Non-randomised trial, 2011
Does topiramate prevent migraines around the period?
Yes. Topiramate reduces how often perimenstrual migraines happen, but does not reduce how severe or long they are.
What they did
Open-label study (not randomized). 198 women with menstrually-related migraines were observed for 1-2 months without treatment. Then they took topiramate (50-200 mg daily) for 6 months. Migraines during and outside the perimenstrual period were tracked.
What they found
Mean monthly migraine frequency dropped from 7.03 at baseline to 4.36 during treatment (mean decrease 2.66, p < .001). Perimenstrual migraines decreased by 45.9%, and migraines outside the perimenstrual period decreased by 46.1%, so reductions were similar. Results were similar whether women had migraine with aura, and whether or not they were taking birth control pills.
What it means for you
Topiramate may help reduce how often you get migraines around your period. The medication works similarly regardless of whether you have aura symptoms or take birth control. However, this was an open-label study where women knew they were taking medication, so placebo effect could play a role.
198
Women studied
7.03
Baseline monthly migraine frequency
4.36
Monthly migraine frequency during topiramate
About the study
- Original title
- Perimenstrual migraines and their response to preventive therapy with topiramate
- Authors
- Allais G, Sanchez del Rio M, Diener HC et al.
- Journal
- Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache
- Year
- 2011
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 198
- What was tested
- Topiramate 50-200 mg daily for 6 months
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1177/0333102410378049
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2023
What hormonal treatments have been tested for PMDD, menstrual migraine, and catamenial epilepsy?
Survey study, 2021
Are migraines around the period worse than migraines at other times?
Review, 2019
How does the menstrual cycle affect migraine in women?
Randomised trial, 2013
Is frovatriptan better than other triptans for migraines caused by birth control?
Survey study, 2012
What treatments help menstrual migraine and PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2018
Do women who get migraines during their period have more PMS symptoms?