Milnacipran and Nausea: What Users Say

• Msl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2020

For Fibromyalgia "I've been on Savella for a month now. I had nausea and headache for the first week, but that stopped. Then I noticed that my body isn't swollen anymore (my body has been constantly swollen for 12 years, never knowing why, it was my muscles inflamed), and my muscles aren't killing me to move. In 12 years, I've had zero relief, and this has given me some. Unfortunately, I've had to come down to half dose because I am having heart issues. I already suffer from palpitations, and it seems like my heart just isn't finding the normal rhythm anymore. I don't want to stop taking this as nothing has ever happened to me, and I'm loving not being swollen anymore. It's bliss to not have that severe muscle pain! Oh, and those who want to scare people from taking this, please stop. We are all different when it comes to medication."

• SAV...
• June 16, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "Savella works great. But the 1st week of side effects while titrating are uncomfortable. After that, it's great for energy, pain, and brain fog though it takes a couple months to see dramatic improvement. People who stopped taking it after the 1st week didn't take it properly and aren't giving it a real chance. It's not a pain pill, doesn't work instantly. Important to remember: Take it early and with food. I take it at 5 am and 2 pm (7 weeks now). If not taken correctly, it'll cause headaches and nausea. Don't give up, give it 2 months to work. Doctors also aren't telling patients: It's an SNRI so don't take it with other serotonin-affecting antidepressants or it'll make you sick (serotonin syndrome). Give it a chance, Savella helps A LOT."

• lit...
• October 28, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "After years of pain, I was diagnosed with fibro about two years ago. I thought I could change my diet and lifestyle to make the pain go away. Using vitamins, going gluten-free, light supportive yoga, etc. After suffering for about 5 years, I finally broke down and went back to my doctor to ask for medication. She gave me Savella. I have just completed the graduated starter pack, and let me tell you, work through the nausea, insomnia, dizziness, and headaches. I have never felt this good in my life. I still don't have much of an appetite, and get a headache here and there, and from my clothes hanging off of me, I know I have lost weight. (I refuse to own a scale, they are evil!) I start my second month tomorrow, and pray that this continues."

• Van...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 30, 2020

For Fibromyalgia "After an on-the-job accident in 2016, every day was a struggle. I seriously did not want to exist. Any pain or injury I ever incurred in my life seemed to be radiating through my body every minute of every day. I started the meds, and within the first 3 days, I was weeping over the fact I felt alive again. I do sneeze every morning after taking the first one for the day. I take 50mg 2x a day. I also suffer from freezing feet and occasionally some nausea. I cannot exercise as 5 sit-ups cause me to feel like I did 1000, and I pay dearly for it for days, so my course of treatment is no exercise except what I get in my everyday work and personal life. I understand the med isn’t going to work for everyone, but even though it is so expensive, there is no price on the relief from the disease. I wish it was a little more affordable."

• DIZ...
• July 16, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I have suffered from fibromyalgia for years, long before it was even heard of. I sought relief from doctors, specialists, nutritionists, and others at great expense. I have tried every possible pain medication including narcotics and over-the-counter pain relievers, antidepressants, etc. (even though I am not depressed) all to no avail. I participated in an open-label test program for fibromyalgia medication (not Savella), which helped somewhat but came with side effects. I have now been on Savella for 10 days, starting the pack at 12.5 mg and increasing to the current dose of 100 mg. The side effects have caused a nasty taste in my mouth and nausea. In comparison to the pain, I can tolerate these side effects, which are not as severe as the first 5 days. Although I am still a little stiff when I awake, I mobilize earlier in the morning than before starting the Savella. I am very optimistic that this medication is the real deal. Take it from someone who's been through it all. If Savella is not causing you serious medical problems, try tolerating the side effects for a while before crossing it off your list. I am!"

• Mic...
• January 27, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I started taking Savella about 7 years ago and still use it today. I started taking it in the drug testing phase before it was released to the public. I started out on only 10 mg 3 times daily and slowly built up to 75 mg in the morning and 50 mg at night. In the beginning, the side effects were nausea, dry mouth, and headache. After a couple of years, high blood pressure too now managed with meds. The benefits far outweigh the side effects. I ride my bike 3 miles a day and work 40 hours a week at a physically demanding job. Stick with it until the side effects subside. It will be worth it."

