not necessarily correlate with the antidepressant effect, but they may correlate with the side effects. Blockade of the 5-HT1 receptor contributes to the therapeutic effect of TADs.9191 Moreno RA, Moreno DH, Soares MB. Psicofarmacologia de antidepressivos. Rev Bras Psiquiatr 1999;21(Suppl 1):24-40 https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-44461999000500006
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-4446199900...

The degree of blockade of monoamine reuptake varies according to the specific TAD, and amitriptyline is the most potent, with the most complex pharmacological profile. Its main metabolite is nortriptyline, which has a more pronounced effect as a transporter of NA.9292 Burch R. Antidepressants for Preventive Treatment of Migraine. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2019 Mar 21;21(4):18. doi: 10.1007/s11940-019-0557-2. PMID: 30895388
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-019-0557-...

Amitriptyline

Studies

Amitriptyline was evaluated in a randomized, double-blinded, controlled study9393 Couch JRAmitriptyline Versus Placebo Study Group. Amitriptyline in the prophylactic treatment of migraine and chronic daily headache. Headache 2011;51(01):33-51. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010.01800.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010...
among migraineurs, with 94 patients receiving amitriptyline, and 92, placebo, for 20 weeks. Among the subjects with EM, amitriptyline was significantly more effective than placebo in decreasing the frequency of headaches in the eighth week, but not in the following weeks due to the large placebo effect.9393 Couch JRAmitriptyline Versus Placebo Study Group. Amitriptyline in the prophylactic treatment of migraine and chronic daily headache. Headache 2011;51(01):33-51. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010.01800.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010...
In a randomized, double-blinded, non-inferiority study9494 Dodick DW, Freitag F, Banks J, et al; CAPSS-277 Investigator Group. Topiramate versus amitriptyline in migraine prevention: a 26-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, doubledummy, parallel-group noninferiority trial in adult migraineurs. Clin Ther 2009;31(03):542-559 comparing topiramate and amitriptyline in 331 migraine patients, 172 received topiramate, and 159, amitriptyline, for 26 weeks. The efficacy was similar between the two medications.9494 Dodick DW, Freitag F, Banks J, et al; CAPSS-277 Investigator Group. Topiramate versus amitriptyline in migraine prevention: a 26-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, doubledummy, parallel-group noninferiority trial in adult migraineurs. Clin Ther 2009;31(03):542-559 In another comparative, randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled study9595 Gonçalves AL, Martini Ferreira A, Ribeiro RT, Zukerman E, Cipolla-Neto J, Peres MF. Randomised clinical trial comparing melatonin 3 mg, amitriptyline 25mg and placebo for migraine prevention. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2016;87(10):1127-1132. Doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2016-313458
https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2016-313458...
comparing amitriptyline and melatonin among 196 migraineurs for 12 weeks, both medications were significantly more effective than placebo in terms of decreasing the number of days with headache.9595 Gonçalves AL, Martini Ferreira A, Ribeiro RT, Zukerman E, Cipolla-Neto J, Peres MF. Randomised clinical trial comparing melatonin 3 mg, amitriptyline 25mg and placebo for migraine prevention. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2016;87(10):1127-1132. Doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2016-313458
https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2016-313458...

Clomipramine

Studies

Two studies have been conducted with clomipramine: one comparing it with placebo,9696 Noone JF. Clomipramine in the prevention of migraine. J Int Med Res 1980;8(Suppl 3):49-52 and the other, with metoprolol.2929 Langohr HD, Gerber WD, Koletzki E, Mayer K, Schroth G. Clomipramine and metoprolol in migraine prophylaxis-a doubleblind crossover study. Headache 1985;25(02):107-113. Doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1985.hed 2502107.x. PMID: 3886599
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.1985...
In both, clomipramine was not significantly better than placebo.

