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Role of memantine in adult migraine: a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare memantine with existing migraine preventive medications

Guanglu Li, Baoquan Qu, Tao Zheng, Shaojie Duan, Lei Liu, Zun-Jing Liu

Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024

13,223 participants · 4 citations

Abstract

Background While memantine has been considered a promising drug for migraine prevention, no conclusive evidence exists comparing its efficacy with other migraine-preventive medications. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to access the effectiveness and acceptability of memantine and other guideline-recommended prophylactic agents for migraine. Methods We searched the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, PubMed, and ClinicalTrials databases from their inception to 1 June 2024. Randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) examining the pharmacological prevention of adult migraine patients were included. The primary efficacy outcome was the change in migraine days, and the primary safety outcome was withdrawal due to adverse events. Secondary outcomes included 50% response rates and frequency of any adverse events. The analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results Thirty-eight RCTs, including a total of 13,223 participants, were analyzed. Our analysis showed that memantine demonstrated the second-largest reduction in migraine days [standardized mean difference (SMD): −0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.26, −0.41 compared with placebo] and the highest 50% response rates [odds ratio (OR): 5.58, 95% CI: 1.31 to 23.69] in all studied interventions. Moreover, among all interventions, memantine appeared to show the lowest dropout rate and moderate frequency of adverse events. However, its…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 13,223 participants or records.

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