• OBJECTIVE
    • To review the literature regarding the use of intravenous valproic acid in aborting an acute migraine attack.
  • DATA SOURCES
    • A MEDLINE (1967-June 2007) and bibliographic search of the English-language literature was conducted using the search terms valproic acid and migraine disorders.
  • STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION
    • All articles identified through the search were included.
  • DATA SYNTHESIS
    • Divalproex sodium is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of migraine headaches. The use of intravenous valproic acid has been studied as a possible treatment for acute migraine. Available studies are small, mostly open-label and non-placebo-controlled, and used variable doses. Valproic acid has not been shown to be superior to comparator drugs and was inferior to prochlorperazine in one trial.
  • CONCLUSIONS
    • Intravenous valproic acid has not been proven effective for acute migraine treatment. Future trials should be larger, placebo-controlled, and use a standardized dose and outcome measures.