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Understanding Migraine - Prevention
How Can You Prevent Migraines?
In addition to prophylactic (preventive) medications, you can help prevent migraines by regularly getting enough sleep, avoiding foods that trigger migraine in some people, and learning behavioral techniques shown to be effective in preventing migraine episodes or lessening their duration or severity.
Food and drinks that are commonly thought to worsen migraines include chocolate, red wine, MSG, meats with sodium nitrates, aged cheese, wheat, oranges, eggs, tea and coffee, milk, corn syrup, and yeast. Reducing or stopping the intake of these foods may stop migraines from occuring in some people.
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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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