Valproate semisodium ER for migraine and cluster headache prophylaxis

Abstract

Importance of the field: Migraine and cluster headache (CH) are disabling syndromes that often require prophylactic treatment. Valproate semisodium ER (VPS ER) is FDA-approved for the treatment of epilepsy, acute mania in bipolar disorder and migraine prophylaxis.

Areas covered in this review: We reviewed literature regarding VPS ER pharmacokinetics and its use in migraine and CH prophylaxis.

What the reader will gain: VPS ER is well studied and effective in the preventive treatment of migraine and CH. This article reviews the evidence for its use, describes how to administer and dose this medication, and reviews important safety precautions.

Take home message: VPS ER is effective in the prophylactic treatment of migraine and CH. This once-a-day dosing formulation may increase compliance.

Keywords::

• cluster headache
• migraine prophylaxis
• valproate
• valproate semisodium ER

Acknowledgements

The authors thank SD Silberstein and L Kaiser for editing the article.