Savella: Dosage, Uses, Interactions and Side Effects
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Siva Anoop Yella, Psychiatry
Savella is a prescription medicine mainly used to manage fibromyalgia, a condition that causes widespread muscle pain and fatigue. Savella tablet improves mood, sleep, and physical function by affecting certain chemicals in the brain linked to pain and mood, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.
Savella is not an antidepressant, but it works in a similar way. It is usually taken as tablets and prescribed in gradually increasing doses. Always take Savella under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Savella tablet is a prescription medicine used to treat fibromyalgia. It is the first-choice medication for this condition. You can take these tablets with or without food, but you must follow a strict schedule, which can be perplexing in the first month.
Savella treats pain caused by fibromyalgia, which affects muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissue support. This medicine is a Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) that helps restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).
Savella (milnacipran) works by balancing two brain chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters help control how the brain senses pain and regulates mood. By increasing their levels, Savella helps reduce the pain signals in fibromyalgia and improves energy levels. It does not affect hormones directly but influences how the nervous system processes pain.
The usual starting dose is 12.5 mg once on the first day, then gradually increased to 50 mg twice a day. Follow your doctor's guidance strictly.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's close to the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose.
An overdose may cause symptoms like high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or seizures. Seek emergency medical help immediately if an overdose is suspected.
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Get Second OpinionSavella causes side effects because it alters levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters affect not only pain perception but also heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and mood.
Before using Savella:
Savella may interact with other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as antidepressants, migraine drugs (like triptans), or certain painkillers (like tramadol). These combinations can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome a serious condition. Caution is also advised when used with blood pressure medications, as Savella can affect heart rate and blood pressure.
Herbal supplements like St. John's Wort or dietary products that influence mood or energy may also lead to unwanted interactions. Always inform your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take.
Store Savella at room temperature, ideally between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), in a dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep it in its original packaging to protect it from light and humidity.
Improper storage may reduce the effectiveness of the medication or cause it to degrade. Avoid storing it in the bathroom or places with high heat or moisture. Expired or damaged tablets should not be used and must be disposed of properly.
| Property | Savella | Cymbalta |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Treats fibromyalgia | Improves mood and relieves various types of pain |
| Conditions Treated | Pain related to fibromyalgia (muscles, tendons, ligaments, soft tissue) | Depression, anxiety, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, chronic muscle pain, urinary incontinence (women) |
| Availability | Brand name only; high copay | Available as a generic |

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040-68334455Savella has not been linked to either weight gain or weight loss in clinical trials. In clinical trials, patients who took Savella lost an average of 1.76 pounds compared to patients who took a placebo who lost an average of 0.44 pounds.
Stopping Savella too soon, as with other drugs in its class (SNRIs and SSRIs), can cause withdrawal symptoms. Rather than stopping immediately, the healthcare provider will work with you to gradually reduce your dosage. Savella is a non-narcotic pain reliever that does not induce addiction.
Milnacipran (Savella) can help people with fibromyalgia feel less tired. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain that lasts for at least three months.
Savella is a potent serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is close to some antidepressants and other psychiatric medications.
Savella isn’t a pain reliever, and it doesn’t work right away. It’s important to remember to take Savella early and with food. Take it twice a day, at 5 a.m. and 2 a.m. (for seven weeks). It can cause headaches and nausea if not taken properly.
Common side effects include nausea, headache, constipation, drowsiness, tiredness, weakness, and dizziness.
Savella is an antidepressant that belongs to the Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors class of medicines (SNRI).
Savella takes about 10 to 14 days to start working.
If you suddenly stop taking Savella, you can experience withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, headache, ringing in your ears, and sleep issues.
If you take Savella with food, you may find it more tolerable. Common side effects include headache, constipation, dizziness, insomnia, hot flush, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), vomiting, palpitations, elevated heart rate, dry mouth, and hypertension.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.