A few medications initially created to treat epilepsy have been observed to be valuable in the preventative treatment of a migraine. They seem to act in a migraine by focusing on one or more destinations in the brain, adjusting transmission of neurologic electrical signals through their effects on ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, and neurotransmitter metabolism. The side effects of anti-seizure medication also called anticonvulsant drugs include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, hair loss, dizziness, sleepiness, blurred vision and weight gain.
Not all anticonvulsants have a break even with viability. Proof recommends that topiramate (Topamax) and sodium valproate (Epilim) are the best preventive prescriptions. Some people respond better to divalproex sodium and gabapentin (Neurontin). Other effective anti-epileptic medicines include gabapentin (Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica), lamotrigine (Lamictal), or levetiracetam (Keppra).
-
Topamax (topiramate)
Topamax is available in tablets of various sizes as well as a sprinkle structure which can be used in those who cannot swallow tablets. It can be taken with and without food. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the label for Topamax recommends that patients start on 25 mg of Topamax every night for one week and increase to 50 mg in the second week, then move up to 75 mg the third week and 100 mg the fourth week. The final recommended dose is 100 mg each day, divided into two doses. So the patient should be taking 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg at night. It has been observed in the clinical studies that 50% of users reduced their headache frequency by 50%.
Topiramate should be used with caution in people with kidney or liver problems. It can also harm an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy and can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Side effects of topiramate can include decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness and problems sleeping.
Most common side effects of Topamax
- Abnormal sensations
- Lack of appetite
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Speech and language disorders, trouble finding words
- Psychiatric or behavioral disturbances
- Depression or mood problems
-
Divalproex sodium (Depakote) /Sodium Valproate (Epilim)
Depakote is an anticonvulsant medication that is used for treating several illnesses and disorders including preventing migraines. In the year 1982, Depakote became available with approval from U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating bipolar disorder and seizures. Since 1998, the medicine has been accessible as an inexpensive generic migraine prevention, which is sold under the names divalproex sodium and valproic acid.
All migraine sufferers react differently to each medication. Patients with migraines who took Depakote ER had half as many migraines in a four-week period as those who were given the placebo. It has been found in clinical studies that the effectiveness of Depakote is similar to Topamax. Valproate and Divalproex can cause serious side effects of inflammation of the pancreas and damage to the liver. Pregnant women, or any woman of childbearing potential, should never use these drugs as they may cause birth defects.
Most common side effects of Depakote and Depakote ER
- Drowsiness or insomnia
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Heartburn
- Changes in appetite
- Back pain
- Agitation or mood swings
- Abnormal thinking and Memory loss
- Tremor, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- Loss of coordination
- Blurred or double vision
- Stuffed or a runny nose