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Conditions > Fibromyalgia > Fibromyalgia Treatment > Savella Approved for Fibromyalgia
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Savella Approved for Fibromyalgia

By Mary Anne Dunkin

1/14/09 People with fibromyalgia whose symptoms don’t respond well to current therapies will soon have a new drug option. In January 2009 the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, approved milnacipran HCl (Savella) to help manage the pain and fatigue associated with this disorder.

Milnacipran becomes the third drug to be approved by the FDA for fibromyalgia. It is the first drug to be newly introduced into the United States specifically for use in fibromyalgia, says Daniel Clauw, MD, professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

In the studies that led to its approval, milnacipran was shown to be safe and effective in two phase-3 studies involving more than 2,000 people living with fibromyalgia. In the studies, dosages of 100 milligrams (mg) per day and 200 mg per day demonstrated significant improvements in pain, patient global assessment and physical function. The most common adverse reaction to the drug was nausea. Other common side effects were constipation, dry mouth, excessive sweating, hot flushes, hypertension, increased heart rate and palpitations, and vomiting.

Milnacipran belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Although it’s still not clear exactly how these drugs work, some researchers believe they may help to correct abnormalities in certain brain neurotransmitters may be central to this pain disorder.

“Savella has been approved as an antidepressant for some time in many countries, but not in the United States,” says Dr. Clauw who was hired by Cypress Biosciences (now the U.S. licensor of milnacipran) to identify a safe, existing drug that had a profile that should make it effective in fibromyalgia. Dr. Clauw is also a member of Arthritis Today’s medical advisory board.

While milnacipran has not been tested head to head with other antidepressants, Dr. Clauw says there is evidence to suggest it may be more effective against the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia than other antidepressants, including other selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.

“Many animal and other studies suggest this drug may have – relative to serotonin – more norepinephrine reuptake properties,” says Dr. Clauw. “Many scientists feel that norepinephrine may be a more important neurotransmitter to modulate in chronic pain states than serotonin.”

“Norepinephrine activity may also better able to relieve symptoms such as fatigue and memory difficulties,” he says. “We won't really know if these effects seen in animal studies really translate into better improvement in these symptoms until further testing is performed.”

But other experts believe caution is warranted for this and other fibromyalgia drugs.

“The problem with most treatments for fibromyalgia is that they tend to work well in the short term,” says Frederick Wolfe, MD, Director of the National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases in Wichita, Kan. “These drugs have not been shown to be effective in the long run.”

