Neurontin For Headaches Resource

Neurontin For Headaches Information

Popular Questions

Neurontin, Tramadol...any CAUSE headaches, migraines as side effect? I started taking both of these meds June 25th. No problems, no side effects. For 1-1/2 weeks now, I'm getting terrible, terrible headaches (almost like migraines). If I were taking one or the other, I'd know which is causing these headaches. But, since they were giving me no side effects, I continued taking both as prescribed: Tramadol: 50mg (1-2 tablets every 6 hours). Neurontin: 300mg (1 tablet every 6-8 hours, and 2 @ bedtime). OR could it be my cervical problems all of the sudden giving me headaches?? The reasons I'm taking these is: (left side/CERVICAL) 2 herniated discs, Degenerative disc disease, Degeneratative joint disease, and nerve root damage. I'm getting my first ever epidural injection on C6-7 on Tuesday. But I CANNOT seem to get rid of this headache (mostly on left side). It's constant throbbing, around my eyes hurt. Feels like I'm hungover 24/7. Tylenol & Excedrin doesn't help either. Any opinions? Thanks so much for any help you can give!

kjcntn replied: "The pain you are describing does not sound like migraine pain (around the eyes) and with your other problems I strongly suggest you contact your doctor immediately."

Nat replied: "Tramadol is meant to be a muscle/pain reliever isnt it? I'm sure that is what I was given to relieve my migraines. I suggest you see your doctor as it may be a sign of something more sinister."

Can i take a a double dose of Neurontin 300mg if one isn't helping the pain? I have had a burning, electric like, pain that throbs and sends pain into the back of my neck and gives me a 3-5 second headrush like throbbing headache for the past 4 yrs. (since i gave birth and had an epidural). It is off an on, and VERY painful. I was taking neurontin 1x at bedtime even though the directions say 1 in the am for 1 week, then increase to 2x for 1 week, then increase to 3x a day. It was helping and i felt better so i stopped taking it. NOW i'm in alot of pain and have been taking it again 1x at bedtime for the past 4 days. Tonight i took 1 at 9pm and then another right now at midnite due to pain. IS THIS OK? I read some great articles from yahoo is BRIAN FART from 7 mos ago. From reading this info I think what i have is Neuropathic ?(i think that is what its called) , somatic pain.....does that sound right?

sexygirl4adam replied: "i don't think so..... but maybe u should call your doctor and ask because u could overdose on that medicine ure are taking for pain....."

Kate the Saint replied: "If you're willing to take medical advice from anonymous strangers online, you probably deserve the results."

fastfakts replied: "No. Only take medication as prescribed."

grotereber replied: "The double dose you just took is probably okay as long as you don't keep taking it at that dose. The dose does need to be increased gradually. Excessive amounts will make you drowsy, confused, and off-balance (but not "high" so you stoners can forget about it). Neurontin is an adjunct in the treatment of CHRONIC pain; it doesn't do much in the short term."

W W D replied: "Yes, you can, as soon as your doctor tells you to. The reason we in this country have to have prescriptions for certain medications is that they're complicated, and if you try do-it-yourself or on sites like this, you're likely to screw up. You've done something stupid once. Why try for more? And yes, it sounds like a neuropathy, which is why your doctor chose Neurontin, I'm sure."

Chronic headaches? I am just wondering - I have had almost daily headaches for a long time - around 5 years. I have had a full workup with MRI, CT, all normal. I have tried Neurontin, Topamax, Tramadol, antidepressants (which I still take), acupuncture, chiropractic, and of course Tylenol, ibuprofen, Aleve, which don't work at all. The only meds that take the headaches away are Vicodin, Percocet, etc. My doctor doesn't want to give me those because she thinks at one point they were causing rebound headaches. I recently was given some for a dental procedure and it was wonderful to have a break from the headache pain also. It doesn't take much, only one or two a day. Is there something I am missing? The only other thing I haven't tried is exercise, which I hate. I have trouble believing that this would help with headaches anyway. Anyone out there who has had chronic headaches, and can give me an idea of what helped for them? I am a 44 F. Thanks - Aleve is the brand name for naproxen, tried it. What's the theory about fresh garlic? Also, do you mean push in between my eyebrows or in the middle of one of them?

rnbdiva1969 replied: "it could be your diet. try eating healthier. less caffeine. and exercise would make it better. wat about naproxine?"

needtheinfo replied: "try drinking plenty of water, eat fresh garlic, try kava kava (calms you) and st. johns wort (mood enhancer), you can find it at any herbal store."

