Is Low Dose Combination Therapy Effective for Migraine Prophylaxis ? A Case Series Study

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this case series study was to determine whether the lower starting doses of prophylactic antimigraine drugs are as effective as the recommended standard regimen when used in combination without increment. Methods: In this retrospective case series study, we reported old charts of previously visited patients with migraine headache who needed prophylaxis in Shiraz, south of Iran. All medications used in these patients were started as combination of two drugs with the lower doses than mentioned in the literature. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: Three patients (7.5%) did not respond to medications and 7 (18.75%) showed a very good response (more than 70% recovery in pain severity). Overall, 29 patients (72%) responded with at least 50% recovery after treatment. Conclusions: Our results showed lower doses of migraine prophylactic drugs can be effective with the least side effects and the most tolerance for patients. This case series report can be useful in designing further studies; however, no causal inferences should be made from it regarding the efficacy of the investigated treatment.