|
Drug name
(Brand name)
|
Recommended Usage*
|
Side Effects
& Notes
|
FDA-Approved
for migraine?
|
|
Topiramate (Topamax)
|
Two times a day, depending on dose
|
May cause fatigue, dizziness, or confusion8
Some patients may experience weight loss5
|
Yes
|
|
Divalproex Sodium (Depakote)
|
Two to four times a day, depending on dose
|
May cause weight gain and hair loss5
|
Yes
|
|
Divalproex Sodium (Depakote ER)
|
Once a day
|
Well-tolerated
Fewer side effects than delayed-release tablets8
|
Yes
|
|
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
|
Once a day
|
Not effective in migraine w/aura
May cause rash5
|
No
|
|
Gabepentin (Neurontin)
|
Three times a day or greater, depending on dose
|
Well-tolerated
Can cause drowsiness5
|
No
|
|
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
|
Two to three times a day, depending on dose
|
May cause drowsiness6
May cause rash
|
No
|
|
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
|
Once a day, depending on dose and formulation
|
May cause drowsiness or dizziness6
|
No
|
