Flunarizine versus Pizotifen: A Double‐Blind Study in the Prophylaxis of Migraine

SYNOPSISThe calcium entry blocker flunarizine was compared with an antiserotonin agent, pizotifen, in the prophylaxis ofmigraine. Thirty‐five patients were treated under double‐blind conditions for four months. The number of migraineattacks gradually declined in both groups with an eventual mean reduction of 65% and 45% in the flunarizine andpizotifen groups respectively. The efficacy of the former drug developed somewhat faster but no statisticallysignificant differences between the groups were found. Weight gain was the main side effect in both groups. Otherside effects were rare.It is concluded that flunarizine is a useful alternative for the prophylactic treatment of migraine.