New Drug, Savella, for Fibromyalgia and Depression

[nanabillie]

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/milnacipran/AN02019

• Milnacipran (Savella) for fibromyalgia: What makes it different?

Milnacipran (Savella) for fibromyalgia: What makes it different?

How is milnacipran, the new fibromyalgia drug, different from other fibromyalgia medications?

Answer

from Ann Vincent, M.D.



Milnacipran, marketed under the brand name Savella in the United States, is the latest drug to receive Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the management of fibromyalgia. The FDA approved fibromyalgia indications for two other drugs — pregabalin (Lyrica) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) — in 2007 and 2008, respectively.
In clinical trials, milnacipran was significantly better than was placebo at reducing pain and other physical symptoms in study participants who had fibromyalgia and did not also have depression or anxiety.
Outside the United States, milnacipran already has a track record as an antidepressant. It is similar to duloxetine (Cymbalta), in that both drugs increase the supply of serotonin and norepinephrine (chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters) available to your brain. The difference is that milnacipran gives your brain a larger boost in norepinephrine. Neuroscientists refer to this property of milnacipran as "norepinephrine selectivity."
Many studies have demonstrated that pain receptors tend to be hypersensitive in people with fibromyalgia. By exerting a stronger effect on norepinephrine than on serotonin, milnacipran may scale back the brain's exaggerated reaction to neurochemicals associated with painful sensations.
If your doctor prescribes milnacipran for your fibromyalgia symptoms, you'll typically start with a low dose. Then, under your doctor's guidance, you can gradually work up to 100 milligrams (mg) a day, usually in two separate 50 mg doses. The dose can go up to 200 mg a day if your symptoms don't improve.
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[Roamer]

Will it help you, Billie? Have you tried it yet?

[nanabillie]

Sorry I'm just getting back Roamer. I sure hope so. My doctor gave me a month's supply to try. He said for me to stop both of my antidepressants and try this.. My psychiatrist is the one who gives me the antidepressants. That concerned me a little at first, but they are friends, went to college together. I have been on it for three days. He told me to skip over the first 2 1/2 days (5 doses) of 12.5 mg. Then it goes to 25 mg. He said to take that for 2-3 days. Tomorrow I will start on the 50 mg. twice a day. So far so good. At least it didn't make me sick or sleepy.

Lyrica did. I think. I only took if for 2 days and thought that was the problem so I stopped. I was going to suggest trying it again when he told me about Savella. Lyrica has been a God send for my husband who has diabetes. It really helps with the pain in his feet and legs. Expensive if you don't have insurance.
The doctor could not believe I had not heard of it. He said, "You are the one that always knew everything about Fibromyalgia from the internet". I told him yes, but I decided I needed more in my life.

Honestly, at one time the only site and chat rooms I went to were about fibromyalgia. A lady told me that was not good. It took that for me to see she was right. I could right a book about it but there are already hundreds and there is still no cure.
I'll keep you informed about it. If I kick the bucket how about remiinding my family about it. LOL It would never cross their minds.

[animallady]

Thank you for posting this Billie. I'll ask my doctor about it, but I'm afraid to go off of Lyrica. It does help me. I used to awake with a migraine every day, and now it's only occasionally. And the thought of going off of my antidepressants? Scary!!! But still I'm always interested in something new that might be better. Please keep us updated on how you do on this new therapy. I do hope that it gives you great relief and that you see an improvement quickly.

[LiveLaughLuv]

I too am taking Lyrica and haven't heard of this new drug as yet. I'm always afraid to try new drugs for fear of their downsides...

I take Lyrica twice a day 50 mgs each. I feel a slight difference but have widespread pain in my entire back at times. My legs feel heavy, I have trouble walking far. Along with my spinal injuries, spinal cord compression, osetoarthritis of the spine and I have bone spurs that are growing between the discs, what can come out of place if I move wrong. I'm afraid of falling (I've fallen twice outside) in the ice and snow, so winter I hibernate, I hate the cold it hurts my spine...

Surgery won't help due to the severe nerve damage so I'm doomed to have constant and chronic pain for the rest of my life...it gets me down at times but never feel depressed???

Billie, let me know how you think this new drug works. I'll ask my pain mgmt. doc about it...

[F~M]

I'm on Lyrica now, have almost been on it a month. How long did it take you to see improvement, LLL?

I have been on Cymbalta for several years (even before it was approved for fibro). I'm trying to wean myself off of it (doctor suggested it since he started me on Lyrica).

Nana.. if you're on Cymbalta, you have to wean off of it or you'll have bad problems (mine have been dizziness, and just not feeling "right" in my head).

Thanks for the heads up on this thread, Roamer.

Nana.. let us know about the new drug and how it works. My doctor offered me Lyrica or Savella, I just told him to put me on one of them, I didn't care which one. At the time, I had heard of Lyrica and not Savella, so I guess that's why he went with Lyrica.

[nanabillie]

Hey all! I started on my 50 mg this morning. I was taking Welbutrin (300) in the morning and Lexapro (20) at night. My son didn't want me to stop both but I did because that is what the doctor said to do. I asked twice and he said yes. I feel a little queezy this morning but it may be IBS, it has really been acting up. Partly I guess because I get so upset with these computers. I feel like such a failure because I can't post updates, or even new ones. I can copy and paste a link, then copy the article but it won't give paste as an option. I may have to ask someone to do the remote assistance for me. Someone that knows more about things than I do.
I will let you all know about Savella. I hope it works.

[Roamer]

I'm hoping and praying so hard that it works for you, nana,

Try Control and V. Push them both at them same time. Or maybe it's Control C and V at the same time. If one doesn't work, try the other.

[animallady]

You have my prayers and positive thoughts, Nana. And, wouldn't it be wonderful to take one pill instead of two or three. I now take three for Fibro. Did your doctor say how long it would take before you can tell a difference?

[LiveLaughLuv]

Originally Posted by f~M

I'm on Lyrica now, have almost been on it a month. How long did it take you to see improvement, LLL?

I don't truly remember, FM. Matter of fact, I still get the widespread pain and I felt Gabapentin was better for me. I may have to have my dose increased to 3X a day, the same way I take my pain meds. I also go for spinal injections, I get epidurals and facet blocks which usually last about a year. I get them in 3 sets of injections due for one on November 16th..that gives me "cushion" feeling in my spine. I'm a mess and winter takes it's toll on me which is why I'm trying to relocate to a warmer climate. I feel better in the warmth...