Tapentadol and Headaches: What Users Say

• Pea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2019

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "Nucynta is the worst! I've suffered from chronic pain for years and have tried many different pain meds. Long-acting, short-acting, brand, generic, tabs, caps, patch, etc., but nothing I've tried has ever made me feel as lousy as Nucynta! Nausea, fatigue, dizziness, headache, and achy. It didn't suppress my pain the way I had expected it to considering it cost $1,071.69 for 120 tabs! Thank goodness my deductible was met so it cost me $0, but I'm feeling some kind of way about my insurance paying this much money for something so useless and ineffective! I feel a refund is in order! I'd much rather go back to my Percocet 10 mg × 4/day, which was way more effective and less expensive! If you're prescribed this drug and are unable to tolerate it, be sure to have a standby available! Plus, this drug is not readily available at any pharmacy and has to be ordered. A prior authorization from the insurance is required, and there is no generic equivalent. Kudos to those Nucynta IR provides even minimal relief, and congrats to those it actually works well for!"

• jga...
• April 2, 2010

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "I have only been taking Nucynta for about a week. It was prescribed to me for severe pain caused by nerve regeneration in my lumbar and sacral joints. I have been very close to being completely pain-free thanks to my doctor's willingness to try this medicine. The only drawbacks I've had were pounding headaches the first couple of days. Through God's help and the right medicines, I'm feeling much better."

• ROB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2016

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "Pain doc just switched me to Nucynta ER 150 mg - twice daily... after making the rounds of other meds. I was on 4 mg Dilaudid before this - morphine, oxycodone - all losing some of their effect after a while; but they ALL worked better than this tapentadol stuff. I am a cancer survivor with a host of other conditions - arthritis, carpal tunnel, cervical neuropathy, and lower back pain. Not only is it having no effect on the pain - I can't sleep - have a pounding headache and now can't urinate at all (enlarged prostate). Don't like this med at all..."

• Hor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2016

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "I was put on this medication and taken off hydromorphone. It was horrible! I was given 50 mg three times a day. I had hot flashes, restless leg syndrome, headaches, and blurred vision. The blurred vision was so bad it was making me dizzy. It also made me so weak and washed-out feeling that I could hardly make it through the day. I went back to my pain doctor to complain about this medication, and she put me back on the hydromorphone, which was working perfectly in the first place!"

• Mta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2018

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "I was taking 15 mg oxycodone and 15 mg OxyContin ER. My doctor just switched my meds to Belbuca film and 75 mcg Nucynta ER, which is outrageous! My insurance company doesn’t pay for it! $100 for 14 days of it! Neither of the meds work, they make me very tired, dizzy, and have headaches. The doctor said I wouldn’t have withdrawals, but that’s a lie. I have zero pain relief! Complete waste of money! It has more bad side effects than good things about it! Especially when you read on it, and that’s what it first says. Please be careful."

• Bet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 3, 2012

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "I was having pretty severe post-surgical pain. OxyContin gave me a pounding headache and caused depression and insomnia. Tramadol did not help. I started taking Nucynta 50 mg yesterday. I must say, on a scale of 1 to 10, my pain is now a negative 10! When it wears off, it's pretty sharp and uncomfortable. I take 1 50 mg tab every 4-6 hours. The doctor said I can take 2 pills, but I haven't needed to. I recommend this for anyone who has issues with the usual pain medicines. I have also been drinking prune juice because it does have a constipation effect."

• Kyl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2017

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "I've been taking Nucynta 100 mgs twice a day and 50 mgs of the IR three times a day. Before that, I was taking Percocet 10/325 4/day and OxyContin 20 mgs just at night. The first day of taking Nucynta, I had a headache, probably from the norepinephrine. However, today it has been nothing but great. I have a bad back, which it helps tremendously (as did the Percocet), but I also have severe neuropathy in my calf and right foot. For those, Percocet didn't help too much. As far as pain relief goes, it has been excellent. In fact, for the first time in literally 5 years, I only had to take 2 of the instant release instead of 3 that I'm prescribed. It definitely is a unique opioid, though. I think it's great, though!"

• Jam...
• January 4, 2017

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "Was put on Nucynta 100 mg every six hours for a two week trial after 60 mg of morphine long-term use and tolerance. I have had major hot flashes, headaches, nausea. At first, I thought maybe the conversation wasn't done correctly, but this medicine just flat out does not work for me at all. I woke up with night sweats, had to go to the bathroom and couldn't go. I'd rather go back on the morphine and adjust the dosage up. They can have this drug."

