Combination monoamine oxidase inhibitor and β-blocker treatment of migraine, with anxiety and depression

This paper presents the results of a study comparing the effectiveness of a β-adrenergic blocking agent, atenolol, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO-I), phenelzine, and the combination in treatment of 61 adults with migraine headache. The goals of the study are (1) to investigate the safety of concomitant treatment of migraine with β-blockers and phenelzine, (2) to assess whether orthostatic hypertension and other side effects would be relieved, and (3) to compare the results of this open trial of phenelzine to those of a previous study using similar methods. Phenelzine was associated with a large decrease in the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Anxiety and depression were also reduced by phenelzine both alone, and in combination with a β-blocker. The results show that the combination of MAO-I's and β-blockers can be administered safely, and can lead to the reduction in the side effects with either drug alone.