Janet
28 Dec 2011, 15:42
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2006 after a rear-end auto accident. First came headaches, then ringing in ears, then what I later learned is called "fibro fog." Not a good thing for a college professor of history & geography! My fatigue & memory problems led to an early retirement, which of course led to depression. To make matters worse, there was not a doctor in my town who really & truly knew how to deal with fibro patients. In early 2009, I found a rheumatologist in Dallas who said, "I see patients like you all day long." "Hallelujah!" I replied. He began a period of experimentation with various drugs. He took me off most of those that had been prescribed by my family doctor. He replaced the Cymbalta (which wasn't working at all) with Lyrica. He did warn me about weight gain, which I have experienced. He gave me tramadol for the pain. I had Requip for severe RLS. He prescribed Provigil for the fog & fatigue. He gave Savella for the underlying pain & other problems associated with fibro. He had me experiment with the dosage. I appreciated that he told me exactly what to expect, & that he allowed me to feel my way through finding a dosage I could tolerate. In the end, we came up with a mixture that might seem extreme to some, but which works beautifully for me! My symptoms are almost gone; when I overdo it, I pay the price. Depending on what I want to do, sometimes I think it's worth it, & I just plan for about 3 days of recuperation. :) Here's my plan: Savella, 75 mg twice daily (yes, I need food beforehand); Lyrica, 150 mg twice daily (my family doc just changed me to the older Neurontin 600 mg twice daily -- we'll see); Requip, 1-2 mg 2 hrs before bedtime; Provigil, 200 mg, 1-2 each morning (I take one only); and SAVELLA, 74 mg twice daily. Whew! Yes, I hate taking so much medication. (I also have meds for thyroid, high blood pressure, cholesterol - they all work, so I'll keep taking them). I have blood work done every 3 months, & will change if necessary. But this regimen has worked wonders for me!! It was the addition of the SAVELLA that made the most difference for me, so I am a true fan! I wouldn't expect everyone to tolerate it, or to find the relief that I did, but that is true of every pill that goes into our mouths, isn't it? If it doesn't work, ditch it! There IS ONE major side effect that comes from my meds. I don't know if it's the Savella, or if its the combination of Savella, Lyrica, Provigil, & Neurontin. I SWEAT majorly!! It is almost impossible for me to do anything, or go anywhere, with a dry head. :) I take hand towels in the car to try to dry myself off before I meet friends or go into a store. And shopping is the pits! Of course, there's an alternate way -- the internet is great! I had to give up cross stitch because I'm too shaky (NOT from meds, was one of my early symptoms). But I've replaced it with crochet (have to do large items; can't use small thread). I've also begun to do photo books online & to do scrapbooking, both of which I absolutely love! I would SO love to get back into teaching. If my symptoms remain as mild as they are, I might be able to try one class of adjunct teaching, preferably an online class. I'm crossing my fingers, because I miss my classroom so very much! That's the only reason for my early depression, but I've finally become pretty reconciled to not being there. I love to read, & I have both a Nook & a Kindle Fire. Love the Kindle, because I can also play Sudoku on the touch screen without becoming too tired. (had had to stop that, too, because holding both a book & a pencil was too exhausting) Why am I writing ALL of this? Because I know that there is hope for us. We have to experiment, we have to adjust, we have to change our lifestyles, we have to change just about everything about our lives. Yes, it sucks. But there ARE alternatives out there. I'm blessed with the greatest husband in the world; and yes, I know there are many of those who help us fibro patients with much patience. Just hang in there!! And fight for the treatments you deserve! Stand up to your doctors, or walk away from them if necessary. There ARE caring docs out there; they're hard to find, but keep on til you find the right ones for you. Find new fun things to do. Experiment there also. You never know what will get you excited & involved in life again! Love to all of you!
paul
26 Nov 2011, 00:19
I have been living with horrific disabling Allodynia for 15 years, which is a type of pain in which changes in weather and certain clothes create a horrible burning pain on my arms, legs, face, and neck. I also have auto-immune disease including RA, Lupus, Sjogrens, Ryanoids, Ulcerated Colitis, and fatigue. Immuno suppressive drugs have helped (I take Enbra along with Methotrexate which is a type of chemo). However, it is the Allodynia which cripples me. Can't wear clothes, take a shower, shave, or even have a sheet on my leg without horrific nightmarish burning pain. It's like living in Hell. I also get sever migraines with vertigo which always leads to vomiting. I was told that the migraines/vertigo and Allodynia were connected. I was given sumatriptan which really helped for the migraines, and Savella for the Allodynia (it is actually approved for Allodynia which is somewhat like neuropathy, but much much worse). I've been on Savella for two months, and am now at 100 mg per day (50 X 2 tablets twice a day). There is absolutely no improvement, but plenty of side effects. I sweat so bad, especially on my face, that my hair gets damp. My heart palpitates to the point where I can not sleep. It always feels like a heart attack is approaching. I have prostate problems, and can not urinate although I feel that I must. I don't know what to say other than Savella is advertised as "proven effective treatment for Allodynia." I am living proof that such a claim is FALSE! Savella has done nothing for me, except make me poorer, make my heart race, and my head sweat.
I'm ready to call it quits, both with Savella and life. Is there anyone out there who can help someone like me end it all. I can't go on any more. The pain, the bankruptcy, the loneliness, that are caused by these pernicious diseases are killing me. Is there a doctor that can administer a lethal dose of something? Do I need to kill someone so the state can legally execute me? PLEASE HELP!!!!!
Carmen
08 Nov 2011, 21:08
I just turn 45 yes old I was diagnose with fibormyalgia in my late 20. being so young and energetic I didn't think much of the pain. I suffer with lots of knee pain being that I was a hairdresser I had o choice in ignoring the pain advil was my friend I took them as candy to relieve pain. I didn't understand what I was diagnosis with was so serious til my late 30. I moved to Florida and my first really bad flare up was on my birthday that I had to go to the er. My fingers where twice the size the doctors said my sedrate was so high they thought I had Lupus I staffers to go to a rymatologist I was on remicade, lyric,cymbalta, savella, anti depression pills and nothin seems to relieve my pain I have no insurance now and have had my ankle and feet so swollen for about a month ohhh I was also taking predozone, also a shot call cymzia still didn't get releive with the pedozone I gained so much weight and the pain was tolerable. On lyrica and cymbalta I committed suicide ... I never ever thought of suicide just don't remember too much when it happen. I have been to the mental health clinic because still having suicidal thought and was put on more antidepressant pills I think it help I just felt out of space and stop going right now I'm in so much pain and taking Tylenol for pain on a daily basis the pain subsides to be able to work. It's so hard to get up in the mornings and my neck is so stiff I feel so old . When I get home from work I just wanna shower and go to sleep my energy level is so bad even at work I'm dragging . Reading everyone article show me I'm not alone. I just want to be pain free that's all.....
Ami
25 Oct 2011, 20:17

