A possible new option for migraine management: agomelatine

Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of headache associated with gastrointestinal, neurologic, and autonomic symptoms. Some evidence in literature suggests that the melatonergic system possibly plays an important role in the pathogenesis of migraine. Few studies have been performed on the use of melatonin as an antimigraine agent. Other than amitriptyline, few antidepressants have been found to be efficacious for migraine prophylaxis. Among antidepressants, agomelatine has a novel neurochemical mechanism. It is an melatonin receptor 1 and melatonin receptor 2 melatonergic receptor agonist and a selective antagonist of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor 2C receptors.