MELATONIN: ROLE IN THE PROPHYLAXIS OF MIGRAINE

Abstract

Melatonin and migraine have been linked in most ways, from mechanisms to treatment. Migraine is one of the common neurological diseases and it is characterized by throbbing unilateral headache attacks. Migraine is an issue for both individuals and society. Migraine can lead to reduced work productivity and a flawed family and social life. It has been suggested that melatonin plays a key therapeutic role in treating migraines and several other types of headaches. Early and exact diagnosis is essential in enhancing treatment and in preventing progression. This review aimed to evaluate the available evidence related to the efficacy and safety of melatonin in the prophylaxis and prevention of migraine. Research in regard the administration of melatonin found it safe in migraine patients, with few or no side effects. This review concluded that Melatonin can be considered a safe integrative prophylactic treatment for children, adults and menstrual-related migraines, thus improving outcomes related to patient’s quality of life and patient-centered care. However, further studies and evaluation is required to confirm its effects.This review aimed to evaluate the available evidence related to the efficacy and safety of melatonin in migraine prophylaxis. Melatonin and migraine have been linked in a majority of ways, from mechanisms to treatment. Melatonin is an endogenous hormone and is secreted by the pineal gland. It plays an important role in regulating circadian rhythm and the sleep-wake cycle. It has been proposed for migraine prevention due to its anti-inflammatory effects against calcitonin gene-related peptides and other pro-inflammatory mediators in vitro, and its pro-regulatory effect on the circadian rhythm. Also, low melatonin levels have been reported in serum and urine due to hypothalamic dysfunction in patients with migraine. Hence, in this article, we review those papers describing the results of the administration of melatonin in humans for therapeutic purposes in treating migraines.This narrative literature review was based on studies on Melatonin's effectiveness, safety and tolerability for the prophylactic and preventive treatment of migraine in children and adolescents and menstruating women. The literature search was conducted using the Google Scholar and PubMed database and included articles published up to December 2021, utilizing the keywords: “melatonin”, “migraine”, “melatonin and migraine”, and “prophylaxis of migraine”. Observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case reports and systematic reviews were included. The articles focusing on the latest medication for preventing migraines were also reviewed.