Does Qudexy XR Work For Migraines?

Does Qudexy XR Work For Migraines?
Migraine Title

Overview

As anyone who suffers from migraines knows, they can be extremely debilitating and have a significant impact on quality of life. There are countless prescription products and over the counter remedies that are used both for prophylaxis (i.e. prevention) and for the treatment of them.

Qudexy XR

Topirimate, an antiepileptic (AED) drug, is commonly prescribed by doctors and has been on the market for over 20 years. A new form of topirimate is now on the market and is called Qudexy XR. Let's take a look at how this product is different from the current options on the market and delve into the clinical trial data to determine how effective it is.

First and foremost is should be noted that Qudexy XR is only indicated for the prophylaxis of migraine headaches, not the acute treatment. If you are having an acute migraine attack, that is not what Qudexy XR is for. It is intended to decrease the frequency in which migraine attacks occur. 

Effectiveness

So how well does Qudexy XR work for migraines? Studies show that the active ingredient in Qudexy XR, topiramate, is more effective than placebo in reducing the number of migraine headaches experienced. This is applicable to both adults and children over 12 years old. Let's first look at 2 studies that were completed in adults.

Study 1:

  • 469 adults were enrolled who were experiencing on average 5.5 migraine headaches per 28 days
  • For patients on a dose of 50mg of topiramate per day, migraine headaches were decreased by 1.3 migraines on average per 28 days.
  • For patients on a dose of 100mg of topiramate per day, migraine headaches were decreased by 2.1 migraines on average per 28 days.
  • For patients on a dose of 100mg of topiramate per day, migraine headaches were decreased by 2.2 migraines on average per 28 days. 
  • A placebo dose decreased by 0.8 migraines per 28 days.

Study 2:

Study 2 is remarkably similar to study 1 as the numbers below show:

  • 468 peoples (ages 12 to 65)  were enrolled who were experiencing on average 5.5 migraine headaches per 28 days
  • For patients on a dose of 50mg of topiramate per day, migraine headaches were decreased by 1.4 migraines on average per 28 days.
  • For patients on a dose of 100mg of topiramate per day, migraine headaches were decreased by 2.1 migraines on average per 28 days.
  • For patients on a dose of 100mg of topiramate per day, migraine headaches were decreased by 2.4 migraines on average per 28 days. 
  • A placebo dose decreased by 1.1 migraines per 28 days.

Similar to adults, a study conducted in children (ages 12 to 17) showed a statistically significant decrease in migraine frequency versus placebo.

  • A placebo dose decreased monthly migraine frequency by 44.4%
  • A 50mg dose of topiramate decreased monthly migraine frequency by 44.6%
  • A 100mg dose of topiramate decreased monthly migraine frequency by 72.2%

As we can see from the numbers above, Qudexy XR does work better for migraine prophylaxis than a placebo does. It won't eliminate migraines completely, but for many people, a significant decrease in frequency can be very beneficial.

It should be noted that there are two different extended release topiramate products on the market, Trokendi XR and Qudexy XR. While very similar, there is one big difference between the two.

Trokendi XR is not labeled to be opened and must be swallowed whole. This can be an issue for those who have problems swallowing medications. On the other hand, Qudexy XR can be opened and sprinkled on food, potentially making it easier to administer.

Ready for a more personal experience with your meds?