Comparison of propranolol LA 80 mg and propranolol LA 160 mg in migraine prophylaxis: a placebo controlled study.

Thirty patients with severe classical and common migraine participated in a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study of migraine prophylaxis with propranolol LA (long-acting) 80 mg once daily, or propranolol LA 160 mg once daily or placebo. Each treatment was given for two months. There were no significant differences between the three treatment periods in headache frequency, headache severity, nausea frequency or severity. There was a non-significant trend for reduced duration of headache with the two doses of propranolol. The possible reasons for this negative effect are discussed. The safety of propranolol and its lack of serious side effects were demonstrated.