Comparison of Efficacy and Tolerability of Melatonin and Amitriptyline in Children Suffering with Migraine

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy along with tolerability of melatonin and amitriptyline in children suffering with migraine.

Study Design: Randomized clinical, parallel group trial study.

Place and Duration of the Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Sahara Medical College, Narowal from July 2018 to December 2018.

Materials and Methods: A total of 90 children (45 in each group), with age 5 to 15 years, having migraine were enrolled. Frequency of headache along with its severity and the duration and pedMIDAS were noted on monthly bases, and compared after 3 months of treatment with studied drugs. A good response was labeled if reduction of 50% in headache frequency on a monthly basis was recorded.

Results: Out of a total of 90 children, 47 (52.2%) were male and 43 (47.8%) female. Mean age of the study participants was 9.28 years. At the end of the treatment period when both groups were compared, good response, monthly frequency of headache, severity and duration, and headache disability pedMIDAS, all turned out to significant better in amitriptyline group (P value < 0.05). A total of 32 (35.6%) children experienced some kind of side effects. No children experienced any serious adverse event during the study period.

Conclusion: Melatonin and amitriptyline have both been found to produce good response in children for prophylaxis of migraine. Both drugs have nominal and manageable side effects. In comparison to melatonin, amitriptyline significantly better good response for migraine prophylaxis