Analysis of nortriptyline's prophylaxis on hemodialysis headache patients - a pilot study

Authors

  • Bruna Mendonça Lima Brazilian Headache Society
  • Paulo Sergio Faro Santos Neurological Institute of Curitiba
  • Alan Chester Feitosa de Jesus Brazilian Headache Society

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48208/HeadacheMed.2016.6

Keywords:

Prophylaxis, Nortriptyline, Headache, Dialysis

Abstract

Background: Headache is the most common neurological symptom of patients on hemodialysis treatment. However, this condition is usually treated only after the pain has already begun. Objective: Determine the efficacy and tolerability of nortriptyline as a prophylactic treatment for patients diagnosed with hemodialysis headache. Methods: This study is an open and a prospective clinical trial. Twelve patients with hemodialysis headache were studied in this trial. They were asked to take nortriptyline (25 mg per day) during three months as a prophylaxis for their headaches. Weekly interviews were made to register eventual headaches. Additionally, other clinical features were analyzed such as the intensity of pain, its location, side effects of the drug and use of abortive medications. Results: There was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the intensity as well as frequency of pain. The duration of the episodes also decreased. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that nortriptyline 25 mg is capable of reducing not only the frequency, but also the intensity of the pain in the hemodialysis headache. However, further studies are necessary.

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Author Biographies

Bruna Mendonça Lima, Brazilian Headache Society

Neurologist, Member of the Brazilian Headache Society

Paulo Sergio Faro Santos, Neurological Institute of Curitiba

Resident medical, Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute of Curitiba; Member of the Brazilian Headache Society

Alan Chester Feitosa de Jesus, Brazilian Headache Society

Neurologist, Member of the Brazilian Headache Society; Member of the Brazilian Neurology Academy

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Published

2016-03-31

How to Cite

1.
Lima BM, Santos PSF, Jesus ACF de. Analysis of nortriptyline’s prophylaxis on hemodialysis headache patients - a pilot study. Headache Med [Internet]. 2016 Mar. 31 [cited 2024 Dec. 13];7(1):23-7. Available from: https://headachemedicine.com.br/index.php/hm/article/view/277

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Original

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