Gabapentin, primarily known as an anti-seizure medication, has shown some promise in migraine prevention.
While it’s not a first-line treatment, it can be a helpful option for some individuals when other medications haven’t worked.
How Gabapentin works for Migraine
Gabapentin’s role in migraine prevention isn’t well known.
- Neurotransmitter regulation: Gabapentin may influence the activity of neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate, which are involved in pain signaling and nerve impulses.
- Calcium channel blocking: It may also block calcium channels, reducing the excitability of nerve cells.
It’s believed that it may influence electrical activity in the brain through neurotransmitters and block calcium channels. It may also be a factor in reducing excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate.
Still, more research needs to be done to determine why it works.
Generally, gabapentin isn’t used as a primary therapy for migraine prevention, but as an additional treatment to support other therapies.
The drugs used to prevent migraine attacks are different from drugs that treat an acute attack. Drugs that prevent migraine symptoms, such as gabapentin, must be taken on an ongoing basis to work properly.
Gabapentin dosage information for migraine
The dosage for gabapentin for migraine ranges from 300 to 3,600 milligrams (mg) per day, depending on your age and other health factors.
Gabapentin for migraine prevention can be taken with or without food and comes in an extended release tablet, an immediate release tablet, or an oral solution.
Side effects of gabapentin include:
- vision changes such as blurred vision
- unusual eye movements
- ataxia (loss of coordination)
- swelling in the limbs or feet
It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations on dosage and weaning off of the medication if needed. Never take more than is recommended by your doctor, even if you miss a dose.
Important to note:
- Not for everyone: Gabapentin is not effective for everyone with migraines. It’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor.
- Not a first-line treatment: Other medications, like beta-blockers and tricyclic antidepressants, are often considered first-line treatments for migraine prevention.
- Potential side effects: While generally well-tolerated, gabapentin can cause side effects, especially when starting treatment.
If you’re considering gabapentin for migraine prevention, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it’s the right choice for you. They can assess your individual needs, discuss potential side effects, and monitor your progress while taking the medication.
Results from some clinical trials have shown a modest benefit to using gabapentin for migraine prevention.
However, in 2013, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) — the organization that provides guidance for the use of drugs to prevent migraine attacks — stated that there’s not enough evidence at this time to support the use of gabapentin for migraine prevention.
More recent data has supported the use of gabapentin when other preventive therapies haven’t worked, or as an additional treatment.
A 2016 study showed evidence that gabapentin benefits headache syndromes, but it still wasn’t recommended as a primary therapy.