SUMATRIPTAN TREATMENT OF ACUTE MIGRAINE ATTACKS IN A SAUDI POPULATION

Sumatriptan has been shown to be most effective in migraine attacks, b ut with transient, slight side effects and high rebound attack rates. We carried out a prospective study on the efficacy and safety of Sumat riptan in a Saudi population. A series of 63 consecutive out-patients with migraine histories ranging from 1/2 to 20 years were given six ta blets of 100 mg Sumatriptan plus two diary cards to record the effects and side effects of the drug in two attacks per patient. Effect asses sment by patients on a 4-point scale at 4 h after first medication was complemented by a dr-point scale physician's assessment. Time to reso lution of attack post-medication, need for second dose (rebound attack ), time lapsed to return to daily activities and side-effects were rec orded. Exclusion parameters included pregnancy, lactation, hypertensio n, atherosclerosis, and cardiac and cerebrovascular disease. Inclusion criteria were International Headache Society (IHS)-1988 confirmed mig raine characteristics and ages from 15 to 60 years. Physician assessed responses were excellent in 21 patients, good in 21, reasonable in ni ne and poor to nil in 12 patients. Rebound attacks necessitating secon d dose occurred in 25 patients. Side effects occurred in 22 (35%) pati ents. Sumatriptan 100 mg taken orally, is an effective and safe acute treatment mode for migraine attacks in Saudi patients. (C) 1997 Elsevi er Science B.V.