I have had fibromyalgia since the late 70's early 80's. I have had the whole trip with fibromyalgis, been insulted by a myriad of doctors who wouldn't have a cup of coffee with me or you, taken every drug possible:zoloft seratonin, paxil,tramadol, amatriptaline, methadone,effexor, cymbalta,neuronton, and currently hydrocodone. I am still in pain, numbness crawls all over me, even my face, fibro fog, memory loss, loss of balance, insomnia, restless leg syndrom that is unbelieveable. I even have sever muscle jerking in my core muscles that punch me from within. Even though every doctor I see tells me that I have the sorst fibro they have ever seen they soon tire of treating me. I have gone from a young vital woman in my 30's to an old woman with this disease. Faith in God has been my main stay and kept me from suicide. I have wanted to die so badly at times to excape the pain, but my Christian beliefs kept me from doing so. I pray. I pray for God to develop the good things within me that He wants to see. He has pulled me out of the depths and mentally I am doing better and keep plugging on. I keep busy with jewelry making, water color, and Chinese ink drawing, and sewing. Staying busy takes me away from the consciousness of the pain. I think they call that transcending pain. Ha! what difference does that make. Fancy word. Warm water, my heating pad and sombra lotion are my helpers. God is constantly my companion and confidant. My little dog, Giz, is a blessing, and my husband has really hung in there with me even though I am sure at times he would have loved to have run.
Longevity runs in my family. My grandmother lived to be 98, and many of my aunts are in their 90's. I try not to look at the future because of this, because I can't stand the thought of living another thirty or so years with this disease, but I will if I have to. I believe that God will make me able to do so. Even though talking about fibromyalgia is depressing I want to give all of you hope. None of know what good thing can happen tomorrow. Maybe a cure. Maybe a new friend. Maybe the why of it all explained.
Things that I am personally interested is reversing muscle memory, microcurrent therapy, and new medications whose side effects aren't worse that the disease. I am open to good results, and am living today the very best that I can. That's all that I can do.
My love, empathy, and companion to all of you who are suffering fibromyalgia. I truly care about all of you, and hope for a better, painless tomorrow for all of us. Ami
Cathe
06 Sep 2011, 11:38
I used to take Amitriptilline which i think is in the same class as this new medicine. The problem for me was that I gained 30 lbs even though I worked out 5-6 days a week. I have degenreative arthritis that has progressed to a point that I am sure I couldnt keep up that schedule any more. Is there a concern about weight gain with the new meds? I tried Lyrica and it caused swelling almost like an allergic reaction. Always looking for new info Thanks
JJ
12 Jul 2011, 14:48
Frau: Savella has been doing well for me, but I've been taking it for the past two months. Yes I had trouble sleeping at night and still do sometimes. But I had that before the Savella too. You HAVE TO EAT something with this drug. It can upset your stomache and my pharmacist suggested that I eat some small thing BEFORE I take it. Also if you are going to an acupuncturist who is giving you pain, then he/she isn't doing it right.

Go to a new one. A lot of Chiropractic offices are now working in tandem with Acupuncturists and Massage Therapists (no I don't mean the Swedish massage types either). When I lost my massage therapis is when I started going downhill. I haven't found a replacement yet and the slide is a slippery one in that it is affecting my work now too.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Keep plugging away, hugs & good luck!!
Frau
27 Jun 2011, 10:44
I am new to savella (on my 5th day). My doc had me titrate off the tramadol first, and it was a very painful and long process. I seem to be extra sensitive to medications like these. Am wondering if others had trouble sleeping when starting on savella? Also, seems to be affecting my stomach (extreem nausea and burping)??? Also, having some headaches, which is rare for me. I so want to believe this drug is going to work for me, as I am so tired of hurting and feeling so depressed! Still recovering from back fusion surgery and now they are looking at my neck, as my arms and hands have been going numb. I have spinal stenosis and a family history of neck and back surgeries galore. Fear I am in for the same, but want to put off as long as I can. Hanging on to my faith in God and trusting that He will see me through!
Peggy!
26 Jun 2011, 18:50
I was diagnosed w/FMS/Chronic Fatigue in 1990 and have had two major flare-ups that required extended bed rest: in 1990 when I was first diagnosed, I had to rest for 10 weeks (was prescribed Foli tabs (iron and folic acid) and prozac). After 10 weeks of sleep, I was able to return to work, but didn't feel like participating in my life for a full 2 years. Then in 2003, I had a flare-up that required 6 weeks of rest; again, I took Foli tabs but no anti-depressant. Since 2003, I've had manageable pain cycles (using Flexeril for muscle cramps as needed and ibuprofen for pain). And then I got hit in the rear last November, which started me on an incredible cycle of pain that may prove to be my undoing yet. I work full time PLUS, and I'm happily married to the most supportive husband around, and I feel like I've tried everything, from bioidentical hormone replacement (very expense and worked 3 months), to all the typical FMS meds (Cymbalta, Lyrica, Neurotin; Ambien for sleep; Zoloft for restfulness; there are others but they don't come to mind right now) and none of these has worked. I have not tried Savella, maybe it's next... I did chiropractic (he just hurt me too much); I can't even think about accupuncture, I'm already in too much pain as it is. Like many of you, I go to bed and my legs and feet start hurting and I can't sleep. I wish a cure for us all.... or at least some kind of pain relief.
jeanne walters 54
23 Jun 2011, 15:14
i suffered with fibo and osteoarthitus for many years. took lots of different drugs short term help only then it didnt help no more. went to 2 different chiropractors then i found one that had a seminar. he used so tiny weights on my upper neck and i didnt have pain for 3 days. i then went to him for treatment on my mengia [neck] something like that it was done quite frequently now i am going everymonth for maintanence i hardly have any pain for over a year now. i still have osteoarthitus in my joints which hurts but usually not that bad i need to lose weight and that will help.
susan s
18 Apr 2011, 09:09
Is Hypothroidism,a hx of Lyme disease and a dx of Epstien Barr all precusors for Fibromyalgia? Who should I see to get a correct diagnosis and treatment plan?
I am very interested in utilizing a non-drug approach and have already incorporated a healthy diet, exercise daily and stress reducing mechanisms. I have constant fatique and wake up exhausted everyday. My muscles aches increase with stress and are mostly in my legs.
Thanks,
SS
JJ
15 Apr 2011, 11:52
To Diane D - 17 Feb 2011, 00:47
OMG I am so sorry you had to suffer like that. Ask your general practitioner for Savella. Realize that while you cannot stop that place from existing, you can take a stand. Do it online.

I understand the way you were feeling. I have probably a dozen different prescps I have to take for this and that, that are working against me with Fibro & Osteoarthritis. I have Meniere's - am losing my hearing - have a Thyroid problem, just had 16 inches of my colon removed last fall.

Keep the faith all. It won't take away your pain, but it will help you continue to be you.

They are threatening to foreclose on my house because of the surgery last year - I had to be out of work for 4 months - so faith is just about all that is sustaining my husband and me right now. We can't afford to always buy the freshest / get all of the massages / acupuncture / etc. BUT - my pain meds are affordable right now.

