New Studies Re-assesses Migraine Drug Efficacies (1)
Efficacy of migraine drugs was under another new review from researchers who have examined all of the scientific literature available on the treatment as well as followed up on migraine patients and the scientists have come up with what in their view prove effective in acute cases of migraine. Besides these 2 criteria the study was also based on the depth of the published research done on the medications as well as the quantum of studies on them.
The conclusions of the new study at a glance are:
| DEEMED EFFECTIVE (LEVEL A) | PROBABLY EFFECTIVE (LEVEL B) |
| TRIPTANS – Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan, Rizatriptan, Frovatriptan, Almotriptan, Naratriptan, Eletriptan, Avitriptan | OPIOID – Codeine+Acetaminophen, Tramadaol+Acetaminophen |
| Dihydroergotamins | |
| NSAID – Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen | |
| OPIOID – Butorphanol Nasal Spray | |
| Caffeine with NSAIDS |
Findings of the study were published in the January 2015 issue of the medical journal Headache. As per Dr. Stephen Silberstein , professor of neurology and director of the Jefferson Headache Center of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, “We hope that this assessment of the efficacy of currently available migraine therapies helps patients and their physicians utilize treatments that are the most appropriate for them.” (2)
Based on the study criteria, drugs were thus rated as deemed effective (Level A), probably effective (Level B), possibly effective (Level C). For such medications where the proof was found either inadequate or gave such results which refutes the use of that medicine, was classified as Level U. For a drug to be classified as deemed effective or a Level A drug, the studies done on the drug must be supported by at least well-designed, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. (3)
The American Headache Society will soon be translating the research findings that will aid in providing evidence-based guidelines to clinical practice. In any case, doctors treating migraine patients must consider the individuals on a case to case basis keeping in view the drug side-effects, patient history, costs and drug efficacy.
SOURCES
- Image credit: Pills and Capsules – Stock Photo; freedigitalphotos.net; Web February 2015; http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/pills-and-capsules-photo-p308698
- Study Rates Migraine Medications; WebMD.com; Web February 2015; http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/news/20150120/study-rates-migraine-medications
- American Headache Society Provides Updated Assessment of Medications to Treat Acute Migraine; Newswise.com; Web February 2015; http://www.newswise.com/articles/american-headache-society-provides-updated-assessment-of-medications-to-treat-acute-migraine
Copyright apply to this blog. Please refer copyright permissions.
Migraines In Women 