Cost effectiveness of AEDs in migraine headache questioned

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as gabapentin, topiramate and valproate semisodium [divalproex sodium], are increasingly being used as prophylactic treatments for migraine headaches. However, although this approach seems to be useful for some patients who experience migraine, it might not be a cost-effective practice. According to US-based investigators, AEDs are so costly that they should probably only be used in patients who experience a large number of migraine headaches each month. They presented the results at the Annual Meeting of the American Headache Society, held recently in Seattle, Washington, US.