I am 51 years old this year and i hurt. Does anyone have a problem with their feet? First, my toes are numb to the balls of my feet. The sides of my feet are numb too. The arch and heel of my feet are in a constant state of extreme pain. I don't know what to do.

Good luck to everyone JJ
Diane White
05 Apr 2011, 14:52
I have been living with fibro all my life. No one knew it then but I was constantly in the docs offiice for one thing or the other, bowel problems extreme back pain, migraines up to 3 a week. I would wake up and have a part of me hurt so bad, that I couldnt use it. But of course had'nt done anything to be that way,I have always been tired and taken naps even in high school. I FINALLY was diagnosed when I was 40. I did't want to live like this for the rest of my life. But life goes on and so do I. I have tried Lyrica it didnt work and I hated the nausa. Cymbalta helped alot but was'nt covered by insurance. I have tried morphine patches,lydacaine patches and am now on morphine 3 times a day and vicadan for in between. I had to fight for disability but finally got it. To sleep I take 200mg amyitripillne, 2 somma, 1 morphine, and have added clanazapam which lets me get a good night sleep. I wa just told by my doc that working out, walking is NOT to be done He recommends stretching instead. hoping to feel better soon.
Debbie
05 Apr 2011, 11:55
I have had FM for 10 years. I also have chronic pancratitus, hyrpothyroid, and bulging disc in my lower back that caused added pain in my lower back and down my leg to my foot. Had injection(VERY PAINFUL)in my spine to ease the pain and it helped for about 3 weeks, have had pain blocks for my pancreas(injection via down the throat to the spine to block nerves from telling my brain I have pain) once in 3-10 and then 9-10, then the back one in 3-11. So I have puffed up from all the steriods or prednazone or cortazone, not sure what any of it was and don't feel any better. I am on a lot of pain meds and would love to get off them and have a live and a memory---I want to dance and walk and have fun! Just turned 60 so Please God, just little bit.
Jackie French
01 Mar 2011, 09:50
I have had fibromyalgia for almost 20 years. I have tried all the approved drugs for Fibro, including Savella. All have failed. I will just keep trying. All I want is to have my life back, but at this point it seems impossible. But like any drug, it works for some and not for others. I say try it and see. You never know.
Diane D
17 Feb 2011, 00:47
I just started Savella tonight! I am hoping and praying it will help because, right now, and for a number of years, I havent had a life! I had been d'xd with FMS a VERY long time ago (in the 1980's) by a VERY forward-thinking rheumy doctor (a female of course!). I just turned (OMG) 60 years (very) old and really didnt want to live a lot longer! I have taken just about everything ever prescribed for Fibro and am currently on heavy duty pain meds. I tried, a few years ago, to get off ALL pain meds - I wanted to see exactly how many things are hurting! At that time I was taking the pain-killer from hell---oxycontin! I searched, online, for a place to de-tox that would address not only the dependency on pain meds, but would address the "chronic-pain" aspect of ME! Well--I traveled all the way from Brooklyn NY to a place outside of Chicago that promised just that! Well--I was SO deceived by this "hospital" which turned out to be a detox for street-addicted addicts and court-ordered alcoholics! I was left in a bed for days, with hardly anything to eat or drink (since patients were supposed to go to the "kitchen" for meals and I was getting so weak I couldnt walk to the kitchen! No TV--no radio--broken-down beds and the most musty smelling place! 2 shower stalls for women with ripped curtains---and the ONLY meds they gave me for detox was 3 days of a muscle-relaxer (which I cant recall right now!). I was taking SO MUCH pain meds before I went there--I ended up in agony! I NEVER saw a pain doctor--and the only doctor I did see saw me for 5 minutes in the morning! When I started voicing my concerns he told me I just was "drug-seeking" and refused to give me anything! I had planned (and packed) to stay at that wretched place for between 30-90 days---and after 10 days getting worse and worse I FINALLY convinced family that I wasnt running--but if I didnt get out of there I would die in that old smelly bed! I WALKED into this place (that I thought would be the start of my new life!) and had to be wheel-chaired out and had to have wheel-chairs at the airport because the muscles in my legs had gotten so weak that I couldnt stand on them! OK---if anyone would like any info on this horrible place pls contact me at painprncis@aol.com! I tried suing them but could Not get a lawyer in IL to represent me since the burden of proof of malpractice is so high in that state! This place still advertises on the net---and I am helpless to stop them! Since coming home I have had nothing but more problems and most of them concern being able to walk! Days without food and hardly anything to drink left me almost dead! So--good luck to ALL of us who will try to find "the answer" anyplace we can! I wish everyone here gentle hugs and peaceful nights! Diane from Brooklyn NY 11224
Jill Bowman
23 Nov 2010, 10:26
I was diagnosed with Fibro 2 years ago but cant take Lyrica or really anything except Norco for pain. I am waiting on a Liver and listed at University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Do you think this is something I could take or would it do more harm to my liver like the others ?
Thank You,
Jill Bowman
Sharon
10 Nov 2010, 14:48
I have had fibro over 25 years. I have never had hope until I read so many great posts about Savella. I am on my 7th week and I feel no better at all. I usually do not get my hopes up but this time I did so now I am feeling pretty down. I think my doctor will up the dose later this month . Has anyone not had help taking 100mg a day for seven weeks but gotten help when the dose was increased? If so I would love to hear your experience. Thank You.
Cathy
02 Nov 2010, 23:16
Thank ou guys for suggesting this I am going to make an appointment to see my Dr. to see about trying Savella. I have been on so much different medication that I don't where to start the pain get worse every day I just turned 55 and I feel like I am 75 I now have fbiro all over my body and yes it does spread. At first my arms felt like to bones were going to explode. I am just so tired that I need some relief and I am looking forward to trying Savella if my Dr will write it for me.

