Taking Gabapentin and Cymbalta together for pain and stiffness

Posted by boisvert @boisvert, Dec 23, 2024

I’ve been on Gabapentin for over a year now. It works well for managing severe pain and I have better mobility. I have Syringomyelia as well as Fibromyalgia. However, I still have terrible stiffness and fatigue. My PCP wants me to try adding Cymbalta and then eventually it will replace Gabapentin. I’m hesitant because I haven’t had any weird side effects on Gabapentin and it’s been around for decades where Cymbalta has not. It seems like all these medications don’t take the pain and stiffness away completely anyway. I’d love to hear others experiences with these drugs before I consider adding it to see if it’s even worth it.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Fibromyalgia Support Group.

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Dec 23, 2024

@boisvert Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I don’t have any info on using gaba and cymbalta at the same time so I can’t help you but I know many of our members will probably answer tomorrow.
I’m so glad you found MCC and have already asked a good question. Welcome!

sharronm | @sharronm | Dec 24, 2024

I have severe FIBRO. I use Cymbalta 60mg bid and it really helps! I do have some breakthrough times when I have to use Oxycodine. Good luck to you!! 💕

sandyh387 | @sandyh387 | Dec 26, 2024

I have taken Cymbalta 120 mgs once a day for over a year for Fibromyalgia. No major side effect. I do still get days of extreme fatigue so can’t says I think it would be worth a switch?

sheilat | @sheilat | Dec 26, 2024

I just don't think a High mg of Cymbalta can be good for us for a long length of time. I'm wanting to get off of it. I'm down to 10 mg but I have been on it for a very long time. Not easy to come off Cymbalta at all. It has messed with my serotonin for far too long.
You definitely have to TAPER.
NO GOING COLD TURKEY 🙁

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 26, 2024

@boisvert Hi, I have been using 90mg daily of Cymbalta for several years without side effects for pain. Gabapentin was never helpful for me. My husband uses it and has had to increase gabapentin dosage as his tolerance builds, where once I found my correct dose of Cymbalta, it's been steady.

As far as long-term safety, it has been around for 20 years and I have at least one friend who has used it nearly that long. There are no reports of long-term risks, although there a re a few things that interact with it.
That said, after you are on it if you need to switch, there is a slow taper to get off.

fibrogirl61 | @fibrogirl61 | Dec 31, 2024

I have taken 90 mg of Duloxatine for over 5 years. But I am now so tired and fatigued. They suggested starting Gabapentin 300 a day for a week than adding another 300 2nd week , 300 more 3rd week to help with fatigue. Can than go up to 1200. Anyone doing this and how is it working? Thank you