cymbalta vs. gabapentin for pcs
 

I am 9 months into my post concussion syndrome - 58 years old. My main problems at this point are multi-tasking, loud sounds, reading, computers, music. I get all wooshy and light headed. If I push it too much then I get some headaches but nothing too bad. This has kept me from working as I work with computers and photography and I can't handle it. My head generally feels heavy and foggy. Also dealing with neck issues that are adding to the problem.

My neurologist is offering me either cymbalta or gabapentin and I am hoping to hear back from others who have had experiences with these drugs. Weighing out the side affects with their usefulness.

Really appreciate any feedback. thanks!

Interesting option of meds. Gabapentin is an anti-convulsant that is sometimes used for neuropathic pain. Cymbalta is an SNRI anti-depressant.

I've been taking gabapentin for 15 years but do not see any benefits for symptoms like you mention.

It is an easy med for most with minimal risk of side-effects. It would be simple to try to see if you get any benefit.

Before trying the Cymbalta with its side-effects, I'd suggest reading the Vitamins sticky at the top and getting on a brain nutrition regimen. You could add 5-HTP and even L-Theanine. They are more natural at addressing some of the same symptoms as an SSRI or SNRI.

What are you doing to avoid the triggers you mentioned ?

Thanks for your reply. In answer to your question, if I keep my environment controlled, and only read and/or use computer in 40 minute increments, I seem to be ok. As soon as I try to get out in the world, or start to multi-task at home, I begin to feel bad. Sound is particularly difficult.

I currently take a strong B complex and Magnesium Oxide specifically for my concussion. I just started sleep apnea treatment which isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Ah. Sleep apnea makes PCS miserable. Been there, done that. Still struggling with sleep apnea but usually successfully.

It will be helpful if you add B-12 and D-3. And, mag citrate or any mag but mag oxide would be better.

Multi-tasking is something that should be avoided. Science has shown that multi-tasking is a strain on a healthy brain. Juggling tasks in the mind is a recipe for trouble.

Foam ear plugs can help with sound. Mack's brand are good.

Did you stay really tired from gabapentin or is that a temporary side affect?

Thanks for your vitamin ideas. I do already take D3, calcium oxide, 4,000 fish oil, and there is quite a bit of B12 in the complex I have. I will investigate the full list of the vitamins.

Most B Complexes are very low in B-12. There are a couple different kinds of B-Complex. B-50 Complex and B-100 Complex are just B vitamins at 50 or 100 mgs for most and 50 or 100 mcgs for B-12 and some others. 50 or 100 mcgs of B-12 is very low. Most also use cyanocobalamin vs methylcobalamin. Methyl is better.

Super B Complex forms are B vitamins with other vitamins and are also usually low in B-12. They often dose B-12 based on the RDA levels. The RDA levels for B's are almost useless.

Most need 1000 to 2500 mcgs of B-12.

I don't get any tiredness for gabapentin. I was taking 1200 mgs for the first few years but reduced to 900 and now just 600 mgs before bed.

Which B Complex brand are you taking ?

I highly recommend staying away from gabapentin. It has caused a nightmare for me. I'm not sure why so many doctors prescribe it for purposes that it's not intended for.

Hi yv. Also 9 months in here. My dr said meds will not help, and did not give me any. He did say that exercise at post concussive is very good.

Of course, if you are under a Drs care, I would be very careful not to tell you anything different. Maybe where your damage is is different. Every mtbi/concussion is different.

I am doing OK off meds and working out. Sometimes I do take L-theanine and sometimes B vits. And CoQ10. Lots of Vit C , too.

Try to do green drinks a lot. OH and just started high Fish Oil. Will report on that!

Sorry for taking so long to get back. U r right, the B-112 is only 100 mcg. I'll pick up some b12. thanks

Update
 

It has been a while since I've visited this site and I wanted to post an update. I never took the drugs. Just didn't feel right. I am quite a bit better now - with sound being my final frontier. The concussion specialist physical therapist worked with me to fix my reading problems and I am on the computer as often as I like now. I can also work out now with no problems. I recently went on a high fat diet (eat fat, get thin book) and found that my current symptoms greatly improved while on it. I ate saturated fat every day. Apparently the brain is 70% saturated fat and the high fat diet was originally developed to help kids with neurological issues. So, a good reason to eat cheese!

Glad to hear you did not take the Cymbalta or gabapentin. My new neuro just cut my gabapentin to only 300 mgs. She thinks it may be causing part of my memory issues.

Did you start the B-12, D-3 and Magnesium ?

You can also take fish oil capsules for the fat. EPA and DHA are the parts the brain needs. There is also value from Branched Chain Amino Acids, common in pork.

The high fat ketogenic diet used by kids with neuro problems is different than the needs of most with PCS.

but i want cheese
 

Hey, don't take away my excuse for eating cheese! kidding .... Honestly, I did notice a difference while on that diet. So did my spouse. We weren't looking for it but we both noticed a big difference. Wondered if it was coincidence.

I did start with the B12, Magnesium, Fish Oil and D3.

I want to try medical marijuana next but not sure if it helps with my current main symptom which is sound or too much going on around me.