24 hour migraine

[55MC]

I am on 15mg MTX, diagnosed in May this year. Yesterday, had what i can only assume was a migraine all day and most of last night. Feel delicate today to say the least. I never got headaches before RA?

Anyone else have this ?

[Matilda_1922]

A few months ago I was having bad headaches just as MXT was due. I I was on tablets at the time. Also nausea was worse as well. I changed over to injections at this time and headaches have gone. I also increased my water intake to 2 litres a day as advised on this forum. On top of this water I may have 2-3 cups of tea in the day. I'm not sure the changed to injections or the increased water intake but it's worth a try.

[55MC in reply to Matilda_1922]

Thanks Matilda, when i think back to the past week i have not been drinking as much water, so will up my intake. Also due to take MTX tomorrow so hope i feel better. MC

[nomoreheels]

Horrible aren't they? I used to have migraines regularly, not as bad as my mum but rarely lasting more than a day, that day was spent in a darkened room lying down & sickness if I didn't take my meds in time. I know mine were hormone related because I've only had a few since the menopause so I can't attribute those to MTX as I've been on it nearly 7 years. That said I was on HCQ before MTX & that caused really bad headaches, on a par with the start of a migraine but more sudden & eased with normal pain killers & sunglasses. It's certainly something I'd mention to your Rheumy or nurse though, ask if it's worth trying a magnesium supplement. Keep your water intake up of course, easy to forget when we're busy. Or if you're not taking max dose folic acid an increase in days or doubling the dose on the odd day if it's something he's in agreement with, see if that helps if MTX is working well & you're happy to stay on it. It's not something I'd dismiss or just put up with.

[55MC]

Thanks nomoreheels, I go to see my Rheumy on Tuesday and have a list!! Good idea to take an odd double does of folic.

[Kariss]

I'm on mtx too and get lots of headaches and migraines. I have always suffered in this way but the mtx has definitely made them worse. For me they're usually on the day after or the next from taking the medication. If I feel a headache coming on I now take my migraine relief straight away and don't wait to see if it develops as this usually lessons the symptoms. However it generally lasts a whole day, is very debilitating and as you say, leaves a washed out feeling afterwards.

[55MC in reply to Kariss]

Thank you for your reply Kariss. Upping the water is a must I must admit.

[Kariss in reply to 55MC]

Yes, drinking more water is a really good idea especially knowing that your brain can actually shrink if you get dehydrated - not what you need with a migraine! I do try and drink lots of water...(lucky I like tap water) but I drink lots of decaf tea as well and have been told that that is just as helpful. It took me a while to get to like rooibos as it has an odd smell, but now I love it.

Good luck.

[Joy_1]

Hi,

I too am on 15mg MTX. Three weeks ago a few folk posted that upping your water intake on MTX day may help with headaches. I have been drinking 3 pints of water a day for many years. But as of 3 weeks ago I increased it to 4 pints on MTX day. Since then my 'Metho headache' has not come back.

Thank goodness for HealthUnlocked!

[55MC in reply to Joy_1]

Joy 1, you are so right!! As soon as something comes in at you with this illness all you need to do is post on here and the answers/ideas come flooding in.

[Joy_1 in reply to 55MC]

Three cheers for HealthUnlocked!

By the way I took my MTX yesterday and had my 4 pints of water. Today - no headache - yippee!

[55MC in reply to Joy_1]

I have been drinking like a fish the past few days!! GP has called me in re my MTX blood tests done at end of last week. Ho hum, this is a new GP so will see what it is about.

[Joy_1 in reply to 55MC]

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that all is well 55MC.

[Hidden]

I agree with Joy_1 !! Water keeps the mtx headache away from me. Give it a try. I hope water works for your too!!

[55MC in reply to Hidden]

Thanks suzannedale.