Venlafaxine extended release (XR) for the prophylaxis of migraine and tension-type headache: A retrospective study in a clinical setting.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of extended-release venlafaxine in the prophylaxis of migraine and chronic tension-type headache.


BACKGROUND
Venlafaxine, a structurally novel antidepressant, is a selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. This study is the first to test the effects of extended-release venlafaxine on headaches.


METHODS
Patients were evaluated on a retrospective basis. Fifty-six patients with chronic tension-type headache and 114 patients with migraine were prescribed extended-release venlafaxine. Nearly all the study subjects had been resistant to several previous preventive medications. Patients took venlafaxine for an average of 6 months with a median dose of 150 mg (range, 37.5 to 300 mg).


RESULTS
The mean frequency of headaches in the group with chronic tension-type headache fell from 24.0 to 15.2 per month (P <.0001). The group with migraine showed a reduction from 16.1 to 11.1 headaches per month (P <.0001). The medicine was well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
This trial indicates that extended-release venlafaxine has potential in headache prophylaxis based on its efficacy and safety profile. We recommend a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to further assess the role of extended-release venlafaxine in headache prevention.
Headache Wellness Center, Greensboro, NC 27403, USA.
L C
LC
Adelman
J U
JU
Adelman
R
R
Von Seggern
L K
LK
Mannix
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018781:Tension-Type Headache / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D003511:Cyclohexanols; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride