Verapamil for Headache Prevention

Efficacy in Different Headache Types

The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests that evidence for verapamil in migraine prevention is limited and less robust compared to other preventive options 1, 2
The American Academy of Family Physicians found that in placebo-controlled trials of verapamil for migraine, significant differences were found in favor of verapamil in two of three studies, but high dropout rates limit the relevance of these findings 1
The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that when compared to propranolol, verapamil showed no significant differences in effects on headache frequency 1

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends beta-blockers, such as propranolol 120-240 mg daily, as a better-established option for migraine prevention 1
The American Academy of Family Physicians also recommends anticonvulsants, such as divalproex and valproate, as a better-established option for migraine prevention 1
The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests amitriptyline as a better-established option for migraine prevention 1

The European Heart Journal reports that common adverse effects of verapamil include hypotension, constipation, and peripheral edema 4