A hypertensive patient with migraines experienced undesirable side effects (irritability and weight gain) while taking the nonselective beta-blockers nadolol (Corgard) and propranolol (Inderal). The calcium-channel blocker verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Isoptin, Covera) was unsuccessful in controlling the patient’s hypertension. Is there a single medication that will treat both conditions? — Todd E. Berends, NP, Holland, Mich.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (BMJ. 2001;322:19-22) have been shown to provide effective migraine prophylaxis. These two classes of drugs are recommended by The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure for the treatment of hypertension and thus may be reasonable options for the hypertensive patient with migraine headache. — Eileen F. Campbell, MSN, CRNP (154-05)
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Tronvik E et al. JAMA. 2003;289:65-69.
Schrader H et al. BMJ. 2001;322:19-22
