Efficacy of moxomdme m chronic migraine

Abstract

This study is the first blind placebo-controlled trial of moxonidine for chronic migraine. The subjects with migraine without aura (n= 30), mean frequency attacks of 5,6 per 4 weeks, were randomy assigned to a three month trial of moxonidine (0,2-0,4 mg/ day) or an identical placebo. Patients kept daily headache records. Twenty-one of 30 included patients completed the study. Five patients stopped medication because of drowsiness and dry mouth with moxonidine. and four other non-related reasons (one on M, two on placebo). The mean frequency attacks was signifcantly decreased, from 5,2 per 4 weeks during placebo period to 3,1 attacs during M (Wile. P=0.0017), as well as compared with the baseline period (Wile. P=0.0007). Forty nine percent were responders (i.e. showed a reduction of the midraine days to 50 percent or less of the migraine attaks during M treatment compared with baseline period), whereas 9 percent deteriorated. During the placebo period, 9 percent were responders, whereas 38 percent deteriorated. These findings suggest that moxonidine may be an effective drug in chronic migraine.