Budesonide / formoterol and Headaches: What Users Say

• bal...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 22, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "Awful! Switched from Advair because of insurance, and I have been sick for 3 months. After labs and tests, etc., I keep getting told it's probably something lingering viral. Headaches, numbness, severe fatigue, pain, etc. Finally, after reading all the reviews and side effects, I realized this was causing my problems. I decided to come off it and pay full price for Advair. Starting to feel better and hope this horrible drug leaves my system soon and didn't cause permanent damage."

• See...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "I’ve had asthma for most of my life and tried many different medications. This one has been one of the worst. I tried both the Turbohaler and the Rapihaler over a period of 3-4 months and found both gave me headaches, muscle aches, nausea, a loud heartbeat, broken sleep, increased anxiety, and some depression. I’ve had success with Pulmicort, so I imagine that it’s the formoterol that is the issue. There is also a contradiction for Symbicort and some antidepressants, so be careful. I won’t be using this again in the future."

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2015

For Asthma, Maintenance "I was able to breathe finally. I had always been out of breath. All day. When I started taking Symbicort, I could breathe. And I would've been able to clean, and play with my kids, go for a walk, exercise. However, I stopped taking it. The side effects were horrible. I was angry, on edge. Worst constant headache ever! It wasn't fair to my family. Waiting to find an alternative."

• Jac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 25, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "I am over 50, and I've started experiencing breathing issues around 5 years ago. It was always during the cold weather or after running. I did my tests, and technically I don't have asthma, but I am on the border. Initially, the doctor prescribed a Ventolin inhaler, but it didn't help at all, and I even felt worse. Then (3 years ago), I was put on Symbicort 200, and I am taking it twice a day with two puffs, and it's very helpful. What a huge difference! Also, I have to say that I haven't experienced any of these side effects mentioned in this blog. My occasional headache is no more than before, I don't have stomach problems, heart problems, sleep problems, or any other health issues. Seriously."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "I was diagnosed with asthma at 19 years old after I got a lung infection. After some months of using Symbicort twice a day, I noticed that it really helped my breathing. It does have some side effects, though. Mine were definitely headaches, which I used to rarely have, dizziness, and tiredness."

• Hat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 29, 2022

For Asthma, Maintenance "My doctor started to refuse my Ventolin, only wanted me to take Symbicort. Have had headaches, and the worst thrush in my throat, which doesn't go away. Tightness also. It's the worst drug I've ever used for my asthma, and my asthma has never been worse while on it."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2016

For Asthma, Maintenance "Given Symbicort inhaler after urgent care sent me to the hospital for severe asthma. Symbicort took forever (2 1/2 weeks) to help, and then, only slightly. Back started aching the 3rd day I was on it. Just figured, at first, it was from trying to sleep in the hospital bed. Head ached, too, though. Joints started aching soon after. Two weeks later, Symbicort seemed to help enough to maybe use the ProAir or nebulizer a couple times less during the day. But still needing it at times. Back/joints/headache continued after all other meds from the hospital discharge finished. Plus, short of breath a lot, with achiness in the upper chest a week or so ago. Stopped Symbicort Sunday night. Now Wednesday, and already feeling better."

• Rob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "I have been on Symbicort 160/4.5, 2 doses twice a day for ten days now. I am actually breathing worse than before I got the Symbicort. I have never heard myself wheeze so badly until the past few days. The thrush is awful. I actually had pieces of my throat come up when I cough. And they were falling off the roof of my mouth. After two days of gargling with salt water, that cleared up and I gargle every time I use the inhaler now. Sinuses only getting mucus-ier. Short of breath and coughing. Headaches are not welcome, and my last complaint is a deal breaker. I just cannot continue this drug because it is causing me to have vaginal bleeding. I NEVER have spotting or breakthrough bleeding, and to have that suddenly occur and see it has happened to other ladies, I will discontinue this drug. Unacceptable."

• CBL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2022

For Asthma, Maintenance "Nightmare. I was on Flovent 2 times daily and Albuterol as needed. I went to see an allergist who suggested I try Symbicort instead. I took the prescribed 2 puffs this morning at 8. My throat and lungs felt hot and irritated. My cough got much worse and my heart was racing and pounding. I had terrible anxiety, trouble focusing my eyes, headaches, and a racing heart all day. It’s now 9:30 at night and still not back to normal. Never, never, never again."

• Bik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2022

"Poison. I was put on this for wheezing chest due to RSV. Could only take it for two days. Severe headaches that Panadol could not reduce. Sinuses and eustachian tubes blocked for a few days. Chest wheezing became much worse, triggered sneezing and cough fits for 30-40 minutes after inhaling, which is what it was prescribed to manage. Wish I looked up the side effects before purchasing."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2020

For Asthma, Maintenance "I'm one of these people who, if there are side effects, I get them in spades. This is true for Symbicort as well. Sure, I can breathe. But the side effects are absolutely not worth it. Unbearably itchy skin. Headaches like migraines. Constipation, then diarrhea. Belching and bloating. Problems urinating. Weight gain. And the clincher? Vaginal bleeding when I went through menopause 6 years ago. Not a good choice for me. Calling my doctor's office first thing tomorrow."

• Str...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2022

For Asthma, Maintenance "I have been using this for a couple of weeks and decided today that I cannot take it anymore - it has caused headaches, bloating, and, worst of all, severe depression. I am a long-term depressive anyway, and I take anti-depressants, but this med has sent me back into a state where I cry uncontrollably for no clear reason and cannot concentrate on my work. I was taking two puffs of 400 mg per day. This morning I did not take it, and during the day I had to use my Ventolin four times. This is not great, but I'm just not prepared to poison myself with Symbicort anymore. E-mailed the manufacturer - nothing back. E-mailed the doctor - still waiting for an answer. Very upset by this whole thing. Going back to Innovair. It's not that effective for me, but I can't be doing with this."