Efficacy of topiramate in migraine prophylaxis: a retrospective chart analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Topiramate, a broad-spectrum anticonvulsant with multiple mechanisms of action, may be effective in preventing migraine headaches. We report the results of a retrospective chart review of patients treated with topiramate for prophylaxis of migraine.


METHODS
Patients with a diagnosis of migraine who had at least one follow-up visit after > or =4 weeks on topiramate were eligible; 69 patients (56 women and 13 men) aged 18 to 68 years met these criteria. Charts were reviewed for frequency of mild or moderate/severe headaches at the start of topiramate (baseline) and at all subsequent visits up to 24 weeks.


RESULTS
The 28-day frequency of moderate/severe migraines declined significantly from baseline to end of treatment (10.6 +/- 8.4 to 7.4 +/- 7.7, respectively; P = 0.0004), whereas that of mild headaches did not demonstrate a significant change (from 11.8 +/- 8.9 to 11.0 +/- 10.0). Among the 38 patients who had not responded previously to >or =9 preventive medications, the monthly frequency of moderate/severe (but not mild) headaches decreased significantly from baseline to end of treatment. Patients who previously had not responded to <9 prior medications experienced significant declines in both mild and moderate/severe headaches. The most common adverse events were paresthesias, drowsiness, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Twenty-seven patients discontinued topiramate therapy, 20 as a result of adverse events and 7 due to lack of response.


CONCLUSIONS
Topiramate may be effective in reducing the frequency of both mild and moderate/severe migraine headaches. In particular, topiramate may offer relief to patients with moderate/severe migraines who do not respond to other treatments.
Von Seggern
Randal L
RL
Headache Wellness Center, Greensboro, North Carolina 27401, USA.
Mannix
Lisa K
LK
Adelman
James U
JU
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005632:Fructose / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000077236:Topiramate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077236:Topiramate; D005632:Fructose