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Therapeutics
Review: anticonvulsants are better than placebo for reducing the frequency of migraine attacks

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm.10.1.16

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    Chronicle E, Mulleners W. Anticonvulsant drugs for migraine prophylaxis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(3):CD003226.

    
 
 Q In patients with migraine, are anticonvulsants more effective than placebo for preventing or reducing the intensity of migraine attacks?

    Clinical impact ratings GP/FP/Primary care ★★★★★☆☆IM/Ambulatory care ★★★★★★☆ Neurology ★★★★★☆☆

    METHODS

    Embedded ImageData sources:

    Medline (up to April 2003); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (up to April 2003); review article references; books on headache; contact with drug companies, authors, and experts; and hand searches of Headache and Cephalalgia.

    Embedded ImageStudy selection and assessment:

    randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared anticonvulsants given regularly during headache free intervals in adults >18 years of age with placebo, no intervention, other drug treatments, or behavioural or physical therapies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad 5 point scale.

    Embedded ImageOutcomes:

    headache frequency (number of migraine attacks measured at 28 d), headache index measures (frequency and intensity or duration), and adverse events.

    MAIN RESULTS

    15 RCTs met the selection criteria. Anticonvulsants investigated …

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    Footnotes

    • For correspondence: Dr E Chronicle, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA. chronicl{at}hawaii.edu

    • Source of funding: International Headache Society.