100 Migraine drugs, A to Z: Amlodipine

Calcium channel blockers, a family of drugs used to treat hypertension, are sometimes used for the prevention of migraine headaches. Anecdotal reports suggest that verapamil (Calan) can treat migraine with aura and other neurological symptoms. Double-blind trials of verapamil for the prevention of migraines have been unconvincing. Verapamil seems to be more effective for the prevention of cluster headaches, but even there the evidence is anecdotal.

Amlodipine (Norvasc) is another calcium channel blocker that has been reported to prevent migraine headaches, although reports include a very small number of patients. Since verapamil has been studied more extensively, it is usually used first. However, if verapamil works well but causes constipation, which can be severe, we usually switch to amlodipine. Amlodipine is less likely to cause constipation, but both drugs can cause swelling of the ankles, dizziness and other side effects.