Savella (Milnacipran) helps affect certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters that help stop the movement of pain signals in the brain. An abnormality in these chemicals is thought to be related to fibromyalgia. Milnacipran is used to treat fibromyalgia (a long-lasting condition that may cause pain, muscle stiffness and tenderness, tiredness, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Milnacipran belongs to class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Savella (Milnacipran) helps affect certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters that help stop the movement of pain signals in the brain. An abnormality in these chemicals is thought to be related to fibromyalgia. Milnacipran is used to treat fibromyalgia (a long-lasting condition that may cause pain, muscle stiffness and tenderness, tiredness, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Milnacipran belongs to class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Milnacipran may help control the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but will not cure it. Do not stop taking milnacipran without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking milnacipran, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as mood changes, irritability, agitation, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, anxiety, confusion, headache, tiredness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, ringing in the ears, abnormal excitement, or seizures. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

Before taking milnacipran, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin, NSAIDs, or a blood thinner. Milnacipran may increase your risk of bleeding problems when taken together with these medicines. Make sure your doctor knows about all the other medicines you are using. Avoid taking alcohol while you are using this medicine. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

This medicine may cause some people to become less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Milnacipran may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• vomiting 
• constipation
• stomach pain
• weight loss
• dry mouth
• feeling of extreme facial warmth and/or redness
• headache
• blurred vision
• decreased sexual desire or ability
• pain or swelling of the testicles
• difficulty urinating
• rash
• itching

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
• confusion
• difficulty concentrating
• memory problems
• sweating or fever
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• severe muscle stiffness
• weakness
• unsteady walking that may cause falling
• seizures
• fainting
• coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)
• slowed or stopped breathing
• fast or pounding heartbeat
• difficulty breathing
• extreme tiredness
• lack of energy
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• flu-like symptoms
• black and tarry stools
• red blood in stools
• bloody vomit
• vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• nosebleeds
• tiny red spots directly under the skin

Milnacipran may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if overdose is suspected.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, and slow breathing (breathing may stop).

Where should I keep my medicine?

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What other drugs will affect Savella?

Using Savella with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with milnacipran, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.