A COMPARISON BETWEEN PLACEBO, PIZOTIFEN AND 1-ISOPROPYL-3-HYDROXY-5-SEMICARBAZONO-6-OXO-2.3.5.6.-TETRAHYDROINDOL (DIVASCAN®) IN MIGRAINE PROPHYLAXIS

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Abstract
The effects and side effects in migraine prophylaxis of placebo, Divascan (1-isopropylnoradrenochrome-5-monosemicarbazone) and pizotifen were compared in a double-blind cross-over study. The dosage was for Divascan 15 mg a day and for pizotifen 3 mg a day. Data from the last 6 wk of each test period of 8 wk were used to assess the effect of the treatment. Thirty patients entered the trial. Data from 28 patients treated with placebo and Divascan and 27 patients treated with pizotifen were used for final evaluation. Pizotifen significantly reduced the number of migraine attacks, headache index and the consumption of ergotamine. Divascan also seemed to have an effect. The consumption of ergotamine was reduced compared with placebo and there was a reduction, although not significant, of headache frequency and headache index. Pizotifen gave significantly larger reduction in headache frequency and headache index than Divascan and significantly more patients stated a preference for pizotifen compared with Divascan. A good or very good effect was reported by 11% of the patients on placebo, 39% on Divascan and 70% on pizotifen. Pizotifen had frequent side effects, mainly drowsiness and weight gain, whereas Divascan in this respect did not differ from placebo. Physical examinations and laboratory investigations did not show any significant changes, apart from weight gain.