HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Severe Migraine While On Cymbalta And Xanax?

default
Posted on Tue, 17 Jan 2017
Question: I have terrible headaches/migraines/neck pain...every drug suggested by doctors have serious side effects when combined with the two medications I MUST take: Cymbalta and Xanex.. Taking Xanex for 23 years for anxiety and panic attacks. Taking Cymbalta for 6 years for depression and it also helps with my Fibromyalgia. Is there any drug that can be combined safely with the two I must take? I'm 66 year old/female. Please don't tell me to stop Zanex. Been seeing Psychiatrist for 23 yrs to oversee the meds I take and he says I'll most likely be on them for my lifetime. Just came home from seeing my primary care doctor and she suggested Fioricet. I researched it on WebMD and results said NO! " Find alternative". Just another disappointment from uninformed doctor. What are my options?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Both Cymbalta and Xanax are medications which act on the central nervous system. So you must understand that it can be difficult to find drugs like those for migraine which also act on the central nervous system which do not have some potential for interaction.
I do not know whether you've tried them before but if I were to add a medication it would be an anti-epileptics. Some of the most used alternatives would be Gabapentin or Valproic acid. They are used in migraine prevention and can help with your fibromyalgia as well. I am suggesting these drugs for headache prevention, to be taken regularly.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Severe Migraine While On Cymbalta And Xanax?

Brief Answer: Read below. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Both Cymbalta and Xanax are medications which act on the central nervous system. So you must understand that it can be difficult to find drugs like those for migraine which also act on the central nervous system which do not have some potential for interaction. I do not know whether you've tried them before but if I were to add a medication it would be an anti-epileptics. Some of the most used alternatives would be Gabapentin or Valproic acid. They are used in migraine prevention and can help with your fibromyalgia as well. I am suggesting these drugs for headache prevention, to be taken regularly. I remain at your disposal for other questions.