Joe J replied: "feel your eyebrow for a small depression (right about in the middle there) push a finger there and maintain pressure for awhile. it works better if you can get someone else to do this for you. also, an old trick i learned when i was a kid, put your hand on something ( a chair, dashbord, tree, desk...etc) and visualize the pain flowing down your arm and hand into the object........just in the middle of each eyebrow you will find a depression."

~Joy~ replied: "My Mom gets headaches almost daily too. My sister and I also get headaches at least once or twice a week, sometimes more often. The only thing that has ever took my headaches away is Excedrin Migraine and Extra Strength Excedrin (These two are the same exact medicine, you can check the label). My sister and Mom take it also. This medicine is not good on the liver and should probably not be taken everyday. I think mine starts as sinus and goes into a full blown migraine at times. If I take the Excedrin at the first sign of my head hurting, it almost always gets rid of the headache. We always drink a cup of coffee after taking it. The caffeine is said help the medicine to work faster. I hope you feel better. ~Joy~"

Need help from expert on chronic headaches? I know this is LONG, but if you know anything about headaches (professionally), espcially MD/experts/specialists PLEASE read. For the past 10 years, I have been battling progressively worsening migraines/tension headaches. (I can pretty much take care of the tensions with TENS unit, heat and regular massages) but the migraines occur 3-5+ times per week and are debilitating. I have been on 78 different medications- preventatives, abortives, narcotics, psychiatric meds as well pure oxygen), pretty much everything that is traditionally used to treat migraines and then some. I've stopped smoking, drinking alcohol, stabilized caffeine at 200mg/day consistently and worked on nutrition/exercise. I am still in pain every day. I have had MRIs, CT scans, bloodwork inc. TSH, seen 3 different neurologists, a headache specialist, 4 different psychiatrists (the first neuro referred me after nothing he tried worked), an ENT and an eye doctor. Perfect sinuses. 20/20 vision. Nothing is pathologically wrong. I've had 2 facet blocks and an occipital nerve block, physical therapy. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I am 23 years old and no doctor wants to treat chronic intractable migraines in someone that young. I suppose I appear like a drug seeker, but I'm truly not. I'm in nursing school and just want to finish, get my MPH and work in public health. I also have severe social anxiety, severe insomnia and depression (in the past) and have finally found a psychiatrist who has me on the right combination of meds for that (Lexapro, Ativan, Ambien and Seroquel). I cringe at the thought of going to another neurologist since they like to dabble in psych meds (which I understand is necessary), but they usually end up adding something that throws off the combination I've finally achieved to control my anxiety and depression. For instance, Keppra made me suicidal and Zonegran made me have multiple panic attacks which my psychiatrist had to intervene and add ridiculously high dosages of even more benzos so I could just go to school and work. I'm honestly just tired inside and ready to give up. I understand narcotics are not routinely used to treat migraines, but are there special exceptions, because the ONLY medications that work (other than Midrin) are Nubain, Stadol, and hydrocodone. Demerol doesn't work. Ultram, pentazocine, codeine, Darvocet, oxycodone, none of these work, so as you can see, I'm not looking to get high or I'd be fine with Demerol and Percocets. Truly, the most effective is Nubain. ALL it does is stop the headache. No "high"- I can still function. Sedation isn't a problem as my body chemistry seems to react opposite to what will usually "knock someone else out" (for example, I am on 6mg Ativan + up to 30mg Tranxene PRN to control anxiety and it doesn't make me the least bit sleepy). I am fully capable of giving myself IM injections as it only comes parenterally. I know it is not exactly desirible, but my quality life is at ZERO and I would rather give myself frequent injections than live like this. Nubain has a ceiling effect, antagonistic properties, is less habit-forming than the pure mu agonists, will antagonize other narcotics, and is not scheduled by the DEA (no scrutiny). What are the chances of having this prescribed for home use. I am already forced to go sit in waiting rooms IN AGONIZING pain 2-4 times a week for something I can easily do myself. Meds I've been on for headaches or as an off-shoot psychiatrist-prescribed related TO the primary problem of headaches (and it's a long list): virtually every OTC, Zoloft, Elavil, Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Amerge, Frova, Relpax, Axert, Pamelor, Neurontin, Migranal, Melatonin, Lithium, Keppra, Inderal, Indocin, Cataflam with Reglan, Namenda, Esgic, Lithium, Pristiq, Mobic, Zonegran, Toradol, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Abilify, Trazodone, Buspar, Geodon, Zyprexa, Topamax, Depakote, Verapamil, PURE O2 @12 L, Esgic, Toradol, Ultram, Magnesium, Celebrex, Vioxx, dicflocenac, Lidocaine (intranasally), Vistaril, Haldol, Solu-medrol, Lexapro, Midrin, Naprosyn, Seroquel, Ativan, Restoril, Ambien, Rozerem, Lunesta, Sonata, Valium, Klonopin, Tranxene + NARCOTICS (as "rescue meds") - Nubain, Stadol NS, Pentazocine (Talacen), Lortab, Intravenous Demerol, Darvocet, Percocet, and Tylenol #3. I realize I've been medicated to the point that I don't really know what is doing what. I know I need the Lexapro/Ativan. I'm trying to get back to natural sleep, cutting back the dosage of sleep Ambien/Seroquel for sleep (ironically neither works alone, but they work great together). So, just to be frank, I really don't want medications suggested (I'd be open to it, of course, but very wary). I know what works and what doesn't. And if it's something I haven't tried and is related, that is if it is anticonvulsant, antidepressant, etc. I'm just not interested. I think I've been a good sport in giving those a chance, and I'm done playing the guinea pig. I know it's trial-and-error but it

