Key clinical point: Although valsartan is not typically used for migraine treatment, it was found to reduce migraine frequency and severity as effectively as propranolol, and in some instances, more effectively.
Major findings: Valsartan vs propranolol significantly reduced the mean score of migraine frequency and severity (1.82 vs 2.39; P = .042), and a lower rate of grade 3 headaches (0% vs 7.14%; P = .029) and a lower Headache Index score (1.41 vs 3.22; P = .048) in patients with migraine. Conversely, propranolol was more effective than valsartan in lowering the Headache Unit Index score (0.06 vs 0.13; P = .025).
Study details: This double-blind trial included 56 adult patients with migraine who were randomly assigned to receive propranolol (20 mg twice daily) or valsartan (40 mg once daily) for 12 weeks.
Disclosure: This study was supported by a grant from Urmia University of Medical Sciences. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Source: Mosarrezaii A, Tahazadeh D, Soleimantabar H, Panahi P. Comparison of the efficacy of propranolol versus valsartan in the prevention of migraine: A randomized controlled trial. Pain Manag Nurs. 2024 (Aug 13). doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2024.07.001 Source