Herbal Spotlight
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 Taking milnacipran (Savella)
Dear Patient,
Your health care provider has prescribed milnacipran to treat your fibromyalgia. This drug affects the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. This action is thought to improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The brand name of this drug is Savella.
How you'll take milnacipran
Take this drug by mouth once or twice daily, as prescribed. You may take it with or without food.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, just skip the missed dose. Don't try to make up doses.
What to do about side effects
Notify your health care provider if you experience side effects to this medication.
Common: constipation, dizziness, headache, flushing, insomnia, nausea.
Less common: abdominal discomfort, anxiety, blurred vision, chest pain, chills, decreased appetite, depression, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, fever, headache, high blood pressure, indigestion, irritability, itching, night sweats, palpitations, rapid heart rate, rash, seizures, sexual problems, shortness of breath, sleepiness, swelling, tremor, vomiting, weight loss.
What you must know about other medications
and alcohol
Serious problems may occur if you combine this drug with other drugs, especially MAO inhibitors (other antidepressants that alter serotonin level). You may experience increased bleeding if you take milnacipran with aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, or warfarin (Coumadin). You could experience blood pressure changes if you take milnacipran with digoxin (Lanoxin) or clonidine (Catapres). You may also experience increased mental changes with alcohol. Tell any health care provider who takes care of you that you're taking this drug.
Special directions
- Don't stop taking this drug if you're running out of it or feeling better. Contact your health care provider for a refill; the drug shouldn't be stopped suddenly. The drug needs to be discontinued slowly.
- Don't drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- Your health care provider may monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and various blood test results while you're on this drug.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while on this drug.
Keep in mind
- There's a risk of suicidal thoughts, especially when starting the drug or adjusting the dose. Be alert for these thoughts. Call your health care provider if you experience such thoughts or increased depression or anxiety.
- It isn't known how this drug could affect an unborn baby. You should use contraceptive measures while you're taking this drug. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, consult with your health care provider.
- It isn't known how this drug affects a nursing baby. Another method of feeding the baby should be used.
- Notify your health care provider if you develop suicidal thoughts, mood or behavioral changes, irritability, rash, shortness of breath, increased bleeding, hallucinations, fever, or seizures.
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