Thanks for the Info
Cathy
Nicole
21 Oct 2010, 18:14
I am 35 years and was officially diagnosed with FMS 15 years ago (after experiencing symptoms for five years without a diagnosis).

I am currenly on a regime of Tramadol and Cymbalta. I have tried Lyrica, Vicodin, Darvocet, NSAIDs, Flexeril, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Paxil, Amitryptaline, Nortryptaline, and I can't remember what else!

I have been on the current regime for the past year. It definitely helps. Without it, I could not get up at all. With it, I am able to get up after about three hours of gentle stretching and mental excercise. I am a single parent of three children, so giving in to this illness is simply not an option. In the meantime, though, I developed OA. . .but am now wondering if I may have RA. I have symptoms of Sjorens Syndrome, and Thyroid issues. Having FMS for so long, it is difficult to get my doctors to look past this diagnosis at the newer symptoms I am experiencing (the joints in my hands, wrists and feet are especially stiff-swollen and painful now). My other joints are stiff, crackly and hurt - but I think that is probably the OA. With the grace of God, and Affirmative Action, I am able to maintain employment on a modified schedule (I come in 10:00 a.m. ish instead of 8:00 a.m.). I am sooooo blessed that this has worked out for me. Every day is a challenge to get up and get movin - but I have my three little kiddos to inspire me. I thank God each and every day I make it to a standing position and make it to work (conveniently located 30 seconds from home- and at the school where my children attend).

It is HARD - but giving up is simply not an option! The most challenging part is getting people to understand that what I experience is REAL, and that I am not lazy or apathetic. I honestly do the best I can. I don't know how much longer my co-workers will tolerate my schedule, but until then, I try to make the most of each and every day. Empathy (not sympathy) does wonders. Generally, I feel better when I get to work. Without it, I think I would be too inclined to give in to the pain and fatigue and immobilize.

I am too stubborn to give up- I research and pray, and try to remain positive. I don't want my children to develop sympathy pains or a "woe is me" attitude!

I've also tried B12 injections (and sublingual) for energy - unfortunately rely on caffeine to help boost me in the morning (I know, I know - I've TRIED going without it - but no improvement). Of course diet is really important, and even mild exercise. I stretch a lot. My body looks and feels like a workout 24/7 because my muscles are so hard. The reality is that my muscles are always sooooo tight and injure easily.

