Preventive treatment of migraine: Effect on weight

Weight gain is a common side effect of drugs used for headache prevention. Weight gain can adversely affect patient health, exacerbate comorbid metabolic disorders, and encourage noncompliance. Additionally, obesity may promote the chronification of episodic migraine. Few studies have looked specifically at the effect that headache medications have on weight. The practicing physician needs accurate information about important side effects, including weight gain, when selecting appropriate pharmacologic regimens. This article discusses the potential effects the more common headache medications have on weight.