STAVZOR for migraine headache prophylaxis
STAVZOR is indicated for prophylaxis of migraine headaches.
- Dosing for migraines
- STAVZOR Prescribing Information
Proven efficacy of valproate for migraines
Valproate efficacy is proven in two double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in migraine headache prophylaxis.
Proven safety profile of valproate
Valproate has low rate of discontinuation due to intolerance in migraine prophylaxis. In two clinical trials, the rate of drug discontinuation due to intolerance was 17% for valproate and 5% for placebo.
Established safety profile of valproate The most common side effects (reported >5%) are nausea, somnolence, dizziness, vomiting, asthenia, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, rash, diarrhea, increased appetite, tremor, weight gain, back pain, alopecia, headache, fever, anorexia, constipation, diplopia, amblyopia/blurred, ataxia, nystagmus, emotional lability, thinking abnormal, amnesia, flu syndrome, infection, bronchitis, rhinitis, ecchymosis, peripheral edema, insomnia, nervousness, depression, pharyngitis, dyspnea, tinnitus.
In adjunctive therapy, as the STAVZOR dosage is titrated upward, concentrations of clonazepam, diazepam, ethosuximide, lamotrigine, tolbutamide, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and/or phenytoin may be affected. In converting to monotherapy, reduce concomitant antiepileptic drug (AED) by ~25% every 2 weeks. The speed and duration of withdrawal can be highly variable, and patients should be monitored closely. Reduction of concomitant AED can start at initiation of STAVZOR, or 1 to 2 weeks later if concerned that seizures may occur with reduction.