Also, I TRY not to be totaly self-absorbed. . that is, focus on the needs of others. I can't do much, but sometimes just offering a smile, compliment, or an ear - can be of service to others.

By focusing more on making other people smile and less on feeling sorry for myself, I think I've managed to make the best of a bad situation. . . at least as of the moment ;-)
Rose
19 Oct 2010, 11:46
I have had fibromyalgia for over 30 years. Of course at first the Drs. didn't know what I had. I have been on cymbalta, stopped taking it about 2 years ago as it was not helping me. I am now on 50 mg. of Lyrica & 50 mg. of Savella. I still have alot of achiness in my legs, neck & shoulders & lower back. I also take wellbuteron for depression & darvacet for pain. Sure would like to start feeling like my old self again. Please pray for me also, as I am praying for all of you.
kathy polkus
05 Oct 2010, 15:49
I was diagnosed with FMS 5 yrs ago I also have ,OA,I have digentative bones, spinal stenois, migranes and cluster headaches.I have had 27 operations and 3 yet to go.
When I exercise I feel so much worse I do some every day hoping it will help.
I have to say when I first was diagnosed with FMS, it was mostly in my arms and back. I really thought I had bone cancer. I now have it through out my body. I don't sleep well my memory is getting bad,depression is always there. I have tried cymbalta, lyrica didnt have much relief and didnt like how I felt.I tried Savella a while ago had some relief then very little.I am on Opana which is a long term pain relever and percocet for break through, and Cymbalta . Most days It is tollerble other days I don't want to do this any more. If anyone has some better answers or help please give us all some answers. I'm way to young too young as I am sure alot of you are. Thanks for any ideas. Going to try Yoga and Ti chia. Kathy AZ
nancy
08 Sep 2010, 09:25
I love Savella and feel like I have my life back again. I was in extreme pain and thought my osteoarthritis was galloping thru my other joints, not sleeping, fatigue, etc. Nope, just the fibro taking a real bad turn 13 years after my first diagnosis. Anyone who says this condition doesn't progress is nuts, it does and can get worse, a lot worse. I went from achy neck and shoulders occasionally with bad sleep, to severe full body pain that woke me up at night years after my initial diagnosis. Savella is turning that around after years of trying this and that to improve my sleep and occasional pain. Lyrica and Cymbalta didn't work for me.
Cheryl A. Rampone
30 Aug 2010, 18:24
To Joan in Alabama and all Fibro sufferers, My prays are with each of you. I too have Fibro for many years and I know what it does to ones life. But just try not to do too much in one day, try to nap if you can, and try to remove yourself from your body and picture yourself somewhere breath-taking!!!
Good Luck and God Bless everyone of you!
Cheryl AZ
Taia Frohman
27 Aug 2010, 19:30
I have had fibro for 12 years as well as osteogenisis imperfecta and osteoporosis. I take pain killers, zoloft, wellbutrin, amitriptlyine. I had tried Cymbalta and was very nauseated. Finally, my rhemetologist put me on Savella. What a wonderful change. I have more energy and a feeling of well being, even though I still have to deal with the pain there is a remarkable difference in things that I do now and am able to do much more of my chores and activities. Ask your doctor about it.....it helps me greatly !
Lauren
17 Aug 2010, 10:21
I have fibro and a bunch of other stuff. Would recommend water aerobics if you have a place near you. Really helps me.
joan
14 Aug 2010, 19:45
Reading the comments has helped me plead my case with insurance about covering Savella. After I took sample for a week and took prescription in it was not covered. I have tried Lyrica and Cymbalta and now use Lexapro. Have severe back issue(no surgery) plus fibro. Have gotten off my exercise pattern over the summer due to grandchildren and visits so am feeling really bad. Like to hear comments and encouragements! Prayers for us all. Joan in Alabama
Nancy
10 Jul 2010, 04:56
For Diane:

