Use of intravenous valproic acid for acute migraine.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature regarding the use of intravenous valproic acid in aborting an acute migraine attack.


METHODS
A MEDLINE (1967-June 2007) and bibliographic search of the English-language literature was conducted using the search terms valproic acid and migraine disorders.


METHODS
All articles identified through the search were included.


RESULTS
Divalproex sodium is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of migraine headaches. The use of intravenous valproic acid has been studied as a possible treatment for acute migraine. Available studies are small, mostly open-label and non-placebo-controlled, and used variable doses. Valproic acid has not been shown to be superior to comparator drugs and was inferior to prochlorperazine in one trial.


CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous valproic acid has not been proven effective for acute migraine treatment. Future trials should be larger, placebo-controlled, and use a standardized dose and outcome measures.
Frazee
Lawrence A
LA
Internal Medicine, Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH 44307, USA. lfrazee@agmc.org
Foraker
Kimberly C
KC
D000208:Acute Disease; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D014635:Valproic Acid