Which medication is the most commonly used for migraine prophylaxis?

Beta-Blockers Propranolol is the most common and one of the most effective first-line medications used for migraine prophylaxis.

Is Depakote good for migraines?

Depakote (divalproex sodium) and Topamax (topiramate) are anticonvulsants used to treat epilepsy and migraine headaches. Depakote is also used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder.

What antihypertensive medication is used in the prophylaxis of migraine headache?

Current evidence supports the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (mainly lisinopril) and angiotensin receptor blockers (mainly candesartan) for long-term migraine prevention and blood pressure control.

How does valproic acid prevent migraines?

Valproic acid increases the level of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It does this by blocking the enzyme that normally breaks down GABA.

What drugs are recommended for prophylaxis?

Drugs for antibiotic prophylaxis The most common antibiotics used before surgeries are cephalosporins, such as cefazolin and cefuroxime. Your doctor may prescribe vancomycin if you are allergic to cephalosporins. They may also prescribe it if antibiotic resistance is a problem.

What’s the best migraine prevention?

The FDA has approved several drugs for migraine prevention, including divalproex sodium, topiramate, propranolol, timolol, and methysergide. Of all classes of migraine preventive therapy, antiseizure medications have the most support in the data.

How long does it take for Depakote to help with migraines?

As with most preventives, Depakote needs four to six weeks to become effective. It is FDA-approved for migraine prevention.

What does Depakote make you feel like?

A: Common side effects experienced with Depakote include drowsiness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, low platelet count, tremors, tiredness, and hair loss. The side effects may be mild to moderate, but they may also be signs of a more serious condition.

Are calcium channel blockers used for migraine prophylaxis?

Calcium channel blockers are commonly used as prophylactic medication for migraine, although studies of their effectiveness have shown mixed results. Flunarizine has the best-documented efficacy but is not available in the United States. The efficacy of verapamil is supported by studies.

What medications can you take to prevent migraines?

Medicines used to prevent migraines include:

Anticonvulsants (antiseizure medicines), including valproate (such as Depakene)
Antidepressants, including amitriptyline.
Beta-blockers, including propranolol (such as Inderal)
Calcium channel blockers, including verapamil (such as Calan)
Botulinum toxin, such as Botox.

How does valproate work for migraines?

Valproate is well established in the treatment of epilepsy, and it is thought to act by mimicking γ-aminobutyric acid. There is also evidence that valproate prevents migraine attacks, and it is already widely used for migraine management in the US and European countries.

What is the mechanism of action of valproic acid?

Mechanism of Action Valproic acid exhibits its pharmacologic effects in a couple of ways, such as by acting on GABA (γ aminobutyric acid) levels in the CNS, blocking voltage-gated ion channels, and inhibiting histone deacetylase.