Increased Migraines/Vertigo with Gabapentin?

Posted , 2 users are following.

For the last 4 years I have gone down with vertigo/vestibular migraines about 2x a year. I started taking 100mg of Gabapentin for numbness in my hands at night several months ago. Since then, I've had 4 bouts of vertigo and migraines. More in 4 months than in 2 years. Wondering if the Gabapentin could be contributing. I am going to go off of it and hope for the best.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    No - Ive just been prescribed gabapentin for my 24/7 vertigo migraine that Ive had for 3 1/2 years.  Its a well known drug to stop it.  I would say something else has caused it. But then its almost impossible to fnd out what does cause these things.

     

    • Posted

      When did you start taking the Gabapentin? Apparently it hasn't helped? I just am trying to figure out why I am getting them more often, and it's interesting that they increased shortly after starting the Gabapentin.

      After the vertigo episode which lasts only a few minutes I then get nauseated and am sick for 10 days. The ENT Specialist I went to for help shrugged his shoulders and basically said nothing he could do.

  • Posted

    Ive had my vestibular migraine now for 3 1/2 years.  The GP and all ENTs were useless.  I had a million tests - all didnt know whats wrong, had MRI all came back OK and blood tests etc.  They told me the same, then I said my jaw hurt and cheek and they sent me to a neurologist having seen a neuro surgeon for my neck.  The neuro said he knew instantly what it was - Migraine associated vertigo.  I was relieved as I thought I had MS.  I also went to Migraine Clinic in Harley st and they said the same.  I def had all the symptoms.  After that I was sent to a headache specialist clinic at Salford Royal in Manchester and saw another neuro.  He went thru it all and they are right Ive def got it.  Have got text book symptoms.  Ive had about 9 diff meds - some helped some didnt, some had side effects - but Im on third round of botox via NHS.  My headaches have almost gone.  Not quite.  I am very sensitive to light and sound as well as weird jumpy eyes, dizzy all the time, on occasions I have the classic normal migraine, splitting headache thing.  But the rest of the time I have weird headstuff going on, scalp very sensitive, its called alodynia, cant go in shops cos of lights, jaw pain, teeth pain.  Its actually called silent migraine because I dont have the splitting headache all the time.  Started gabapentin having had a rest from drugs for a year.  Started it two weeks ago.  I have seen an improvement.  Fingers crossed.  You need a referral to a neuro.  ENTs are useless.
    • Posted

      I went to a neurologist too. I am wondering if it has to do with hormones. Going to a,holistic MD soon.

      Where did they inject the Botox?

    • Posted

      I came off HRT just before this started.  Im sure hormones to play a part.  The botox is all round your hairline top of head round the sides to the back of your head.  Its not painful.  First time I had no side effects but after the second lot my head felt tight for a couple of weeks. 
  • Posted

    Forgot to say, different things work for different people.  Maybe the gabapentin isnt for you but there are other meds out there you can try till you find the right one.  Go on facebook to Vestibular Migraines - there are a lot of us on there and we chat constantly.  You will probably get more of an idea from that website.  Good luck. 

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