Divalproex for migraines

How do triptans help migraines? Is Topamax effective for migraines? Will Tegretol help for migraines?

Those with frequent migraine attacks or migraine who do not respond to acute treatment should consider preventive medications. The National Headache Foundation is a leader in headache and migraine awareness, providing headache research and migraine research and resources for those suffering with severe migraines and headaches.

The following information is NOT intended to endorse drugs or recommend therapy. While these reviews might be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. But until we understand more about migraine, we may not be able to fully understand how divalproex sodium fights migraine symptoms. Approximately of patients with episodic migraines would benefit from preventive therapy, but less than take prophylactic medications. It is FDA approved for this.

One mechanism by which valproic acid may thwart migraines is by preventing cortical spreading depression, possibly due to its effect on GABA. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of divalproex sodium (DVPX) when used as prophylactic monotherapy in patients with migraine. DESIGN: Multicenter, double-blin placebo-controlle parallel group.

Patients were previously untreated or had failed no more than two adequate trials of prophylactic therapy. Valproic acid and its derivative, divalproex , are oral drugs that are used for the treatment of convulsions, migraines and bipolar disorder. The active ingredient in both products is valproic acid. Scientists do not know the mechanism of action of valproic acid. Divalproex is converted to valproic acid in the stomach.

The intravenous (IV) form of VPA has appeal as an abortive medication because of its’ relative lack of sedation and cardiorespiratory effects. VPA does not produce euphoria, and is not addicting. Many patients suffer prolonge moderate or severe migraines. For acute mania due to bipolar disorder, treatment is started at 7mg per day of divalproex delayed-release tablets in divided doses.

The recommended dose for prevention of migraines is 2mg twice daily of divalproex delayed-release tablets. Depakote is available in generic form. After careful testing and a good anti-migraine program by this drug company, this existing Epilepsy medication is administered in a dose appropriate to Migraine prophylaxis and has now been approved by the FDA for Migraine prophylaxis. Learn about side effects, warnings, and dosage. This eMedTV Web page explains how the drug is used for these conditions, discusses divalproex uses in children, and lists some possible off-label divalproex uses.

So far, divalproex sodium is useful for preventing a migraine. Research doesn’t show successful use as an abortive remedy.

Meaning, once you have a migraine, this drug won’t make it go away. If you take it to treat migraines or another condition, you will most likely take an additional migraine medicine to stop a migraine once it starts. My treatment will last months and I really need this crap to end (I'm a senior student in Mechanical Engineering and really to focus a lot this last year of my career). The document has moved here.

Doctors prescribe it to treat seizure disorders and to prevent migraine headaches. People also use it to manage the manic phase of bipolar disorder.