Memantine is a medication used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and now being explored as a potential preventative therapy for migraines. It works by blocking the over-activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is involved in the transmission of pain signals in the central nervous system.
Memantine belongs to a class of drugs called NMDA receptor antagonists, which can reduce the severity, duration, and frequency of migraines. It is a well-tolerated and safe drug that has been shown to effectively reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks in clinical trials.
How Memantine works for migraines
Memantine is a non-competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is a type of glutamate receptor. It interacts with the magnesium binding site of the receptor channel to prevent excessive activation while sparing normal function.
NMDA antagonists inhibit cortical spreading depression (CSD), which is considered an underlying mechanism of migraines. CSD can also initiate migraine headache and activate the trigeminal nociceptive pathway in the brainstem.
In patients with headache-induced by glyceryl trinitrate, the brain stem region is activated, which indicates migraine-related sensitivity. Memantine is believed to reduce migraine effectively by inhibiting the CSD and reducing sensitivity.
Dosage and administration
The recommended dosage for memantine to treat migraine is 10 mg oral once daily. However, some patients may require an increased dosage up to a maximum of 20mg per day, as tolerated. Memantine is well tolerated and safe for patients with migraines.
It is important to follow the prescribed dosing regimen and to avoid exceeding the maximum daily dose to prevent any negative side effects. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting memantine or any other medication for the treatment of migraines.
Advantages of using Memantine for migraines
- Effectiveness: Studies have shown memantine to be an effective treatment option for migraines, reducing the frequency and severity of attacks.
- Safety: Memantine is generally well-tolerated with only a few mild adverse effects reported in studies.
- Novel Mechanism of Action: Memantine works by inhibiting the cortical spreading depression (CSD), a self-propagating wave of depolarizing cortical neurons believed to be a key factor in migraines.
- Reduced Need for Rescue Medication: Patients taking memantine have been shown to require fewer rescue medications to treat their migraines.
- Off-label Use: While memantine is approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, it is commonly prescribed off-label for migraine prophylaxis due to its effectiveness and safety profile.
- Improvements in Functionality: Patients taking memantine have reported improvements in their overall functionality and daily activities, leading to better quality of life.
- Non-addictive: Unlike some other migraine medications, memantine is not addictive and does not carry a risk of abuse or dependence.
Risks and possible side effects
While Memantine has shown promising results in the treatment of migraines, there are some risks and potential side effects associated with its use. These can include bloating or swelling of the face and extremities, tingling sensations, and blistering or peeling skin.
Patients may also experience fatigue, dizziness, nausea, or changes in sexual performance. While these side effects are generally mild, patients should always consult with their doctor before beginning any new treatment and report any unusual symptoms promptly.
It is also important to note that Memantine is not FDA approved for use in treating migraines, and should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional.
