Treatment with Candesartan cilexetil, also known as Candesartan

The preparation

Candesartan was developed to treat high blood pressure but can also have an effect on migraines. When you are prescribed this medication, it is therefore not to lower your blood pressure, but to treat your migraines.

Mechanism of action

Candesartan may work as a migraine preventative by stabilizing blood vessels, though the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood.

The effect of candesartan usually sets in after 1-3 weeks. On average, candesartan halves the number of migraine attacks. However, there is significant individual variation in how well the medication works.

Side effects

Candesartan is generally well-tolerated. The medication rarely lowers normal blood pressure. In patients with low blood pressure, dizziness may occur when standing up. In rare cases, rashes, elevated blood potassium, as well as kidney and liver effects can occur.

Before starting treatment

Before starting treatment, your pulse and blood pressure must be measured, and the following blood tests must be performed: kidney/fluid levels and liver function tests.

What is the dosage?

Typically, you start by taking 8 mg once daily for one week. After that, 16 mg once daily. If there is no effect after 1-2 months, the dose may be increased to 24 mg once daily for one week, followed by 32 mg once daily. If there is no effect after 2 months, the dose is tapered down by 8 mg per week until you are off the medication entirely.

If the treatment is effective, you continue for 6-12 months, after which the dose can often be slowly tapered off in consultation with your doctor. Some patients, however, need to use candesartan for several years.