Peer Reviewed
Drug update
Topiramate for migraine prevention
Abstract
Topiramate is an option for migraine prevention in patients suffering from frequent migraines or when less frequent attacks are so severe in degree as to warrant prophylaxis.
Key Points
What is topiramate?
Topiramate (Topamax) was introduced as an anticonvulsant in the early 1990s. It has several actions that may be relevant to its anticonvulsant effect, including sodium channel blockade and effects on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. As is often the case with migraine prophylactic agents, the basis for its effect in migraine is speculative.
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