Savella & Fibromyalgia

Savella, the brand name of the drug milnacipran, has been approved in the in the United States for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is an inflammatory disease that affects the ligaments and soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system, which causes severe pain and fatigue.

Overview of Savella

• The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Savella in January 2009. Savella is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Doctors generally use SNRIs to treat depression and other psychiatric disorders. However, the FDA has yet to approve Savella for this use.

Potential Benefits

• Clinical research studies show many patients with fibromyalgia have seen an improvement in their symptoms within one week of beginning treatment with Savella. In several studies, clinical participants demonstrated a decrease in pain levels and an increase in daily function.

Possible Side Effects

• Some fibromyalgia patients taking SNRIs, like Savella, have experienced the following side-effects: thoughts about suicide or dying, irritability, attempts to commit suicide, acting aggressive, being angry or violent, new or worse depression, acting on dangerous impulses, new or increased anxiety, an extreme increase in activity and talking, feeling very agitated or restless (mania), panic attacks and trouble sleeping (insomnia). Patients should tell their doctors about any sudden or unexpected changes in mood after beginning to take Savella.

Who Should Not Take Savella

• Persons who have recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or who have uncontrolled glaucoma should not take Savella. There should be caution if the fibromyalgia patient has high blood pressure, heart disease, liver or kidney problems, a history of mania or seizures, or bleeding disorder.

Warnings

• To date, serious side effects of Savella appear to be rare. Signs of a serious reaction to Savella include high fever, rigid muscles, shaking, confusion or rapid changes in heart rate and blood pressure. As with any new medication, call your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms or changes in behavior after beginning the new treatment.