crsvillagerI was recently given cymbalta for back pain - it worked very well and even helped my aching joints Side effects that I experienced were migraine headaches, eye pain and light sensitivities. I would like to continue using cymbalta but would like to be able to take my migraine medication (maxalt) for the headaches. Is that possible?
Can I take Maxalt for my migraines if I am taking Cymbalta?
- Posted:
- 18 Aug 2012 by crsvillager
- Topics:
- cymbalta, maxalt, migraine, headache, pain, back pain, side effect, medication
Details:
Answers (4)
masso416918 Aug 2012
Hello,
Interactions between your selected drugs
rizatriptan ↔ duloxetine
Applies to: Maxalt (rizatriptan), Cymbalta (duloxetine)
Talk to your doctor before using rizatriptan together with DULoxetine. Combining these medications can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Other drugs that your selected drugs interact with
balbanese18 Aug 2012
It depends on how long you've been taking it. More than 3-weeks I'd say you're having a similar reaction to mine, flu-like at best, weight gain, eye sensitivity, headache and more. After 3 1/2 weeks Doc said "it's not for you."
Be sure to inform your Doc of all these symptoms, it may not be for you either. Hope this helps.
Lisa0118 Aug 2012
I've been taking cymbalta for years. I also take medicines for high blood pressure and migraine, among others. Both my blood pressure med and my migraine med have the same interaction with cymbalta that Maso pointed out to you and my dr is aware of this. He told me that, in my case at least, the benefit to me outweighed the risk. So I've taken all of these for years with no problems. Please don't take this as if I'm telling you to go ahead and take it without consulting your dr. I just wanted to let you know that it's quite possible your dr may well feel the same as mine did and the benefits outweighed the risks.
Just my thoughts... enjoy your weekend!
Lisa
Anonymous 22 Aug 2012
Hi crsvillager, and welcome. I took a fairly high dosage of Cymbalta, and also took Zomig, another triptan for migraines. I suffer from severe chronic migraines, several times a week. My neurologist told me that I was ok taking several doses of Zomig each week. BUT, I am not a doctor, nor am I YOUR doctor. I'm just letting you know that it can be done. I also know that Zomig is a very "mild" triptan, and has less side effects than other triptans, as I am very sensitive. What I am trying to say, is that it can be done, BUT you MUST contact your doctor, as each of us has different medical problems to deal with. Best of luck to you, and I hope that you can work this out. I understand how difficult it is to deal with migraines constantly.
crsvillager
22 Aug 2012
Thanks, I just filled another lower mg.script for cybalta. My doctor said that I should not have a problem with the migraine medication and we will work with the cybalta dosage. I am quite relieved as I have tried other meds for the back pain including gabapentin, lyrica, aleve, and others. I did not get the pain relief and had side effects that were worse than I wanted to handle. I am also quite sensitive to medication and was getting to the point where I would rather live with the pain. Thanks to everyone for the input.
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
Similar questions
Headache - I have chronic daily migraines with whiplash like neck pain. I've tried Relpax, Zomig,?
... Maxalt, Imitrex (2 forms), Fiorocet, Compazine, Topamax, Inderal, Depakote, DHE IV therapy, Anaprox, Cymbalta, Zoloft, Klonopin, Mass doses of ...
4 answers • 1 Oct 2009 • 
Is is safe to take maxalt mlt daily?
i have migraines daily and have been prescribed maxalt mlt and have been taking it sucessfully. I want to know if it is okay to take daily.
3 answers • 1 Oct 2009 •
My daughter is 16 and suffers from migraines. Is it approved for her to get a Rx for Maxalt?
1 answer • 27 May 2010 •
I have taken maxalt almost daily for 4 weeks now. I have had several failed attempts by my dr to?
... break this migraine and I'm at the end of my rope. Maxalt is the only thing making my life bearable right now. Is taking atleast 20 mg a day ...
1 answer • 11 Sep 2010 •
Been using Maxalt, for several years. I am very "achy" after taking it, is this a side effect?
I am wondering if this is a side effect of the drug? I do not have the achy feeling with the migraine, only after I take the medication. Maxalt has ...
2 answers • 28 Mar 2011 • 1 star
Good explanation here and also to take caution and contact the doctor. It is possible that the same doctor prescribed both, as in a PCP. But certainly a psychiatrist who is a psychopharmacologist would understand the interactions best. I hope this person got the cymbalta from a psychiatrist and NOT a PCP. With that other med... the migraine one... I don't see any problems with that and as you said... in lots of cases the benefits far outweigh the side effects which don't happen in all people. I think this person is saying they already had migraines and not that the cymbalta was causing migraines. Is that the way you read the question, too???
Any way... good, clear response and gave you the old THUMBS UP!!!
Mary
Thanks Mary! Have a wonderful weekend!
Lisa
I am enjoying every moment of it, Lisa, and I hope you have a fabulous weekend yourself!