Comparing the Effectiveness and Complications of Sodae and Sodium Valproate on Migraine

Background: Sodium valproate is recommended as a first-line drug to prevent migraine attacks, and sodae is an herbal medicine. Objectives: Sodium valproate and herbal Sodae were compared for effectiveness and side effects. Materials & Methods: A two-center, randomized, double-blind clinical trial included migraine patients from Kermanshah and Hamadan cities into two groups: Sodae herbal recipients and valproate (۲۰۰ mg) recipients, for ۳ months. A numerical rating scale (NRS) scale was used to measure residual pain at the end of each month of treatment. Also, a researcher-made form and the headache impact test (HIT-۶) questionnaire were used. Side effects reported by the patients were collected, and liver function tests and complete blood cell count tests were conducted. Results: A total of ۷۰ migraine patients were evaluated: ۳۳ patients (۴۷%) in the Soda group and ۳۷ patients (۵۳%) in the valproate group. The NRS scores in both groups decreased constantly, with no significant difference (P=۰.۳۰۳). Also, HIT-۶ scores were constantly reduced in both groups with no significant difference (P>۰.۰۵). More side effects are significantly (P=۰.۰۴۳) reported in the valproate group (۵۴.۰۵%) than in the Sodae group (۳۰.۳۰%). The most common side effect in the valproate group was drowsiness (۱۳.۵%), while among the sodae group, it was diarrhea (۱۵.۱%). Conclusion: The sodae and valproate did not differ in headache improvement, HIT-۶ scores, and changes in laboratory parameters. However, the valproate group reported more side effects than the Sodae group. Sodae is a suitable herbal medicine for preventing and controlling migraine attacks.

Keywords:

Migraine disorders , Headache , Herbal medicine , Valproic acid