Comparing the Effects of Atorvastatin With Sodium Valproate (Divalproex) on Frequency and Intensity of Frequent Migraine Headaches: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Study. Issue 3 (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hesami, Omid; Sistanizad, Mohammad; Asadollahzade, Elnaz; Johari, Mohammad-Sadegh; Beladi-Moghadam, Nahid; Mazhabdar-Ghashghai, Homa
• Is Part Of: Clinical neuropharmacology. Volume 41:Issue 3(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: analgesic -- atorvastatin -- headache -- migraine -- sodium valproate; Neuropharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.78
• DOI: 10.1097/WNF.0000000000000280
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0362-5664

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To evaluate the prophylactic effects of atorvastatin on frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine attacks compared with sodium valproate. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, single-center controlled trial, patients with 6 to 15 migraine attacks per month, which were candidates of preventive treatment, were recruited. The patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups. The first group (A) received atorvastatin 40 mg daily, and the second group (B) received sodium valproate 500 mg daily. All patients were visited each month and followed up for 3 months. The characteristics of migraine headaches including frequency, intensity, and duration of attacks were recorded, as well as the number of analgesics taken per each attack and probable adverse effects. Results: From 100 patients enrolled in the study, 18 cases were excluded owing to adverse effects (2 cases) or lost to follow-up (16 cases). From 82 patients who completed the trial, 46 and 36 were in group A (atorvastatin) and group B (sodium valproate), respectively. Mean age of the patients was not significantly different in the 2 arms of the study (33.56 ± 8.51 in group A and 33.25 ± 9.91 years in group B, P = 0.877). Number, duration, and intensity of attacks and number of analgesics taken during attacks decreased significantly in both groups in monthly follow-ups. However, there was no statistically significant difference between 2 arms of the study in terms of attenuation in the characteristics of migraine attacks. On the other hand, patients in group A suffered fewer adverse effects compared with group B. Conclusions: This study indicates that atorvastatin could be an alternative for sodium valproate in migraine prophylaxis with comparable efficacy and fewer adverse effects. Multicenter studies with larger sample size are recommended.