Comparing the Effectiveness and Complications of Sodae and Sodium Valproate on Migraine

Sodium valproate is recommended as a first-line drug to prevent migraine attacks, and sodae is an herbal medicine.

Sodium valproate and herbal sodae were compared for effectiveness and side effects.

A two-center, randomized, double-blind clinical trial included migraine patients from Kermanshah and Hamadan cities into two groups: Sodae herbal recipients and valproate (200 mg) recipients, for 3 months. A numerical rating scale (NRS) scale was used to measure residual pain at the end of each month of treatment. Also, a researcher-made form and the headache impact test (HIT-6) questionnaire were used. Side effects reported by the patients were collected, and liver function tests and complete blood cell count tests were conducted.

A total of 70 migraine patients were evaluated: 33 patients (47%) in the soda group and 37 patients (53%) in the valproate group. The NRS scores in both groups decreased constantly, with no significant difference (P=0.303). Also, HIT-6 scores were constantly reduced in both groups with no significant difference (P>0.05). More side effects are significantly (P=0.043) reported in the valproate group (54.05%) than in the sodae group (30.30%). The most common side effect in the valproate group was drowsiness (13.5%), while among the sodae group, it was diarrhea (15.1%).

The sodae and valproate did not differ in headache improvement, HIT-6 scores, and changes in laboratory parameters. However, the valproate group reported more side effects than the sodae group. Sodae is a suitable herbal medicine for preventing and controlling migraine attacks.