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Learn About What Happens During a Migraine
Migraine Headache Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person and from migraine to migraine. Five
phases can often be identified:
- Prodrome: A variety of warnings can come before a migraine. These may
consist of a change in mood (for example, feeling “high,” irritable, or
depressed) or a subtle change of sensation (for example, a funny taste or
smell). Fatigue and muscle tension are also common
- Aura: This is commonly a visual disturbance that precedes the headache
phase. Some migraineurs develop blind spots (called scotomas); see geometric
patterns or flashing, colorful lights; or lose vision on one side
(hemianopsia).
- Headache: Although migraine pain usually appears on one side of the head,
30-40% of migraines occur on both sides. Throbbing pain may be present. More
than 80% of migraineurs feel nauseated, and some vomit. About 70% become
sensitive to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia). This phase may last
4-72 hours.
- Headache termination: Even if untreated, the pain usually goes away with
sleep.
- Postdrome: Other signs of the migraine (for example, inability to eat, problems with concentration, or fatigue) may linger after the pain has disappeared.
WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth
Migraines & Headaches Guide
TOPAMAX is approved for migraine prevention in adults only.
TOPAMAX is not used to stop a migraine after it starts.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Serious risks associated with TOPAMAX include lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood resulting in an increase in the acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis). Symptoms could include hyperventilation (rapid, deep breathing), tiredness, loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat or changes in the level of alertness. Call your doctor immediately if you get these symptoms. Your doctor may want to do simple blood tests. Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis may increase the risk for kidney stones or bone disease.
Other serious risks include decreased sweating, increased body temperature, kidney stones, sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and increased eye pressure (glaucoma). Call your doctor immediately if you have any decrease in vision or eye pain. These problems can lead to blindness if not treated right away.
More common side effects are tingling in arms and legs, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, taste change and weight loss.
Tell your doctor about other medications you take. Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information.
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