SAVELLA (MILNACIPRAN HCL)

Savella Description

Have you finally been given a name for why you have chronic fatigue, trouble sleeping, muscle tenderness, and pain? Is it fibromyalgia? A diagnosis can take awhile because fibromyalgia has many symptoms that could indicate other illnesses. Once your doctor has put it all together, you may be provided with a prescription to purchase Savella or generic Milnacipran HCl, a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI). Serotonin and norepinephrine are just two of the brain chemicals or neurotransmitters that help determine why our bodies work the way they do by signaling the brain. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Higher Levels of Certain Brain Chemicals Can Improve Your Situation

It is believed that reduced levels of serotonin and norepinephrine could be partially responsible for a lower pain threshold. Serotonin helps regulate the nervous system, memory, sleep, and pain tolerance and norepinephrine is responsible for stimulatory processes in the body. If you have insufficient amounts of these neurotransmitters, your sleep cycle can become disrupted, you may find yourself in a fibro-fog and have trouble concentrating or remembering, and energy levels fall. Taking Savella as directed can repair the imbalance and make more of these brain chemicals available so pain is reduced and you can sleep better and have energy to carry out daily tasks.

What is Known About Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia was once thought to be something doctors made up because they had no idea why some people were in such pain without a reasonable explanation. Researchers have discovered that this chronic condition most often affects women between the ages of 20 and 55 years old. Some brain scan studies have shown that people with fibromyalgia process pain signals abnormally compared to those without this condition.

Doctors now look for certain criteria to reach a diagnosis of fibromyalgia that include a history of widespread pain for a minimum of three months, and pain present in at least 11 of 18 (9 pairs) ‘tender points’. These are specific areas that feel pain when touched or pressure is applied, including the back of the neck, near the crease of the elbows, front of the neck either side of the larynx, hips, bottom of lower back near top of buttocks, inside of the knee pad, upper back, and shoulders.

Before Taking Savella

Ask your doctor if Savella is safe to take if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list all current OTC or Rx drugs you take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements to be certain Savella is the right medication for you.

Savella Precautions

Until you know how your body will react to Savella, do not drive or perform any task that is considered risky. Be patient! It may take a couple of weeks before you notice any improvements from taking Savella. Some of the ingredients of Savella have been prescribed for treating depression so you should watch for any signs of sadness or wanting to harm yourself and call your doctor right away.

Possible Side Effects of Savella

• Restlessness
• Hyperactive
• Depression