Background: Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of headache associated with gastrointestinal, neurologic, and autonomic symptoms. Some evidence in literature suggests that the melatonergic system possibly plays an important role in the pathogenesis of migraine. Few studies have been performed on the use of melatonin as an antimigraine agent. Other than amitriptyline, few antidepressants have been found to be efficacious for migraine prophylaxis. Among antidepressants, agomelatine has a novel neurochemical mechanism. It is an melatonin receptor 1 and melatonin receptor 2 melatonergic receptor agonist and a selective antagonist of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor 2C receptors. CASES: We report two cases of patients with migraine successfully treated with agomelatine; one patient presented with comorbid depression, whereas the other had no comorbidities. DISCUSSION: Given its specific mechanism of action and similarity with melatonin, agomelatine may be a promising new treatment option for migraine prophylaxis. The potential therapeutic action of agomelatine could be due to its synergistic action on both melatonergic and 5-HT2C receptors. © 2013 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
A possible new option for migraine management: Agomelatine
Guglielmo R.;
2013-01-01
Abstract
Background: Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of headache associated with gastrointestinal, neurologic, and autonomic symptoms. Some evidence in literature suggests that the melatonergic system possibly plays an important role in the pathogenesis of migraine. Few studies have been performed on the use of melatonin as an antimigraine agent. Other than amitriptyline, few antidepressants have been found to be efficacious for migraine prophylaxis. Among antidepressants, agomelatine has a novel neurochemical mechanism. It is an melatonin receptor 1 and melatonin receptor 2 melatonergic receptor agonist and a selective antagonist of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor 2C receptors. CASES: We report two cases of patients with migraine successfully treated with agomelatine; one patient presented with comorbid depression, whereas the other had no comorbidities. DISCUSSION: Given its specific mechanism of action and similarity with melatonin, agomelatine may be a promising new treatment option for migraine prophylaxis. The potential therapeutic action of agomelatine could be due to its synergistic action on both melatonergic and 5-HT2C receptors. © 2013 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
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