The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of sertraline in mig
raine prophylaxis. Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been
studied for migraine prophylaxis, but this is the first report with sertral
ine. Twenty-seven subjects were enrolled and baseline assessment of migrain
e frequency and severity were measured over a 4-week period. Subjects were
then randomized to receive placebo or sertraline in a double-blind fashion
with headache frequency and severity measured over an 8-week period. Subjec
ts completed a daily diary reporting the occurrence, severity, and degree o
f impairment associated with migraine.
The headache index, a composite measure of migraine frequency and severity,
scores did not significantly improve between assessments at baseline (20.8
+/- 14.58), 8 weeks (17.6 +/- 12.27), and 12 weeks (16.7 +/- 6.38) in the
treatment group (n=6) (P=0.956). This finding is compared to other studies
with the serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine,
and paroxetine. The authors believe that the selective serotonin reuptake i
nhibitors are not as effective as conventional migraine prophylaxis medicat
ions such as beta-blockers, tricyclic anti-depressants, or divalproex sodiu
m, but that in patients with comorbid depression who have failed convention
al therapy selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be effective.