Memantine for prevention of migraine: a retrospective study of 60 cases.
The objective was to retrospectively characterise the efficacy of memantine as preventive therapy in a series of patients with frequent migraine. Patients in a university headache clinic completed a survey regarding their experience with memantine, and medical records were reviewed. All patients who received memantine as preventive therapy for migraine over a 15-month period were mailed surveys and consent forms for record review. Patients were treated with memantine beginning at a dose of 5 mg/day, increasing if needed by 5 mg/week up to 10 mg twice a day. The majority of patients (36 out of 54) treated with memantine for at least 2 months reported a significant reduction in estimated headache frequency, and improved function. Side effects were uncommon and generally mild. This limited retrospective case review suggests that memantine may be an effective preventive therapy for patients with frequent migraine. A prospective trial is warranted.
Charles
Andrew
A
Headache Research and Treatment Program, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 635 Charles Young Drive, Suite 575, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. acharles@ucla.edu
Flippen
Charles
C
Romero Reyes
Marcela
M
Brennan
Kevin C
KC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008559:Memantine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; D008559:Memantine