morgan j replied: "I think you should take up meditation"

KHABRIA replied: "Me gas causes headache. Once I avoided lunch. That caused me weakness. But the attack of headach was lesser. Now I am taking Lavan Bhaskar to avoid gas problem. stale food also causes me headach. I just avoid it."

Jack replied: "Well there is this site I found that talks on migraine relief without medication and that may help if you tried all those medications and it did not work. I hope you get over your migraines!"

OJW replied: "I am not a medical Dr., nor professional in related fields. I am a Nutritional Consultant however. I want to suggest something rather simplistic...in case you haven't tried it. Drink lots of water....dehydration can cause panic attacks, migraines, headaches, anxiety, food cravings, fatigue, depression etc etc. Because you consume caffeine - a diuretic - you must consume an extra glass of water for every cup of caffeine or alcohol or caffeinated pop you drink. You may also have allergies to certain foods, one to consider are milk allergies. I suffered from migraines for years, I increased my water intake, changed my eating habits - eating mostly vegies, fruit, grains and nuts, and decreased my migraines 3/4. I hope this works for you...going to school is stressful, drinking water helps also to combat high cortisol levels.....give it a try and let us know how you make out..."

Cluster Headaches / Cluster Migraines? Treatment that works? My dad is having severe headaches and has been told they are cluster migraines. Since fall is on its way these headaches are getting worse and sometimes lasting all night. They will stop for 30 minutes or so and then restart severely. I am a nurse and work in a physician's office and havent seen much on this but reading on the internet I see where Verapamil is used for treatment. I just wonder since this affects the trigeminal nerve if Neurontin or Lyrica would work? My dad is on his way to the ER now with one of these severe headaches. He is the type that will never go to the doctor so if he is going to the ER I know he is in severe pain.

SK replied: "Hmm... is your dad getting cluster headaches, or migraine headaches? They are not the same thing. Cluster headaches are the more painful kind, but they don't last for more than three hours and in several sufferers only last on the order of 15 minutes or half-an-hour. If he is having them all day long, this sounds more like migraine. (However, people often do have several cluster headaches a day, so if what is actually happening is that he has a period of complete remission and then a new headache occurs, it could still be clusters.) One way to identify cluster headaches instead of migraines is to try to figure out whether they come at the same time every day (or night); clusters are freakishly regular: if he gets one at four in the morning and 10 another at 10 in the morning today, he'll get them at the exact same times tomorrow and the next day and the day after that. I say all this because... if they are clusters, then Verapamil frequently makes a huge difference as a preventative medication. Indocin/Indomethacin also frequently makes a difference. I've never heard of Neurontin or Lyrica making any difference at all. The other preventative medications that do seem to work in many people are Topamax and (if you're desperate) lithium. These can keep him from getting the headaches in the first place. Cluster sufferers also very, very frequently find that breathing straight oxygen works as an abortative - studies show that 95% of cluster sufferers have their headaches disappear when given oxygen. The ER should be giving him oxygen right away when he shows up in pain; if it works for him, he can get a home prescription. (Some doctors use the question of whether the headache responds to oxygen to help in diagnosis; if your dad's headache disappears with oxygen, then I imagine doctors would agree that he does indeed have cluster headaches.) If what your father is suffering are migraines, on the other hand, then these treatments are unlikely to make any difference. Migraines are often triggered by environmental factors, like eating certain foods or even being in certain barometrical pressures, so for prevention it is a good idea to try to keep a diary of what is going on when he gets these headaches and to look for patterns. To abort a migraine, most people find that injection Imitrex makes a huge difference, as do Maxalt and Imitrex in pill form. Maxalt is also available in a form that dissolves on your tongue. I hope this helps you get a sense of your options. I am not a doctor, but from what you say it doesn't seem entirely clear to me what your dad's headaches are. Whatever they are, though, I hope he finds something that works to relieve the pain!"

