Effect of Acetyl-L-carnitine in Migraine

Summary

Traditionally, beta blockers have been used for migraine prophylaxis, but in later years also antiepileptic drugs. Contraindications and side effects have to some degree limited their use, and new prophylactics that can be used by most migraine sufferers and with little side effects are in demand. One product that may seem to fulfill these requirements is Acetyl-L-carnitine, which is a dietary supplement and naturally occurs in plants and animals. L-carnitine is necessary for fatty-acid metabolism and energy production. To our knowledge, no placebo-controlled studies have previously evaluated the efficacy of Acetyl-L-carnitine in adults with migraine. The aims of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of Acetyl-L-carnitine as a prophylaxis in migraine patients

Timeline

Start

2013-04

Primary completion

2014-07

Completion

2014-09

Publications

• Results Hagen K, Brenner E, Linde M, Gravdahl GB, Tronvik EA, Engstrom M, Sonnewald U, Helde G, Stovner LJ, Sand T. Acetyl-l-carnitine versus placebo for migraine prophylaxis: A randomized, triple-blind, crossover study. Cephalalgia. 2015 Oct;35(11):987-95. doi: 10.1177/0333102414566817. Epub 2015 Jan 19.

Drugs

Indications