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Savella Treatment for Fibromyalgia

In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration approved Savella as a prescription medication to treat symptoms of fibromyalgia. Savella was the first drug introduced in the U.S. specifically for fibromyalgia. Some questions on its safety have been noted since that time, so consult with your doctor before taking this medication.

  1. About Fibromyalgia

    • Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that involves chronic pain, severe fatigue and difficulty concentrating. It affects women more than men and can go into remission for periods where the patient feels much better, though no cure exists.

    Defining Savella

    • Savella, which is also known by the generic name Milnacipran HCl, is in a class of drugs known as norepinephrine reuptake and selective serotonin inhibitors. It had been used in many countries outside the U.S. as an anti-depressant.

    Mechanism

    • In the clinical trials of Savella, fibromyalgia patients reported improvement in their pain, fatigue and memory while taking the medication. Daniel Clauw, a professor of rheumatology who is on the Arthritis Foundation's advisory board, believes norepinenphrine might be important in controlling chronic pain.

    Warnings

    • The most common side effect of Savella treatment for fibromyalgia is nausea. It has been linked to anxiety and even thoughts of suicide, and the FDA has mandated the company label it warning patients of these side effects.

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