Prescription RequiredSavella can be prescribed for treating the pain in your muscles, tendons and ligaments cause by fibromyalgia. Savella is also known by the generic name Milnacipran and is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that balances your brains neurotransmitters helping to manage the pain caused by fibromyalgia.
Take Savella orally with or without food twice a day. Your dose strength will be decided by your initial diagnosis and how you respond to the treatment. In some cases your doctor may decide to have you start on a low dose and work your way up to an optimal dose to your treat your condition.
Before taking Savella speak with your doctor regarding known allergies as there are ingredients that could induce an allergic reaction. Speak with your doctor about prior medical conditions relating to heart disease, kidney or liver disease, seizures, problems with water loss problems, difficult urinating, high blood pressure, and any mood disorders. Disclose any medications and supplements to ensure there are no interactions while taking Savella.
You may feel dizzy, drowsy or have blurred vision. Do not operate heavy machinery or drive a vehicle until you know it is safe to do so. Avoid alcohol and cannabis as they can exasperate the dizzying effects. Speak with your doctor about the acceptable limits of these substances.
Long term use of Savella could create withdrawal effects like mood swings, headache, lethargy, problems sleeping, or brief feelings of electric shock. To help reduce withdrawal symptoms your doctor will instruct you to reduce the dose when it makes sense for your treatment.
Some side effects can include:
nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, bloating, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling, increased sweating, headache, hot flashes (flushing), swelling in your hands or feet, sleep problems (insomnia), weight changes, decreased sex drive, impotence, difficulty having an orgasm
More serious effects can also include:
fast or pounding heartbeat, painful or difficult urination, seizures, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, severe stomach or abdominal pain, black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, easy bruising or bleeding
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for help managing any side effects that become too severe during your treatment with Savella. If you experience any serious side effects contact your doctor for additional medical treatment.
Q: Can I take Savella while pregnant?
A: You should consult your doctor to discuss the risk involved with taking Savella while pregnant. This medication can pass into the breast milk of a nursing mother. It is recommended to consult with your doctor before using this medication while breast feeding.
Q: How should I store Savella?
A: This should be stored at room temperature away from children and pets. Never dispose this medication in wastewater. If you are unsure of how to safely dispose unwanted or expired medications speak with your local pharmacist for disposal options.
Q: What if I miss a dose?
A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your missed does is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose to avoid double dosing.
