I was given Duloxetine by a physio for severe sciatica and took it for around 8 weeks. No side effects at all and didn't do me any good either so I stopped taking it. Just nothing. Never had any kind of effects when I stopped either. She said it was supposed to be one of the most successful types of meds for long term pain.

Similar with Gabapentin, again nothing. Then Amitriptyline which caused headaches. Then tried me on Pregabalin and that was awful, I was dropping things and my legs were like rubber soon as I started it. Horrible.

These type of meds didn't work for me but we are all differen, one of them could help you. I'd at least try them and see how you get on.

I ended up having to take Tramadol and then Morphine which are great painkillers at first but your body gets used to them and they become far less effective over time. I wouldn't consider them a long term solution. Even if you up the dose to compensate you'll end up itching like hell as well as appetite loss and constipation. Use them very sparingly if you have to go down that road.