Verapamil prophylaxis of migraine. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study
G. D. Solomon, J. G. Steel and L. J. Spaccavento
We undertook a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to determine the
effectiveness of verapamil hydrochloride for the prophylaxis of migraine.
Twelve patients were given either verapamil hydrochloride, 80 mg four times
daily, or placebo in random order during two consecutive three-month
periods. Migraine frequency, severity, and duration were quantified by
daily logs and monthly questionnaires. Ten of the 12 patients had fewer
migraines during verapamil therapy. Migraine frequency decreased from 6.7
to 3.8 migraines per patient per month, for a mean decrease of 49%.
Headache unit index fell from an average of 0.61 to 0.44. We conclude that
verapamil is effective in the prophylaxis of migraine and that verapamil
might be considered one alternative in the development of a regimen for the
prophylaxis of migraine.
