The purpose of this study is to determine if zonisamide is effective as a preventative medication for individuals with migraine headache.
The pharmacologic treatment of migraine may be acute (abortive, symptomatic) or preventive (prophylactic). Preventive medication is usually given daily for months or years; however, treatment may also be given in an intermittent regimen. Most migraine prophylactic medications were designed to treat other disorders, and they can be divided into three groups: 1. Serotonergic or monoaminergic agents such as methysergide, which have demonstrated high degrees of effectiveness; 2. Non-serotonergic drugs such as beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, valproate; and 3. Drugs with lesser demonstrated effectiveness, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, calcium channel antagonists, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The choice of treatment must be individualized, and is influenced by contraindications, potential side effects, the need to treat associated symptoms like tension-type headache and insomnia, and drug cost. Anticonvulsants, such as valproate, have shown significant degrees of efficacy in migraine prophylaxis when used in low doses. Considering the differences in proposed mechanisms of action of these agents, it is likely that a novel anticonvulsant such as zonisamide may also be an effective prophylactic treatment for migraine.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
204
Medical Affiliated Research Center
Huntsville, Alabama, United States
University of South Alabama Medical Ctr Department of Neurology
Mobile, Alabama, United States
Valley Neurological Headache Clinic
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
The New England Center for Headache
Stamford, Connecticut, United States
Radiant Research
Overland Park, Kansas, United States
Michigan Head-Pain & Neurological Institute
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Mercy Health Research
Chesterfield, Missouri, United States
Headache Care Center
Springfield, Missouri, United States
Neurological Associates of Tulsa
Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
...and 3 more locations