VERY UNUSUAL HEADACHES...can anyone help? I have had this very unusual headache for four months now and have had NO help, Im very scared. I feel like a Zombie, I can not function at all, Im so Tired. I feel twitching in my head that comes with pain. I have been to my doctor more times than I can count, she says they are Migrains, I know that they are not. I have been to the E.R in Cadillac maybe more than once a week. I went to see a family Doctor in Grand Rapids, still got NO help, I was told it was my occipital nerve, But have gotten no help yet. I was so desperate for pain relief that I went to the U of M and was given a steriod, that I was told it would work, I still feel no relief, But its only been a day, they also gave me some Migrain meds and Pain Meds. No one Understands what kind of Pain Im going through. It has been four months, I cant take it anymore. My Face is tingling, My temples are twitching, so is my face. My ears are ringing. My face feels like its on fire, Im VERY shakey, Im in a complete fog, It feels as though there are firecrackers going off in my head I will get a VERY cold feeling in my head Along with very Hot sensations. I can touch the back of my head and feel pressure in the front. There is pain behind my right eye. If feels like I have something crawling around in my head. I also Get nail driving pains in small spots of my head ALL over, On the right side of my head there is A LOT of pressure that NEVER goes away. My left ear lobe hurts and that started today 01/28/09 sometimes im Okay for an hour or so out of they day but other than that the pain is constant 24/7 no Medication seems to help, I have been on many. I have been to the eye doctor and my eyes are fine, I do have a B12 deficeincey I take injections every four weeks. I also see a neuroligist, and the last time I went I was given an MRI But heard nothing more, I have an appointment on Feb. 2nd to see him. The list of Medications I have been given are...Neurontin 100mg...Valium 5mg...Flexeril 10mg...Paxil 10mg...Vicodin... Lyrica 50mg...Fioricet...Zoloft 50 mg...Darvocet...Amitriptyline 25mg...Flexeril 5mg...Thats the medication I have been givin in the past for the headaches and did not take them or tried them and was taken off of by my doctor or I took myself off them. As of today I will take the medication that the U of M in Ann Arbor put me on which is Indomethacin...Amitriptyline 25mg...Prednisone 20mg... and Migrazone..I have only been on the medication for 24 hours but still feel no relief..Im exhausted, Im have to sleep all the time to excape the pain, I can not be a mother to my children I feel as though I have been Neglected by my doctors, I also know that headaches are hard to Identify, and may take time to fix, BUT FOUR months??? I feel like Im being tortured. I need HELP quick. I was given an MRI/MRA in Oct. and another MRA plus a ct scan on Jan.15 the ones on jan. 15th were normal, The one in Oct. detected a small lypoma, But the doctors all ensure me that the pain is not a result of the lypoma. has anyone ever went threw this before I cant take it anylong its driving my CRAZY what can I do to get the E.R to help? my doctors are doing nothing, If the E,R were to admit me could I then get the help I need?

K replied: "Hello fellow Michigander. I hope you called the doctor who gave you the MRI back to find out what was going on. It sounds like, if nothing else, you have Chronic Pain. I don't have a lot of hospital experience but it doesn't seem right that a doctor can just give up on you so quickly. I would call a NEW doctor and ask that you can speak to an actual DOCTOR (not a receptionist) then explain that every doctor gives up on you and make certain that the doctor will take you and work with you."

~o0o~ replied: "if you had already brain scanned/MIR and find nothing, i doubt they did not scan it well or perhaps they didn't tell you the real cause. since it is already four months, there must be something that is not tested yet. how about blood testing? did you have it? brain tumor? cancer test? etc. etc. have yourself be fully checked and not only to your head. some could be causes from something inside your body and that is wired to your head which i highly doubt that's your brain interpreting it. do not just depend on what doctors will say and give you medications, you have to tell them everything you're taking has no help. i can't believe your area is like that, without giving full attention and medication to their patients having headaches for months!"

