Experiencing Headaches and Vision Changes on One Side
Hello, I'm an 18-year-old female, and I've been on a 15mg dose of Isotretinoin for my acne treatment for about a month now. Recently, I've been feeling under the weather, dealing with a viral infection that resembles cold or flu symptoms. I've got the usual problems like nasal congestion and a throat that hurts, but I've also noticed some joint discomfort, a sense of mental cloudiness, and an unsettling change in my vision, making it appear distorted as if seen through a low-resolution lens. Additionally, when I change my position from sitting to standing, there's an intense throbbing sensation on the right side of my head, accompanied by a momentary blackout in my right eye. I must admit, my nutritional intake has not been great lately due to feeling fatigued from the cold, and this has been accompanied by headaches and a notable darkening of my vision when I stand, which is something I've never before experienced just on one side until now. I tend to get quite anxious about my health, so I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has encountered similar symptoms with a cold, or if this could be associated with the Isotretinoin I'm taking? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 9:30:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a mix of symptoms that are understandably concerning, especially with the added effects of Isotretinoin and your current viral infection. Your symptoms—specifically the one-sided headache, changes in vision, and the sensation of momentary blackout—are important to consider seriously.
Main Points:
- One-Sided Headaches and Vision Changes: These symptoms can be associated with various conditions, including migraines or other types of headaches.
- Effects of Isotretinoin: While headache can be a side effect of Isotretinoin, your symptoms may not be directly related to the medication but rather to the current viral infection.
- Immediate Attention Needed: Changes in vision and intense headaches warrant careful monitoring and may require further evaluation.
Explanation:
- Headaches: A headache that is specifically on one side, especially coupled with vision changes, could suggest a migraine or other neurological issues. Migraines often come with visual disturbances, known as aura, which might explain your vision changes.
- Viral Infection Impact: Since you are currently dealing with cold or flu symptoms, it's not uncommon for these infections to lead to headache and fatigue. However, the specific symptoms you're describing, especially the visual disturbances, need to be treated with care.
- Nutritional Status: Not eating well can exacerbate fatigue and headaches, so improving your diet and hydration can help your overall well-being.
Next Steps:
- Hydration and Nutrition: Focus on drinking plenty of fluids and try to eat small, balanced meals, including fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, to help boost your energy levels and overall health.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of your symptoms, noting when your headaches occur, their duration, and any other associated symptoms (like vision changes or fatigue). This will help in understanding patterns.
- Rest: Ensure you are getting adequate rest and sleep, as fatigue can worsen symptoms.
- Watch for Severe Symptoms: If you experience worsening headaches, severe nausea, prolonged vision changes, or if the blackout feeling in your eye persists, seek immediate medical attention.
- Relaxation Techniques: Given your anxiety about health, try incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to help manage those feelings.
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, reconsider the urgency of seeking professional medical advice. It's important to ensure that nothing serious is affecting your vision or neurological health. Remember, you're doing a great job by paying attention to your symptoms; it’s important to take care of yourself.
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