Butterbur (2012) & Migraine Headache

Learn more about treatment for migraine headaches.

Researchers used random, double-blind controlled reviews of a number of drug treatments for migraine headaches, and graded them according to US preventive agency standards. They also reviewed other published studies and got expert opinions for those drugs for which there were no controlled trials.

They found a number of products which can be effective, depending on the particular needs of any given patient. They looked at effectiveness, side effects, and other disorders that the patient might have. Based on their review, they gave strong recommendations to 4 herbal extracts, nutrients or supplements (butterbur, riboflavin, coenzyme Q10, and magnesium citrate) and 7 drugs (topiramate, propranolol, nadolol, metoprolol, amitriptyline, gabapentin, candesartan) which are used for other conditions such as angina, depression, epilepsy, and high blood pressure.

Published: Can J Neurol Sci. 2012 Mar;39(2 Suppl 2):S1-59, Canadian Headache Society guideline for migraine prophylaxis. Pringsheim T, Davenport W, Mackie G, Worthington I, Aube M, Christie SN, Gladstone J, Becker WJ; Canadian Headache Society Prophylactic Guidelines Development Group.

Researchers: from University of Calgary and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada.