Before we get to the medication I need to remind you...
For this installment, I have chosen Savella GENERIC NAME(S): MILNACIPRAN HCL
Uses: Milnacipran is used to treat pain caused by a condition called fibromyalgia that affects the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and supporting tissues.
**Please read this information carefully** If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Savella GENERIC NAME(S): MILNACIPRAN HCL
Uses: Milnacipran is used to treat pain caused by a condition called fibromyalgia that affects the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and supporting tissues.
**Please read this information carefully** If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
Savella GENERIC NAME(S): MILNACIPRAN HCL
Uses
Milnacipran is used to treat pain caused by a condition called fibromyalgia that affects the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and supporting tissues.
This medication is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).
How to use Savella Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using milnacipran and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 2 times a day or as directed by your doctor. If you have nausea, it may help to take this medication with food.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.
If this medication has been used regularly for a long time, withdrawal symptoms (such as mood swings, headache, tiredness, sleep changes, and brief feelings similar to electric shock) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, dizziness, increased sweating, headache, or hot flashes (flushing) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/pounding heartbeat, changes in sexual ability, decreased interest in sex, painful/difficult urination, seizures, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, black/bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, easy bruising/bleeding.
This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Savella Side Effects List Savella side effects by likelihood and severity.
The following side effects are associated with Savella:
Common side effects of Savella: ·
Chronic Trouble Sleeping Less Severe
· Dizzy Less Severe
· Dry Mouth Less Severe
· Excessive Sweating Less Severe
· Feel Like Throwing UpLess Severe
· Head Pain Less Severe
· Heart Throbbing or PoundingLess Severe
· High Blood PressureLess Severe
· Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel MovementsLess Severe
· Temporary Redness of Face and Neck Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of Savella: ·
Blurred Vision Less Severe
· Chills Less Severe
· Difficult or Painful Urination Less Severe
· Fast Heartbeat Less Severe
· Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
· Loss of Appetite Less Severe
· Migraine Headache Less Severe
· Problem with Ejaculation Less Severe
· Rash Less Severe
· Stomach Cramps Less Severe
· Throwing Up Less Severe
· Weight Loss Less Severe
Rare side effects of Savella: ·
Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe
· Acute Kidney Disease Severe
· Angle-Closure Glaucoma caused by Another Disease Severe
· Decreased Blood Platelets Severe
· Decreased Neutrophils a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
· Decreased White Blood Cells Severe
· Erythema Multiforme Severe
· Extremely High Blood Pressure Severe
· Fluid Retention in the Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands Severe
· Hallucination Severe
· Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe
· Hemorrhage Severe
· Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin Severe
· Hepatitis Severe
· Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood Severe
· Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Severe
· Parkinson Symptoms Severe
· Seizures Severe
· Serious Muscle Damage that may Lead to Kidney Failure Severe
· Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction Severe
· Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe
· Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Severe
· Thoughts of Hurting or Killing Others Severe
· Aggressive Behavior Less Severe
· Altered Interest in Having Sexual Intercourse Less Severe
· Cannot Empty Bladder Less Severe
· Delirium Less Severe
· Depression Less Severe
· Diarrhea Less Severe
· Dilated Pupil Less Severe
· Discharge of Milk in Men or Women when Not Breastfeeding Less Severe
· Drowsiness Less Severe
· Easily Angered or Annoyed Less Severe
· Fever Less Severe
· Gas Less Severe
· Inability to have an Erection Less Severe
· Increased Levels of Prolactin in the BloodLess Severe
· Indigestion Less Severe
· Low Energy Less Severe
· Night Sweats Less Severe
· Nosebleed Less Severe
· Swelling of the Abdomen Less Severe
· Taste Problems Less Severe
· Trouble Breathing Less Severe
· Urinary Tract InfectionLess Severe
Precautions
Before taking milnacipran, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to levomilnacipran; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, alcohol use, glaucoma (narrow-angle), personal or family history of psychiatric disorders (such as bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), personal or family history of suicide attempts, high blood pressure, heart problems (such as chest pain, heart attack, fast/irregular heartbeat), seizure disorder, severe loss of body water (dehydration), stomach/intestinal ulcers, mineral imbalance (low level of sodium in the blood), painful/difficult urination (for example, due to enlarged prostate).
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Drinking alcohol can also increase your risk of liver problems.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for mineral imbalance (low level of sodium in the blood) while using this drug, especially if they are also taking "water pills" (diuretics) with this medication.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor promptly.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide), drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (such as "blood thinners" including warfarin/heparin, anti-platelet drugs including clopidogrel).
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and at least 5 days after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) that may increase your risk for bleeding if taken together with this drug. Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, other SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tryptophan, among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.
Milnacipran is very similar to levomilnacipran. Do not use medications containing levomilnacipran while using milnacipran.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: confusion, severe drowsiness/dizziness.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, heart rate, liver function) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised April 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.
Uses
Milnacipran is used to treat pain caused by a condition called fibromyalgia that affects the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and supporting tissues.
This medication is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).
How to use Savella Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using milnacipran and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 2 times a day or as directed by your doctor. If you have nausea, it may help to take this medication with food.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.
If this medication has been used regularly for a long time, withdrawal symptoms (such as mood swings, headache, tiredness, sleep changes, and brief feelings similar to electric shock) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, dizziness, increased sweating, headache, or hot flashes (flushing) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/pounding heartbeat, changes in sexual ability, decreased interest in sex, painful/difficult urination, seizures, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, black/bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, easy bruising/bleeding.
This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Savella Side Effects List Savella side effects by likelihood and severity.
The following side effects are associated with Savella:
Common side effects of Savella: ·
Chronic Trouble Sleeping Less Severe
· Dizzy Less Severe
· Dry Mouth Less Severe
· Excessive Sweating Less Severe
· Feel Like Throwing UpLess Severe
· Head Pain Less Severe
· Heart Throbbing or PoundingLess Severe
· High Blood PressureLess Severe
· Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel MovementsLess Severe
· Temporary Redness of Face and Neck Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of Savella: ·
Blurred Vision Less Severe
· Chills Less Severe
· Difficult or Painful Urination Less Severe
· Fast Heartbeat Less Severe
· Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
· Loss of Appetite Less Severe
· Migraine Headache Less Severe
· Problem with Ejaculation Less Severe
· Rash Less Severe
· Stomach Cramps Less Severe
· Throwing Up Less Severe
· Weight Loss Less Severe
Rare side effects of Savella: ·
Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe
· Acute Kidney Disease Severe
· Angle-Closure Glaucoma caused by Another Disease Severe
· Decreased Blood Platelets Severe
· Decreased Neutrophils a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
· Decreased White Blood Cells Severe
· Erythema Multiforme Severe
· Extremely High Blood Pressure Severe
· Fluid Retention in the Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands Severe
· Hallucination Severe
· Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe
· Hemorrhage Severe
· Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin Severe
· Hepatitis Severe
· Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood Severe
· Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Severe
· Parkinson Symptoms Severe
· Seizures Severe
· Serious Muscle Damage that may Lead to Kidney Failure Severe
· Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction Severe
· Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe
· Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Severe
· Thoughts of Hurting or Killing Others Severe
· Aggressive Behavior Less Severe
· Altered Interest in Having Sexual Intercourse Less Severe
· Cannot Empty Bladder Less Severe
· Delirium Less Severe
· Depression Less Severe
· Diarrhea Less Severe
· Dilated Pupil Less Severe
· Discharge of Milk in Men or Women when Not Breastfeeding Less Severe
· Drowsiness Less Severe
· Easily Angered or Annoyed Less Severe
· Fever Less Severe
· Gas Less Severe
· Inability to have an Erection Less Severe
· Increased Levels of Prolactin in the BloodLess Severe
· Indigestion Less Severe
· Low Energy Less Severe
· Night Sweats Less Severe
· Nosebleed Less Severe
· Swelling of the Abdomen Less Severe
· Taste Problems Less Severe
· Trouble Breathing Less Severe
· Urinary Tract InfectionLess Severe
Precautions
Before taking milnacipran, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to levomilnacipran; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, alcohol use, glaucoma (narrow-angle), personal or family history of psychiatric disorders (such as bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), personal or family history of suicide attempts, high blood pressure, heart problems (such as chest pain, heart attack, fast/irregular heartbeat), seizure disorder, severe loss of body water (dehydration), stomach/intestinal ulcers, mineral imbalance (low level of sodium in the blood), painful/difficult urination (for example, due to enlarged prostate).
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Drinking alcohol can also increase your risk of liver problems.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for mineral imbalance (low level of sodium in the blood) while using this drug, especially if they are also taking "water pills" (diuretics) with this medication.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor promptly.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide), drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (such as "blood thinners" including warfarin/heparin, anti-platelet drugs including clopidogrel).
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and at least 5 days after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) that may increase your risk for bleeding if taken together with this drug. Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, other SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tryptophan, among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.
Milnacipran is very similar to levomilnacipran. Do not use medications containing levomilnacipran while using milnacipran.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: confusion, severe drowsiness/dizziness.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, heart rate, liver function) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised April 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.
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