From the Guidelines
Famotidine may be beneficial in resolving hemiplegic migraine, suggesting a potential role of histamine in triggering these complex migraines. Famotidine is an H2 histamine receptor antagonist typically used for acid reflux and heartburn, but some patients have reported improvement in migraine symptoms when taking it 1. Hemiplegic migraines are a rare but severe form characterized by temporary paralysis on one side of the body along with headache. The connection between famotidine and migraine relief isn't well established in medical literature, but it may work by reducing neurogenic inflammation through histamine pathway modulation.
Some key points to consider:
- Hemiplegic migraines require specialized management, and any changes to medication should be discussed with a neurologist 1.
- The typical famotidine dose for acid conditions is 20-40mg daily, but there's no established dosing for migraine prevention 1.
- Antihistamines, including famotidine, may be considered as an adjunct therapy for migraine prevention, particularly in patients with suspected histamine involvement 1.
- Patients should be educated on the control of acute attacks and preventive therapy, and therapy should be reevaluated on a regular basis 1.
It's essential to note that while famotidine may be beneficial for some patients, it's crucial to prioritize established treatments for hemiplegic migraine, such as propranolol, timolol, amitriptyline, divalproex sodium, and sodium valproate, as recommended by the Annals of Internal Medicine 1. Famotidine should not be used as a replacement for established treatments without consulting a neurologist.
From the Research
Significance of Famotidine in Resolving Hemiplegic Migraine
There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as none of the provided studies mention the use of Famotidine in resolving Hemiplegic Migraine.
Treatment Options for Hemiplegic Migraine
- The treatment of Hemiplegic Migraine is based on empirical data, personal experience of the treating neurologist, and involves a trial-and-error strategy 2
- Acetaminophen and NSAIDs are often the first choice in acute treatment 2
- Triptans can be prescribed when headaches are not relieved sufficiently with common analgesics, although their use is controversial in Hemiplegic Migraine 2
- Prophylactic treatment can be considered when attack frequency exceeds 2 attacks per month, or when severe attacks pose a great burden that requires reduction of severity and frequency 2
- Flunarizine, sodium valproate, lamotrigine, verapamil, and acetazolamide can be tried as prophylactic treatment, although the order of preference is not strictly defined 2
- Topiramate, candesartan, and pizotifen can also be considered for prophylactic treatment, although less evidence is available for their use 2
- The use of propranolol in Hemiplegic Migraine is more controversial, but evidence of adverse effects is insufficient to contraindicate beta-blockers 2
Specific Treatment Studies
- A study found that topiramate can worsen symptoms in patients with Familial Hemiplegic Migraine 3
- A review of diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of Hemiplegic Migraine found that the management relies on the control of triggering factors and even hospitalization in case of long-lasting auras 4
- A study compared the efficacy and tolerability of valproate versus topiramate in migraine prevention, and found that topiramate achieved a greater reduction in migraine attack severity than valproate 5