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Prevention of migraine with olmesartan in patients with hypertension/prehypertension

Charles JA, Jotkowitz S, Byrd LH

Headache, 2006

60 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of olmesartan on frequency and severity of migraine attacks in patients with comorbid hypertension and prehypertension.

BACKGROUND: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study with a total of 60 patients has demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the angiotensin II receptor blocker candesartan in migraine prophylaxis. We study the potential efficacy and tolerability of olmesartan in preventing migraine in patients with hypertension and prehypertension.

DESIGN/METHODS: Twenty-four adults, aged 27 through 76, with either hypertension or prehypertension, were included in this open-label study. Participants suffered from migraines (diagnosed according to International Headache Society classifications) for at least 3 months. Patients were treated with 10 to 40 mg of olmesartan per various observational periods of at least 3 months. Frequency and severity were recorded by office visits or by telephonic interview.

RESULTS: Patients reported an 82.5% average reduction in the frequency of migraine attacks. Patients also experienced a 45% average reduction in the severity of migraine attacks measured on a numeric pain scale of 1 to 10. The only undesired effect was dizziness or presyncope. No serious adverse events occurred and no adverse event caused a premature termination. Two patients had no reduction in headache frequency, intensity, and blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS: The favorable results and low rate of adverse effects, in…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 60 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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