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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

medication related headache/side effects?

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Goose Bay, NL

Is anyone currently taking Cymbalta and/or Gabapentin and suffering side effects? I am taking both, and have recently developed an excruciating headache in the back of my head, which has since spread to other areas of my head, as well as my neck. I've had this headache for almost 2 weeks now. Could this be a side effect of my medication? I have had a CT scan & lumbar puncture done, & bloodwork - everything came back normal.

June 15, 2015 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences with Cymbalta and Gabapentin for pain management, with several describing troubling side effects including... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences with Cymbalta and Gabapentin for pain management, with several describing troubling side effects including persistent headaches, nausea, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, and in some cases severe depression or suicidal thoughts that resolved after stopping the medications. Many community members emphasized the importance of working closely with a doctor before making any changes, particularly noting that Gabapentin must be tapered gradually rather than stopped abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms. A recurring theme was frustration that these medications often provide minimal pain relief while causing significant quality-of-life issues, alongside encouragement to advocate firmly with medical teams and explore alternative treatments like dry needling or migraine devices.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I had the same reaction with cymbalta. Just wanted to hurt everyone around me including myself. Within a day or two of stopping it, it all went away.

June 16, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I've taken both. Gabapentin makes me kinda zombie like, mentally. I feel sleepy and unfocused. Cymbalta made me so depressed for the entire year of 2011 that I didn't think I would make it to 2012. I was very suicidal. As soon as I stopped taking it, (I took myself off of it) I felt more normal again. But that stuff was awful. I think it can cause headaches in some people. Other people it just makes you really depressed.

June 16, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

Gabapentin isn't helping me at all. I ask my doc to change my prescription every 6-9months because I am worried about addcition and my liver, but Gabapentin isn't helping me with the stabbing pains that I get, nor the lingering burning pains.

June 16, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I've had a headache everyday since I started Gabapentin. I tried to get off of it as
I really don't think it does that much to help with the burning pain anyway, but the doctors are reluctant. I don't get it?

June 16, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I take both.. Cymbalta made me nauseated to start but no real side effects now, but if you feel it is, talk to your doc about stopping it for a couple of weeks then restarting it. If the headache comes back, then it probably is the combo bothering you

June 16, 2015

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