How long have you been taking this medicine?
Jackie Fontes
06 Jul 2010, 11:00
I found it almost killed me--at the lowest dose--12.5mg.
3 months later I am still flushing and heart rate out of control.
Thank God I have an exceptional Cardiologist!
Claudia
03 Jun 2010, 23:19
Thanks for your remarks about Savella. I hadn't heard of it.I have Fibro, severe arthritis in my thumb joints, and have lousy nights. I take EffexforXR, Vicodone, celebrex, and clonasapan(sp)but still have no relief from pain. I will do research on Savella and talk to my doctor about it. Thanks guy, all we can do is keep trying and hanging in there!
Ana Salcedo
03 Jun 2010, 14:59
Is there a generic for this drug?
Tonie
02 Jun 2010, 17:32
Michele:
Are you still taking this med ? I have been on Cymbalta for 4 years and it has not really done anything. Helped at first, but now not so much. I am getting off it and then we are going to try this one. I have RA, OA, FMS, and vertigo. The pain and depression really get me because I still work full time and well, let's just say my workplace is not the ideal place for stress relief. I asked about Savella yesterday when I went in and told him I cant take it anymore I had read on here that you guys were having good results with it. SOmething has to work. So we are going to use this plus some other options and see what helps. In the meanitme Remember me in your prayers. That always works wonders.
Diane
26 May 2010, 12:35
I am 51 years old, I went through a really roough time in my 30's. I was diagnosed with arthritis, bursitis, fibromyalgia,vertigo and diabeties, with all those complications (high blood pressure,cholestrol, etc. in short I was falling apart. I have tried about 10 diferent drugs from generic to name brand stuff. My doctor told me the "Good News" his patients had with Savella. YEA RIGHT!!!!! Well I'm a gluton for punishment.
He gave me several trial packs. I started real slow and worked my way up to 100mg. AND HERE I AM WRITING TO TELL YOU HOW HAPPY I AM. I never have been enthused so much about a product that I want to write about it. No I am not 100% free of pain, but I have such improvement I am now moving and doing so much more than what I was trying to do.I actually feel human. Whoever reads this, please give it a shot. Afterall, all we can do is keep trying.
Louise
04 May 2010, 09:29
I have been on savella for several months and I take it in the morning and one in the night time. I also take cymbalta and the combination of both medications has helped me tremendiously. I was in so much pain and since taking both I have gotten much relief. My doctor called the company that makes both to see if it could take both medications and they said it would be fine as long as I get bloodwork done at least every three months. I can't tell you how much better I feel taking both. It helps my fibromyalgia and also my depression. I also take Voltarin for my arthritis and the combination of all really makes a difference in my quality of life.
maritza
04 May 2010, 09:29
i am currently taking savella and at this time i still not feeling any better i take 50mg in morninig and 50 at night i am in constant pain i cant sleep i used cymbolta also did work for a little then all have started again these medication are so expensive i dont have insurance and just dont know what else to do i hurt all the time its hard to get out off bed in the morning still what can i do these meds dont work on me
Michele Craig
08 Apr 2010, 18:32
I was part of the clinical trials for Savella, and I have to say, that this medication saved my life. I had Lyme disease (treated and was then diagnosed with fibromyalgia). Before I began taking the Savella, I was taking a huge bag of medications. I was in constant pain, had reactions to several antidepressants, and really felt life was not worth living anymore. Pain medications didn't seem to work for as pain would break through and I was so fatigued, couldn't think, and had to give up my teaching job.

During the study, I took 200 mg of Savella, I now take Savella (100 mg a day in two doses), tramadol for pain, and ambien CR for sleep. The Savella definitely helps with the fatigue, depression and pain. On 200 mg. I found that it disturbed my sleep if I took it in the pm. In the summer, I can sometimes cut back to 50 mg. a day.

I have been taking it for three years and it still seems to work. It is extremely expensive though, and I have had trouble getting my health insurance to approve it. I would probably take a higher dosage now if I didn't have to pay for it.
Connie Rosenbrock
16 Mar 2010, 13:22
I am currently taking Savella and I love it so far. i just started a trial of it last week. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia a little over 2 years ago. I started my medication regimen with cymbalta and the was absolutely awful for the long term; it caused memory loss and no fatigue relief. Savella seems so far to relive my fatigue by 80% and got my memory back too. I'm bummed a bit to read in the article that its not effective for the long run; but time will tell!

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