Abnormal signal transmission in central serotonergic pathways is supposed to play
an important role in the pathogenesis of migraine and major depression. We report
on a patient, who was treated during an episode of depression with the selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sertraline and developed frequent migraine attacks under
this therapeutical regime. Single migraine attacks were treated successfully with
triptanes. Although SSRIs may be beneficial for migraine prophylaxis at long term
administration, this case suggests that acute administration of SSRIs in migraineurs
may include the risk of worsening migraine.
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Axel Ropohl, MD
Department of Psychiatry
Center for Integrative Psychiatry - CIP
University of Kiel
Germany
Niemannsweg 147
24105 Kiel
Phone: +49 431 9900 2681
Fax: +49 431 9900 5148
Email: a.ropohl@zip-kiel.de