Nortriptyline

Study

In a Brazilian study comparing preventive treatments for migraine with low doses of nortriptyline (25 mg/day) and propranolol (40 mg/day), alone or in combination, nortriptyline alone was not effective in reducing the number of days with headache.9797 Domingues RB, Silva ALP, Domingues SA, Aquino CCH, Kuster GW. A double-blind randomized controlled trial of low doses of propranolol, nortriptyline, and the combination of propranolol and nortriptyline for the preventive treatment of migraine. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2009;67(04):973-977

Conclusions

Among TADs, amitriptyline is the best studied medicine, with evidence of significant improvement through reduction of migraine attacks, compared with placebo (Level A recommendation). Clomipramine has not been shown to be significantly more effective than placebo. Although no randomized, double-blinded, adequate studies have been conducted on nortriptyline, this drug is recognized by the participants of this consensus as equally effective as amitriptyline and with fewer side effects, such as drowsiness and weight gain.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or CGRP-receptor monoclonal antibodies

General aspects

Calcitonin gene-related peptide is a 37-amino acid neuropeptide that is produced primarily in the cellular body of ventral and dorsal root neurons. Two isoforms of CGRP (α and β) have been described; they differ in three amino acids in humans, have different tissue distributions, and are potent vasodilators.9898 Paemeleire K, Maassen Van Den Brink A. Calcitonin-gene-related peptide pathway mAbs and migraine prevention. Current Opinion in Neurology 2018:1

The α-CGRP isoform is expressed in the peripheral nervous system predominantly in nociceptive fibers A∂ and C, which have wide distribution throughout the body, including extensive perivascular distribution. The β-CGRP isoform is the predominant form expressed in the enteric nervous system and pituitary system. The distribution of CGRP and CGRP receptors in the CNS is complex and still little understood.9898 Paemeleire K, Maassen Van Den Brink A. Calcitonin-gene-related peptide pathway mAbs and migraine prevention. Current Opinion in Neurology 2018:1,9999 Walter S, Bigal ME. TEV-48125: a Review of a Monoclonal CGRP Antibody in Development for the Preventive Treatment of Migraine. Current Pain and Headache Reports 2015;19(03):6-12. Doi: 10.1007/s11916-015-0476-1 10.1007/s11916-015-0476-1
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-015-0476-...

Calcitonin gene-related peptide is located in the trigeminal nerve terminations and trigeminal ganglion. Outside of the BBB, release of CGRP in trigeminal nerve terminations results in vasodilation, inflammation, and (questionable) degranulation of dural mast cells.9898 Paemeleire K, Maassen Van Den Brink A. Calcitonin-gene-related peptide pathway mAbs and migraine prevention. Current Opinion in Neurology 2018:1

With the development of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), new methods of targeting CGRP have emerged. With the target specificity inherent to MAbs, as well as typically prolonged pharmacokinetic half-lives and the reduced potential for liver toxicity, CGRP-specific MAbs are an excellent drugs for the migraine prevention.9999 Walter S, Bigal ME. TEV-48125: a Review of a Monoclonal CGRP Antibody in Development for the Preventive Treatment of Migraine. Current Pain and Headache Reports 2015;19(03):6-12. Doi: 10.1007/s11916-015-0476-1 10.1007/s11916-015-0476-1
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-015-0476-...

Currently, four MAbs (eptinezumab, erenumab, fremanezumab and galcanezumab) are indicated in the treatments of EM. Erenumab specifically blocks the CGRP receptor, while the others bind to the CGRP100100 Edvinsson L, Haanes KA, Warfvinge K, Krause DN. CGRP as the target of new migraine therapies - successful translation from bench to clinic. Nat Rev Neurol 2018;14(06):338-350. Doi: 10.1038/s41582-018-0003-1
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-018-0003-...
molecule.

Erenumab

Studies

Two phase-3, controlled, randomized, multicenter clinical trials101101 Goadsby PJ, Reuter U, Hallström Y, et al. A controlled trial of erenumab for episodic migraine. N Engl J Med 2017;377(22): 2123-2132,102102 Dodick DW, Ashina M, Brandes JL, et al. ARISE: A Phase 3 randomized trial of erenumab for episodicmigraine. Cephalalgia 2018;38(06):1026-1037. Doi: 10.1177/0333102418759786
https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102418759786...
were analyzed. In the first, the Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Erenumab (AMG 334) in Migraine Prevention (STRIVE),101101 Goadsby PJ, Reuter U, Hallström Y, et al. A controlled trial of erenumab for episodic migraine. N Engl J Med 2017;377(22): 2123-2132 3 arms were compared: the erenumab 70 mg group, the erenumab 140 mg group, and the placebo group, who were followed for 24 weeks. The erenumab groups showed a statistically significant decrease in the number of migraine days in relation to the baseline frequency (primary outcome), a decrease in the number of migraine days of more than 50% from the third to the sixth months in relation to the baseline frequency, decreased use of migraine-specific medication, and decreased impact of headache (secondary outcomes) compared with the placebo group. There was no significant difference between those who used 70 mg or 140 mg of erenumab.101101 Goadsby PJ, Reuter U, Hallström Y, et al. A controlled trial of erenumab for episodic migraine. N Engl J Med 2017;377(22): 2123-2132

