Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Migraine is a common and disabling health problem among children and predominantly young and middle-aged adults. The present study compared propranolol and divalproex sodium in prophylaxis of migraine. Materials & Methods: 94 patients of migraine of both genders were divided into 2 groups of 47 each. In group I patients received propranolol 20 to 160 mg/day and group II patients received divalproex sodium 250 to 750 mg/days for three months. Treatment-emergent adverse effects were recorded. Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS) and VAS was compared. Results: There were 18 males and 10 females in group I and group II had 12 males and 16 females in group II. The mean frequency/month of migraine was 5.07 in group I and 5.01 in group II. The mean duration of migraine was 20.5 in group I and 18.1 in group II, MIDAS was 11.8 in group I and 10.2 in group II and VAS was 7.9 in group I and 7.1 in group II. Dizziness was seen in 1 in group I, facial swelling was seen in 1 in group I, tremors in 1 in group II, hair loss in 1 in group I and 2 in group II, weight gain in 2 in group I and 3 in group II and insomnia in 1 in group II. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Both drugs found to be equally effective in management of migraine patients.