• Luk...
• September 1, 2018

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "I wanted to take this medication to replace a stronger narcotic I was on. I have a list of problems, but I was taking this for CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) specifically. I was very excited to try this drug, I thought I was choosing the lesser of evils by going with this. The pharmacist was very concerned when I picked it up and insisted that I get a Narcan shot for accidental overdose. I eagerly got up early the next morning to see if this stuff worked. I didn't take another medication that day because the pharmacist scared the hell out of me. I started to feel it and was immediately disappointed by its analgesic properties. It helped with the nerve pain a little. About a half hour went by, and I started to shake uncontrollably. I got a horrible headache. My vision was so blurred I couldn't see the letters on my keyboard. I thought I would try it a couple more times, thinking these side effects would improve, but they just got worse. My heart started to palpitate, so I threw in the towel."

• vel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2012

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "I was prescribed Nucynta 100 mg IR and 150 mg ER. I have been taking Oxycodone 10 mg and tramadol for breakthrough pain. I was on Percocet but developed resistance, and then my PM doctor added the Nucynta. Nucynta is excellent as it took most of my pain away. The bad part of it is that the Nucynta made me nauseous, gave me headaches, and made me feel wired. I also experienced palpitations and anxiety. Nucynta worked really well, it's just the side effects outweighed the pain relief. Anyone else have the same reactions?"

• TN ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2016

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "After 10 years of a combination of treatments that included fentanyl 100 mcg every 72 hrs and dilaudid 2 mg 4x prn daily with injections, facet, and nerve block. I was diagnosed with MS in early 2014 on top of a major back injury and a decade of chronic pain. I moved to a different state and was taken off these meds without taper, so I not only went through withdrawal but was sent into an MS relapse. I was put on Nucynta and was experiencing major headaches, disorientation, flushing, dizziness, and more. After my husband thought maybe my blood pressure was elevated, I took my blood pressure and discovered it was dangerously low, 75/35! When between doses, my readings were normal at 110/72, but no more than 15 minutes after it dropped again!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2012

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "First off, I want to say that if you take this medication and it's expensive, even with the insurance, go directly to Nucynta's official site. They have a coupon you can print and use up to 14 times a calendar year that you will only pay less for the prescription. I actually very much like this medication. I have been on and off narcotics like Vicodin and Percocet for years, and this worked just as well for me. I had a couple headaches the first week, but not as many now. Right now, I only take 50 mg, but I think that the 75 mg may be more efficient, so I'm going to ask my PM doctor about it next time I go. But overall, this has been a lifesaver for me."

• rag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2017

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "I have chronic pain from a defective knee implant, which is scheduled to be revised in a few months. The pain was successfully managed with Opana ER/IR. Because the FDA forced the manufacturer to remove Opana from the market, my pain management doctor switched me to Nucynta 200 mg twice daily. Within a few days, I started to experience severe side effects - constipation, nausea, stomach pain, headache, confusion, lightheadedness, inability to think clearly, joint and muscle pain, restlessness, insomnia. And the pain was only about 50% controlled. After 5 days, my doctor switched me to the fentanyl patch. Within a few days, all of the side effects went away, and my pain is much better controlled. In my opinion, Nucynta is a terrible drug."

• Ugh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2017

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "I was prescribed Nucynta, 75 mg, for chronic pain. I was instructed to stop tramadol, 300 mg XR, and take Nucynta instead. Doc said I would not experience withdrawal symptoms because the two drugs are in the same family. I’ve been taking it for five days and have experienced these side effects: nausea, headache, frequent urination, shakiness, feelings of worthlessness, fever and chills, irritability, diarrhea, occasional dizziness, withdrawal symptoms, stomach upset, and no difference in pain levels. Is this normal?"

• L2a...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

Nucynta ER (tapentadol) for Pain "After having a benign brain tumor removed, I began suffering from horrible headaches and seizures. I fell and fractured 5 ribs and collapsed my lung. That’s when I was diagnosed with cluster headaches. I have tried so many different medications and treatments, nerve blocks, infusions, and ablation. My pain management doctor started me on Nucynta ER 250 2x daily, and when I have breakthrough pain, I have 2-50 mg I can take to manage the pain. It’s tolerable, and I do not wake up in agony anymore. I also use Emgality, a migraine medication, monthly. The combination of medications is working better than anything else. The only thing I can say is this medication is the most expensive medication I have ever paid for. I wonder what people with no insurance would do."

