Memantine ameliorates migraine headache

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A significant number of migraine patients do not find effective and safe treatment to reduce the frequency and severity of their migraine attacks. Hence, a need for newer therapeutic agent exists. In this study, we examined the efficacy and safety of memantine for the treatment of migraine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study including adult patients with 3-12 migraine headache for the last 6 months conducted in India. Patients received memantine (10 mg/day, once a day) or placebo for the period of 24 weeks after a washout period. Migraine frequency per month, the 50% responder rate, rescue medication use, and adverse events were recorded every 4 weeks. RESULTS: = 0.005). Only a few mild adverse events were recorded in both the groups. No severe adverse events and death were recorded during the study. CONCLUSION: Memantine (10 mg oral, once daily) is effective, well tolerated, and safe for patients with migraine.