|
|
Migraine Study
Migraines are severe, potentially debilitating headaches that often cause throbbing, pulsating pain (usually on one side of the head). Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound and smells, and sleep disruption. Migraines vary in frequency and duration, but can last from hours to days.
Scientists aren't sure what causes migraines, but triggers can include hormonal changes, light glare, caffeine, medications, hunger, lack of sleep and others. Some people experience an "aura" - flashes of light, blind spots or tingling in the arm or leg - before or during the migraine.
The Hospital of Central Connecticut's Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Research Center is running a trial for individuals 18-65 years old, diagnosed with migraine with or without aura, who have an active prescription for a butalbital-containing medication (BCM) (eg. Fioricet, Fiorinal, etc) and have used it to treat a migraine in the last two months.
Rationale: Barbituates are the most commonly prescribed medications for migraine treatment in the U.S. even though the FDA does not approve barbituates for migraines (only for tension headaches). There is also concern about the frequency of barbiturate-prescribing due to the medications' side effects, including addictive properties.
For this study:
- Patients will randomly receive one of the following to treat three consecutive migraine attacks: TREXIMET (85 mg sumatriptan & 500 mg naproxen), Fioricet/Esgic or placebo. Rescue medication is also provided.
- The study purpose is to compare the efficacy of TREXIMET versus BCM for the acute treatment of migraine.
- Treatment duration: Four research office visits, three telephone contacts - patients are given a handheld computer to take home to record specific information during migraine attacks.
|
Enlarge Text
|
|
