Exacerbation of migraine attacks during treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor sertraline. A case report.
Abnormal signal transmission in central serotonergic pathways is supposed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of migraine and major depression. We report on a patient, who was treated during an episode of depression with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sertraline and developed frequent migraine attacks under this therapeutical regime. Single migraine attacks were treated successfully with triptanes. Although SSRIs may be beneficial for migraine prophylaxis at long term administration, this case suggests that acute administration of SSRIs in migraineurs may include the risk of worsening migraine.
Bickel
A
A
Kornhuber
J
J
Maihöfner
C
C
Ropohl
A
A
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020280:Sertraline / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D018692:Antimanic Agents; D008094:Lithium; D008790:Metoprolol; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D020280:Sertraline