• Bro...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 15, 2016

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "I have severe IC. This is the only med that my urologist will prescribe for my 9/10 pain. I take 50 mg 3x/day. It does lower the pain level to a 1/2. However, I get headaches and just a bit 'foggy.' All things considered, though, I cannot function with the pain, so I have to tolerate these side effects in order to live a 'normal' life. Norco did work better, but my MD will no longer prescribe that due to addiction possibilities."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2020

For Pain "Tapentadol was a lifesaver for me when I had a constant, chronic severe headache as a side effect of my first TAC chemo treatment for breast cancer. I had already told my oncologist if I could not find help with this pain, then I would not continue chemotherapy. I went to see my pain management doctor, and he prescribed this medication because my previous medication was not working. This totally eradicated the headache as a side effect, and I completed my chemo yesterday. Thank you for this drug!"

• moh...
• January 26, 2010

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "It did not work at all. Its cost was $107, and that was with insurance. It caused the worst headache I have ever had in 20 years. I was sent home from work, so I lost pay and then the $250.00 for the cost of my Imitrex injections for the migraine it caused. I was prescribed it for the pain in my shoulder after a SLAP repair was done."

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2019

For Pain "Saw the new Pain Specialist last week as my Dr. wanted to add breakthrough meds to my Oxycontin ER 35 mgs t.d.s. (3 times a day) as I've just had avascular necrosis of the left femoral head diagnosed, which increased the pain I already have from other conditions. The Pain Specialist didn't want to add breakthrough meds and instead gave me a script for tapentadol ER 50 mgs to take twice a day. The first tablet did nothing except add extreme nausea to the pain. I developed an awful headache and racing pulse, flushed face, stomach upset, and other awful side effects. I ended up gradually adding more 50 mg tablets, and there was no pain relief even at 400 mgs. Over the following days, I experienced withdrawal symptoms from Oxycontin and awful effects from tapentadol. It was useless for my pain! I'm returning to my Dr. to resume Oxycontin ER."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2012

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "I was put on 100 mg of Nucynta ER for facial nerve pain. I have found that it doesn't work that well for my pain, and it causes intense headaches and fatigue. I have also experienced auditory hallucinations at night or when daydreaming when fatigued. Just some really weird side effects and increased insomnia. I still find more relief from low-dose oxycodone for breakthrough pain, but like to limit the number of times a week I have to use it. I find the pain relief to be mild to moderate at best, and with a lot more side effects than the oxycodone, but everyone reacts differently. If you had any side effects at all when trying Tramadol, be cautious, in my experience (with Nucynta), the side effects were the same but more intense."

• Anonymous
• May 9, 2012

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "I'm a 47-year-old female and was born with spina bifida, also, my spinal cord is tethered. I have scoliosis as well. I don't even remember a day of not being in pain. I have been on just about all the typical narcotic medications. In June 2011, I finally had to quit my job after 24 years because of the severe pain. My family doctor prescribed Nucynta until I can get an appointment with PM. I've been on Nucynta for 3 days, and even though the pain relief seems better than any of the other medications, the side effects are making me evaluate whether to stay on it or not. I've been getting waves of nausea, headaches, dizziness, and feeling as if I am overheated. I'm going to keep taking it and hope that the side effects will subside."

• gol...
• December 13, 2010

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "My doctor wanted to try me on Nucynta for my sciatica pain since ibuprofen and Ultram did not work very well. I tried one dose Friday night, 75 mg, and woke up Saturday morning with a horrible headache. Then, an hour or so upon getting out of bed, it turned into the worst headache of my life and then I had nausea and vomiting with it. I wound up having to go to urgent care, and they gave me a shot of Toradol for the headache and a shot of Phenergan for the nausea and vomiting. I finally felt better after a while. These side effects were too horrible for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2012

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "My doctor prescribed it when I developed an allergy to another medicine. After the first day brought no relief at all, I called and was told that the medicine would take 3-5 days to work. Well, it's day 8 now, and absolutely no pain relief. I did get a really nasty headache."

• Wil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2019

For Pain "I have been taking OxyContin for over 10 years, 60 mg a day. Tried tapentadol over a six-month period. Caused sleep problems, chest pain, severe headaches, red face, pain in legs, and very little pain relief, 300 mg a day. Did not work for me, so going back to the OxyContin."

• lke...
• April 3, 2012

Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain "I live in Ireland, coming from the States. I've had 2 lumbar discectomies, which both left me with the same intense pain, have osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. I have noticed a difference being only on them for a week. My pain is far from being gone but knocks it down to about a 5, where I can meditate and relax and not lay in bed or on the sofa waiting for night to come to go to bed. I am hoping with more time, this will be a Godsend since I am allergic to 99% of the medicine here. The only negative is I get a mild headache, but fingers crossed!"