The Effect of Venlafaxine and Topiramate in Reducing Migraine Headaches in Patients with Abnormal Electroencephalogram

Migraine disease is one of the most common human neurological diseases; although several methods have been proposed for it, but still, there is not any cure found for it. The drugs topiramate (an anticonvulsant) and venlafaxine [a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)] have been studied independently in the treatment of migraine, but their effects have not been compared. Due to the ease of access to venlafaxine and topiramate in pharmaceutical market and that the economy and side-effects of both drugs are competitive, this study aimed to compare the effects of venlafaxine and topiramate in the treatment of migraine headaches in patients with abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG). This clinical trial study was done in Noor and Imam Mousa Sadr clinic in Isfahan, Iran, during 2014. 110 patients with migraine and abnormal electroencephalogram were selected for the study after obtaining informed consent. They were distributed in two groups; group 1 received topiramate and the second group venlafaxine. After receiving 6 weeks of treatment, the duration, intensity and frequency of headache in the two groups were compared. Prior to the treatment, the intensity, frequency and duration of headache were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05); but after the treatment, pain intensity was significantly lower in the group receiving venlafaxine. After the intervention, the frequency and duration of headaches were not significantly different between the two groups, too (P > 0.05). This study showed that the drug venlafaxine has better performance in the treatment of migraine and when there are no contraindications for its use, is recommended in patients with migraine.