Linda Huang1, Michael Bocek2, Joseph K Jordan3, Amy Heck Sheehan4. 1. OhioHealth, Columbus, OH, USA. 2. Rite Aid Pharmacy, Port Angeles, WA, USA. 3. Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, IN, USA Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA. 4. Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, IN, USA hecka@purdue.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the current data evaluating the efficacy and safety of memantine for the prevention of primary headache disorders. DATA SOURCES: A literature search using MEDLINE (1966-July 2014) and EMBASE (1973-July 2014) was conducted using the search terms memantine, headache, migraine, glutamate, and NMDA. References of identified articles were reviewed for additional, relevant citations. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All English-language articles dealing with the use of memantine for prevention of primary headache disorders were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Data from several retrospective reports and 2 prospective clinical trials suggest that memantine may be a useful treatment option for the prevention of primary headache disorders. The majority of available literature focuses specifically on chronic migraine prevention in refractory patients who had failed multiple previous prophylactic therapies. In these patients, 10 to 20 mg of memantine daily reduced the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches and was generally well tolerated, with few adverse events. Data regarding the efficacy of memantine for other primary headache disorders such as chronic tension type and cluster headaches are limited. CONCLUSION: Although further studies evaluating the efficacy of memantine for prevention of primary headache disorders are warranted, memantine may be a reasonable option, used either as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy, in the refractory chronic migraine prophylaxis setting.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the current data evaluating the efficacy and safety of memantine for the prevention of primary headache disorders. DATA SOURCES: A literature search using MEDLINE (1966-July 2014) and EMBASE (1973-July 2014) was conducted using the search terms memantine, headache, migraine, glutamate, and NMDA. References of identified articles were reviewed for additional, relevant citations. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All English-language articles dealing with the use of memantine for prevention of primary headache disorders were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Data from several retrospective reports and 2 prospective clinical trials suggest that memantine may be a useful treatment option for the prevention of primary headache disorders. The majority of available literature focuses specifically on chronic migraine prevention in refractory patients who had failed multiple previous prophylactic therapies. In these patients, 10 to 20 mg of memantine daily reduced the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches and was generally well tolerated, with few adverse events. Data regarding the efficacy of memantine for other primary headache disorders such as chronic tension type and cluster headaches are limited. CONCLUSION: Although further studies evaluating the efficacy of memantine for prevention of primary headache disorders are warranted, memantine may be a reasonable option, used either as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy, in the refractory chronic migraine prophylaxis setting.
Authors: Tim Wilkinson; Amanda Ly; Christian Schnier; Kristiina Rannikmäe; Kathryn Bush; Carol Brayne; Terence J Quinn; Cathie L M Sudlow Journal: Alzheimers Dement Date: 2018-04-03 Impact factor: 21.566