The second one, called Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Erenumab (AMG 334) Compared to Placebo in Migraine Prevention (ARISE),102102 Dodick DW, Ashina M, Brandes JL, et al. ARISE: A Phase 3 randomized trial of erenumab for episodicmigraine. Cephalalgia 2018;38(06):1026-1037. Doi: 10.1177/0333102418759786
https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102418759786...
compared 2 groups: patients who received erenumab 70 mg and those who received placebo, who were followed for 12 weeks. The erenumab group showed a statistically significant decrease in the number of migraine days in relation to the baseline frequency (primary outcome), a decrease in the number of migraine days greater than 50% in relation to the baseline frequency, and decreased use of migraine-specific medication (secondary outcomes) compared with the placebo group.102102 Dodick DW, Ashina M, Brandes JL, et al. ARISE: A Phase 3 randomized trial of erenumab for episodicmigraine. Cephalalgia 2018;38(06):1026-1037. Doi: 10.1177/0333102418759786
https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102418759786...

Galcanezumab

Studies

Two randomized, controlled, multicenter, phase-3 clinical trials103103 Stauffer VL, Dodick DW, Zhang Q, Carter JN, Ailani J, Conley RR. Evaluation of galcanezumab for the prevention of episodic migraine: The EVOLVE-1 randomized clinical trial. JAMA Neurol 2018;75(09):1080-1088,104104 Skljarevski V, Matharu M, Millen BA, Ossipov MH, Kim BK, Yang JY. Efficacy and safety of galcanezumab for the prevention of episodic migraine: Results of the EVOLVE-2 Phase 3 randomized controlled clinical trial. Cephalalgia 2018;38(08):1442-1454 on EM compared galcanezumab art doses of 240 mg in the first month, followed by 120 mg/month in the following months, galcanezumab at a dose of 240 mg/month, and placebo. The patients were followed for six months. The results of the galcanezumab groups were better than those of the placebo group, with statistical significance in relation to the primary outcome [decrease in the Monthly frequency of headache days (migraine characteristics in relation to the baseline frequency)] and secondary outcomes: decrease greater than 50%, greater than 75%, and 100% in the number of headache days, quality of life scales, and headache impact respectively. There was no difference between the results of the two galcanezumab groups (120 or 240 mg). There was no difference between the results of the two galcanezumab groups.103103 Stauffer VL, Dodick DW, Zhang Q, Carter JN, Ailani J, Conley RR. Evaluation of galcanezumab for the prevention of episodic migraine: The EVOLVE-1 randomized clinical trial. JAMA Neurol 2018;75(09):1080-1088,105105 Dodick DW, Silberstein SD, Bigal ME, et al. Effect of fremanezumab comparedwith placebo for prevention of episodicmigraine: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2018;319(19):1999-2008. Doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.4853
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.4853...

Fremanezumab

Studies

Fremanezumab has been studied with regard to prevention of EM in 2 phase-3 clinical studies.105105 Dodick DW, Silberstein SD, Bigal ME, et al. Effect of fremanezumab comparedwith placebo for prevention of episodicmigraine: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2018;319(19):1999-2008. Doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.4853
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.4853...
,106106 Ferrari MD, Diener HC, Ning X, et al. Fremanezumabversus placebo formigraine prevention in patients with documented failure to up to four migraine preventive medication classes (FOCUS): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3b trial. Lancet 2019;394(10203):1030-1040. Doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31946-4 Erratum in: Lancet. 2019 Oct 29; PMID: 31427046
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31...