Sean K replied: "If its caused by hormones pain killers will have zero effect? due to no blood vessel inflammation? I'm not sure of the name but Pfizer has a pill that works. It costs $20 a pill. A friend of mine has the same problem it started when she was 13. It might stop when she hits menopause? Zoloft and Valium are anti depressants! Get yourself a specialist and keep harassing them. The average doctor won't have a clue. The $20 (Canadian) or likely $17 (US) pills really do work though. Not sure if its Relpax might be another. Maybe suggest Relpax if you haven't had it. Yes going to the ER will help. It forces them to do something and its the fast track to a treatment. The squeeky wheel gets the grease and you won't have to go on some insane waiting list. Refuse to leave till your better. Get a parent to fight for you since you can't. When I had gall bladder problems I layed on the ER floor and refused to leave. No one has any idea how intense the pain is so give them a taste of what its really like. They finally solved it after 10 days in the hospital! Do what you have to do!!! No shame in making a scene its the squeeky wheel thing. Morphine is an awesome drug ask for it by name, it makes you feel normal again! They will give it to you :) My friend went to the ER, they put her on morphine, etc. If its that bad go now. The outcome can't be any worse then the current situation."

Anyone take or have taken Gabapentin (neurontin)? It seems to be one of those drugs that is "good for so many things", from Bipolar to Headaches. Originally an anti epileptic drug. I just took my 1st 400mg of it for several things, leg and foot pain, headaches, anxiety and insomnia.

Delroy L replied: "I hope they are prescribed by a doctor. Some of these medications can cause side effects, or make you sleep over time. It seems you are ignorant of the medication you spoke of, please read the label and follow instructions if it is prescribed."

turkish_tea61 replied: "Yeah, neurontin is a catch all drug. It helps alot of people. But all u have to do is put in a search for it, and there are so many lawsuits against the company, cos people say it made them epileptic."

Anyone take or have taken Neurontin(gabapentin)? It seems to be one of those drugs that is "good for so many things", from Bipolar to Headaches. Originally an anti epileptic drug. I just took my 1st 400mg of it for several things, leg and foot pain, headaches, anxiety and insomnia.

odzookers replied: "I have taken it for neuropathy, a condition in which my legs are numb below the knee and under the skin it's like crawling electric fire. It doesn't seem to conflict with many other drugs (though others in its chemical group can have horrible interactions), but there are limits. Your case isn't bad, but in mine it moved up to 6400 mg. a day, SIXTEEN TIMES what you take. I had to taper off it because it was making me sleepy and a menace on the road. It works best for leg/foot pain and insomnia, and has little worth against anxiety."

debbie replied: "i take it for pain from fibromyalgia- it is similar to lyrica but not expensive. I take 300mg 3 times a day."

briane777666777 replied: "for neurological pain it helps, no doubt. other than that I find it to be the most overhyped med for psychiatric issues like anxiety and insomnia. the maker was sued by the government for falsely advertising it for these types of purposes. i know that everyone is different but i know several people who have taken it including myself and it is completely worthless for anxiety!!!"

I'm bipolar and just started on new meds that seem to cause a constant headache.? I'm taking 100 mg of seroquel at night, 200 mg of neurontin 3x a day, 0.5 mg of lorazepam 2x day' and 30 mg of cymbalta in the morning. The headache is mild but annoying. Tylenol doesn't seem to help. Anyone out there have similar experiences with anyone of these meds?

Gabe replied: "Its the Seroquel. I am prescribed 400 mg a night, and 60mg cymbalta daily. i think its the combination. for about the first 2 weeks i had a constant headache. horrible as it was, it went away :) i also took lorazepam aka xanax/ativan but it didnt cause me the headache"

Purple-Blood replied: "I suffer from migranes, I get daily headaches that last all day until I go to sleep. Check with your doc and check the side effects of the meds. Did you eat takeaway food or anything that contains MSG? because that triggers migraines."

Kissa replied: "I'm bipolar too, and I can tell you that all the medications that will be prescribed for bipolar treatment will have side effects. You better tell your doctor about the headache and try not taking more medications than the prescribed ones (like Tylenol, as you said) because they could interfere with your prescribed medications. I can mention some side effects that may occur (there are more): Seroquel: Headache, nausea, dry mouth, weight gain, stomach pain, weakness, sweating, fever, etc. Neurotin: Trouble concentrating, confusion, chills and body aches, changes in behavior, etc. Lorazepam: Headache, dizziness, weakness, lightheadness, etc. Cymbalta: Headache, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, trouble sleeping, weight loss, dry mouth, etc. All of these medications must include a whole list of the possible side effects inside their own boxes, so you can read them, and your doctor must be able to tell you the best way to cope with headaches or change your medication. You'll be better, you'll see... just be patient and talk to your doctor."