Continuous bromocriptine therapy in menstrual migraine.

This investigation assessed the effects of an open, prospective trial of adjunctive continuous bromocriptine therapy on the frequency of refractory, disabling menstrual migraine. It compared continuous bromocriptine with previously optimal baseline therapy and cyclic perimenstrual bromocriptine use. The subjects were 24 women with disabling migraines that occurred exclusively or at least 50% of the time within 3 days before or after the onset of menstruation despite treatment. We added bromocriptine 2.5 mg three times a day to their existing regimen and compared menstrual migraine frequency during the first year with the year prior to bromocriptine. Eighteen of the 24 women experienced a 25% or greater decline in migraine frequency. Migraine frequency declined by 72% overall (p < 0.01). Three women did not tolerate bromocriptine, and three did not benefit. None of the women had a 10% or greater increase in headaches. Continuous bromocriptine therapy was also significantly more effective than intermittent bromocriptine use (p < 0.05). Continuous bromocriptine therapy appears to benefit menstrual migraine.