title: Verapamil and migraine prophylaxis: mechanisms and efficacy.
abstract: Calcium channel blockers have demonstrated efficacy in investigative use for prophylaxis of migraine and cluster headaches. In particular, verapamil, with its low side-effect profile, appears to be a promising alternative to the currently available agents for prophylactic treatment of chronic recurring headaches. Although its exact mechanisms of action in this application are unknown, verapamil exerts a vasodilatory effect on cerebral arteries and interacts with serotonergic systems involved in migraine pathogenesis. A review of studies from the past decade indicates that verapamil may be as effective as traditional therapies as prophylaxis for the major types of chronic recurring headache.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Medical Center of Central Massachusetts, Worcester 01605.
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Markley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012008:Recurrence; D014700:Verapamil / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014700:Verapamil