A double- blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (OPFA ɷ-3) for the prevention of migraine in chronic migraine patients using amitriptyline

Nutr Neurosci. 2018 Apr;21(3):219-223. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2016.1266133. Epub 2017 Jan 5.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prophylactic effect of OPFAϖ-3 in migraine.

Subjects and methods: This was a prospective, experimental, controlled, double-blind, and with comparison groups study. Sixty patients diagnosed with chronic migraine, according to the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, Third Edition (beta version) (ICHD-3β), were prophylactically treated with amitriptyline. They were divided into two equal groups: in group 1, prophylaxis was associated with OPFAϖ-3 and in group 2 with placebo. After 60 days, both groups were assessed by a second researcher.

Results: Of the 60 patients with chronic migraine, only 51 patients (15 men and 36 women) completed the treatment. The group that received OPFAϖ-3 consisted of 27 (52.9%) patients (six men and 21 women), while the control group was equal to 24 (47.1%) patients (nine men and 15 women). These differences were not significant (χ2 = 1.428; P = 0.375). In 66.7% (18/27) of the patients who used OPFAϖ-3, there was a reduction of more than 80.0% per month in the number of days of headache, while in the control group, the same improvement occurred in 33.3% (8/24) of patients. This difference was significant (χ2 = 5.649; P = 0.036).

Conclusions: Polyunsaturated omega 3 fatty acids (OPFAϖ-3) are useful for prophylaxis of migraine attacks.

Keywords: Fatty acids; Migraine; Omega 3; Prophylaxis.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amitriptyline / adverse effects
  • Amitriptyline / therapeutic use*
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / adverse effects
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / therapeutic use*
  • Brazil
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Chronic Pain / etiology
  • Chronic Pain / prevention & control*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dietary Supplements* / adverse effects
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / adverse effects
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / therapeutic use
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / adverse effects
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / adverse effects
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / diet therapy*
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Migraine Disorders / physiopathology
  • Pain Measurement
  • Patient Dropouts
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Amitriptyline
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid