Network Meta-Analysis Reveals Efficacy of Oral Medications for Migraine Prevention in Adults

Strategic Insights -

A comprehensive network meta-analysis of 44 clinical trials involving 4,612 adult participants with migraines has provided conclusive evidence on the efficacy of various oral medications for preventing migraines. Research conducted by a team of experts at the Hubei University of Chinese Medicine in collaboration with the National Support Program for Leading Talents of Traditional Chinese Medicine has shed light on the comparative effectiveness of 12 oral pharmacological therapies for migraine prevention in adults. The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, have significant implications for the treatment of migraines and suggest promising directions for future research.

Key Takeaways:

  • Topiramate, valproate, and propranolol have been identified as highly effective in preventing migraines, with significant efficacy in reducing migraine frequency and severity.
  • Combination therapies, such as flunarizine plus topiramate, valproate plus magnesium, or folic plus pyridoxine, have been associated with greater efficacy in migraine prevention and lower incidence of adverse events compared to monotherapy.
  • Memantine, melatonin, and vitamin D3 have also demonstrated potential preventive effects, although the evidence is limited.
  • The findings of this network meta-analysis have provided evidence-based treatment options for migraine prevention and suggest promising directions for future research.
  • The study concluded that the significant efficacy of topiramate, valproate, and propranolol in migraine prevention and the potential benefits of memantine, melatonin, vitamin D3, and combination therapies provide strong evidence for the use of these medications in clinical practice.

Statistics:

  • The study included 44 trials involving 4,612 adult participants with migraines.
  • The researchers conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases, including The Cochrane Library, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase, to identify relevant studies on preventing migraine among adult populations.
  • The study found that topiramate, valproate, and propranolol demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing migraines, with a lower incidence of adverse events compared to other medications.
  • Combination therapies, such as flunarizine plus topiramate, valproate plus magnesium, or folic plus pyridoxine, were associated with greater efficacy in migraine prevention and lower incidence of adverse events compared to monotherapy.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Migraine Findings from Hubei University of Chinese Medicine Described (Oral Preventive Medications for Migraine In Adults Aged 18-65: a Network Meta-analysis). Drug Week. October 17, 2025; p 1878.
  • Ping Wang, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
  • Jianping Wu, Jun Wu, Jian Zhang, Bingbing Liu, Xinyuan Song, Fanian Tian, Yanbing Ding, and Yuanjie Wu, co-authors of the study.