A recently published study suggests that valproic acid (Depakene) given intravenously in an emergency room can relieve migraine headaches in children. The researchers also showed that giving these children an oral version of this drug, divalproex sodium (Depakote), does not reduce the frequency of future migraine attacks.
Divalproex sodium was first approved by the FDA in 1983 for the treatment of epilepsy. Subsequently, it was also approved for the treatment of mania and for the prevention of migraine headaches. Notably, the FDA-approved label does not place any age limit on the use of this drug. It took years to discover all the risks associated with this medication. In rare instances, the drug may lead to liver failure and severe pancreatitis, both of which can be fatal. Moreover, divalproex sodium can result in significant congenital malformations, as well as diminished IQ scores and neurodevelopmental disorders when the fetus is exposed to the drug in utero. It is strictly contraindicated in pregnant women. Women of childbearing age must use effective contraception. Divalproex can also cause many other less dangerous but unpleasant side effects.
With all this in mind, why would anyone want to take this drug? It is certainly not on the list of my top 20 or 30 drugs for the prevention of migraines. I do, however, have several patients whose migraines did not respond to many drugs but are significantly improved with divalproex sodium. Such patients must have proper monitoring with regular blood tests.
We do occasionally give intravenous valproic acid in the office but only if 5 or 6 other acute treatments fail to stop a severe persistent migraine. It works in about half of our patients. I am even more reluctant to give this drug to children.
