Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

The Effect of Venlafaxine and Topiramate in Reducing Migraine Headaches in Patients with Abnormal Electroencephalogram

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors
Fariborz Khorvash 1
Saleheh Abbasian 2
Ali Mehrabi-Koushki 3
Madjeed Ghasemi 1
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Isfahan Neuroscience Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Student of Medicine, School of Medicine AND Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3 Epidemiologist, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Background: Migraine disease is one of the most common human neurological diseases; although several methods have been proposed for it, but still, there is not any cure found for it. The drugs topiramate (an anticonvulsant) and venlafaxine [a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)] have been studied independently in the treatment of migraine, but their effects have not been compared. Due to the ease of access to venlafaxine and topiramate in pharmaceutical market and that the economy and side-effects of both drugs are competitive, this study aimed to compare the effects of venlafaxine and topiramate in the treatment of migraine headaches in patients with abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG).Methods: This clinical trial study was done in Noor and Imam Mousa Sadr clinic in Isfahan, Iran, during 2014. 110 patients with migraine and abnormal electroencephalogram were selected for the study after obtaining informed consent. They were distributed in two groups; group 1 received topiramate and the second group venlafaxine. After receiving 6 weeks of treatment, the duration, intensity and frequency of headache in the two groups were compared.Findings: Prior to the treatment, the intensity, frequency and duration of headache were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05); but after the treatment, pain intensity was significantly lower in the group receiving venlafaxine. After the intervention, the frequency and duration of headaches were not significantly different between the two groups, too (P > 0.05).Conclusion: This study showed that the drug venlafaxine has better performance in the treatment of migraine and when there are no contraindications for its use, is recommended in patients with migraine.
Keywords
Migraine
Venlafaxine
Topiramate
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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 33, Issue 326 - Serial Number 326
January and February 2015
Pages 287-293

  • Receive Date 22 September 2014
  • Accept Date 06 April 2022