Rx 420 © 2014, AWHONN http://nwh.awhonn.org I Abstract Migraine headache is estimated to afect up to 28 percent of adolescents, most of whom are female. Chronic migraine in this population has been associated with reduced quality of life and academic disruption due to missed school days. Historically, migraine headache was treated episodically as it occurred. In March 2014 the U.S. Food and Drug Ad- ministration approved an existing medication, topiramate (Topamax®), for migraine prophylaxis in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. his is the irst FDA approval of a drug for migraine prevention in this population. here are several pos- sible adverse efects of taking topiramate, some potentially serious, so adequate education for adolescents and their families on all the potential beneits and risks is imperative. DOI: 10.1111/1751-486X.12150 Keywords adolescents | headache | migraine prevention | Topamax | topiramate the prevalence of migraine in this age group and potential negative consequences, it’s important to consider available options for treatment and prevention. Because the burden of frequent migraines can be signiicant, preventing debilitating head- aches before they begin is an important compo- nent of treatment. Currently, episodic treatment of migraine includes a range of medications, It’s estimated that up to 28 percent of adoles- cents between the ages of 15 and 19 (mostly fe- males) are afected by migraine (Lewis, Yon- ker, Winner, & Sowell, 2005). Researchers have documented the association between migraine headaches and reduced quality of life, includ- ing missed school days and impaired academic functioning (Lipton & Bigal, 2005; Powers, Pat- ten, Hommel, & Hershey, 2003, 2004). Due to Migraine Headache Prophylaxis in Adolescents HEIDI COLLINS FANTASIA Photo © Jetta Productions / Photodisc Collection / thinkstockphotos.com