Ethosuximide for Migraine?

Many people have successfully fought migraine with anti-epileptic drugs.  Common examples are valproic acid and topiramate.  Researchers are now taking a closer look at ethosuximide (Emeside, Zarontin).

Although this class of drugs has worked well for some, others have found more side effects than help.  Other problems, such as liver damage, have kept patients from finding help with certain anti-epileptic drugs.

Ethosuximide has had a good track record for treating absence seizures, but has not received much attention when it comes to migraine.

Looking for better ways to treat veterans in the USA with migraine, the Department of Veterans Affairs is sponsoring a rare study of ethosuximide as a migraine preventative.  The hope is that ethosuximide will successfully help some migraineurs with fewer side effects.

If you’re a veteran in the USA, you may be eligible to be a part of this study, which is being done through Thomas Jefferson University and the University of Pittsburgh.  For more information, check out the official study page here, and contact Kathy L Gardner, MD or Greg A Owens, BA from the Department of Veterans Affairs.