A monthly dose regimen of 225 mg or a higher single dose of 665 mg was compared with placebo among 875 patients with a mean age of 41.8 years.105105 Dodick DW, Silberstein SD, Bigal ME, et al. Effect of fremanezumab comparedwith placebo for prevention of episodicmigraine: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2018;319(19):1999-2008. Doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.4853
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.4853...
The number of migraine days during the 12-week period after the first dose was lower in the study groups than in the placebo group. The average number of migraine days per month decreased: from 8.9 days to 4.9 days in the monthly fremanezumab dosage group; from 9.2 days to 5.3 days in the highest single-dose fremanezumab group; and from 9.1 days to 6.5 days in the placebo group. This resulted in a difference between the monthly and placebo dosages of -1.5 days, and between the highest single dose and placebo of -1.3 days (p< 0.001).105105 Dodick DW, Silberstein SD, Bigal ME, et al. Effect of fremanezumab comparedwith placebo for prevention of episodicmigraine: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2018;319(19):1999-2008. Doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.4853
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.4853...

In the second study,106106 Ferrari MD, Diener HC, Ning X, et al. Fremanezumabversus placebo formigraine prevention in patients with documented failure to up to four migraine preventive medication classes (FOCUS): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3b trial. Lancet 2019;394(10203):1030-1040. Doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31946-4 Erratum in: Lancet. 2019 Oct 29; PMID: 31427046
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31...
migraine patients who had previously had negative experiences with two to four classes of preventive medications were assessed. Using the methodology to divide the groups, 329 patients with EM were included and the results were also positive, with a significant difference between the fremanezumab groups and the placebo group.106106 Ferrari MD, Diener HC, Ning X, et al. Fremanezumabversus placebo formigraine prevention in patients with documented failure to up to four migraine preventive medication classes (FOCUS): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3b trial. Lancet 2019;394(10203):1030-1040. Doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31946-4 Erratum in: Lancet. 2019 Oct 29; PMID: 31427046
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31...

Eptinezumab

Studies

Eptinezumab differs from other MAbs in that it is administered intravenously rather than subcutaneously. Two studies have been conducted in relation to EM. A phase-2 study107107 Dodick DW, Goadsby PJ, Silberstein SD, et al; ALD403 study investigators. Safety and efficacy of ALD403, an antibody to calcitonin gene-related peptide, for the prevention of frequent episodic migraine: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, exploratory phase 2 trial. Lancet Neurol 2014;13(11): 1100-1107. Doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(14)70209-1
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(14)70...
was carried out with administration of 1,000 mg of intravenous eptinezumab (81 patients), compared with placebo (82 patients), and it showed that this drug present a good degree of safety and tolerability and was superior to placebo with regard to improving the number of migraine days per month.

The other study108108 Ashina M, Saper J, Cady R, et al. Eptinezumab in episodic migraine: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (PROMISE-1). Cephalalgia 2020;40(03):241-254. Doi: 10.1177/0333102420905132
https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102420905132...
evaluated 888 patients with EM who were randomized into 4 groups: eptinezumab 30 mg, 100 mg, or 300 mg, and placebo, with up to 4 intravenous infusions every 12 weeks. Doses of 100 mg and 300 mg significantly reduced the number of migraine days per month, with similar tolerability in comparison with the placebo group.108108 Ashina M, Saper J, Cady R, et al. Eptinezumab in episodic migraine: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (PROMISE-1). Cephalalgia 2020;40(03):241-254. Doi: 10.1177/0333102420905132
https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102420905132...
In a subsequent analysis,109109 Dodick DW, Gottschalk C, Cady R, Hirman J, Smith J, Snapinn S. Eptinezumab demonstrated efficacy in sustained prevention of episodic and chronic migraine beginning on day 1 after dosing. Headache 2020;60(10):2220-2231. Doi: 10.1111/head.14007
https://doi.org/10.1111/head.14007...
the authors observed that the treatment was effective on the first day after the initial dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Erenumab, galcanezumab, fremanezumab and eptinezumab each have two Class-I clinical trials with positive results in relation to placebo, and they have been shown to be effective to treat EM (recommendation level A) (Table 2).

Table 2
Drugs, dosages, adverse effects, evidence level, recommendation level, pregnancy and breastfeeding

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    21 Nov 2022
  • Date of issue
    Aug 2022

History

  • Received
    11 Dec 2021
  • Accepted
    24 May 2022
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