• Anonymous
• June 28, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I started taking Savella approximately 4 weeks ago. I take it in the morning with food and in the evening after dinner. I have had no nausea, though I do have hot flashes, increased sweating, some panic symptoms, and today had a real strange feeling of my arms and upper body feeling 'tingly' inside. That made me panic, still not sure what that was. I have also experienced constipation (mild), being very tired (before taking I was exhausted, so I was told maybe tired is an improvement over exhausted), and losing weight (though will NOT complain about that side effect). I have lost 6 lbs. in the last 3 weeks. It has helped my pain, and I no longer wake up during the night with the muscle achiness in my outer thigh area."

• Thi...
• February 7, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I've almost reached the end of my titration pack and I'm going to continue using this medication. So far, I haven't had a huge improvement in pain but it does seem to help a small amount. I'm hoping this improves. My mood has become so much better. I have the desire to want to go out and do things again. I'm happier. That itself has made a big difference in my life. I feel more like myself again after years and years of clinical depression. At the beginning, it did make me feel very nauseous. This only happened for a few days. It's worth going through!"

• Boo...
• May 30, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I have been through med after med with either they don't work, stop working, or the side effects are too much for me to handle. Now I am on Savella, at the 25mg twice a day in the titrate pack, and I have to say it is a Godsend so far. Yes, the nausea is a bit harsh, but Doc says that will pass if I can just give it a chance. The energy and uplifting mood I have seen so far, even at not full dose, is amazing. I have not felt this way in years and it feels darn good. Yes, the pain is still there, but a bit better. Hope the med holds out and stays working, will update."

• Fib...
• August 8, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibro 10 years ago. The rheumatologist started me on Flexeril, Tramadol, and Ambien. I never had an increase in meds and felt good. Then insurance changed and sent me to pain management. They were awful - so I got fed up and fired them - walked away. Here I am 2 years later, tons of pain and back to my rheumatologist I went. I am allergic to Cymbalta and Lyrica. Can’t take NSAIDs, so he prescribed Gabapentin and Savella and Flexeril. I am NEVER going to take GABA, I have always said. Nevertheless, starting that and Savella at the same time! I’m on day 4 of Savella and I’m always dizzy, nauseous (with or without food) - heart rate escalates, a clump of hair fell out today, and my vision is blurry, and my restless legs are WORSE. My nights have been excruciating, and I will NOT be taking it anymore. Has not helped me or given any relief (just grief) - for those of you who it helped, I’m happy you found something, but it’s NOT for this gal."

• Anonymous
• July 6, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 12 years ago. Since then, it has robbed me of much of my life. It took my social life away. I could no longer work. Basically, I just learned to manage the pain every day. I tried Lyrica but couldn't tolerate the nightmares. Then I tried Savella. The first days were great at low doses. Then, with increased dosage, the side effects were nausea and vomiting, but I transitioned back to a lower dosage (total of 25 mg daily) and that helped. I am exercising again and feel that I am getting my life back thanks to Savella. Try to get through the adjustment phase of the medication, and it could make a huge difference in your life."

• Del...
• March 6, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "After two months on Savella, I feel like I have gotten my life back! Like others, it hasn't really helped with the neck pain, but all of my other pains have virtually disappeared. I did start even slower than recommended, taking a full month to reach the recommended dose of 50mg 2 X a day. Side effects include brief nausea 30 minutes after I take a dose, but I try to always take it with food, and this helps. The sweating is bad, but not unbearable. Will see how it goes in the summer."

• Anonymous
• August 6, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I had been taking CYMBALTA and Gabapentin for the last 6 years. They had relieved my pain greatly, but I was tired and had brain fog constantly. My new doctor recommended me to try Savella. The worst part is that I had to get off the Cymbalta before starting Savella. The withdrawals were terrible. I felt like I was trying to get off heroin. After reading these comments, I am wondering how many of these side effects people are having are from coming off of a previous drug and not Savella alone. Before I could start the Savella, I was having dizziness, nausea, electric shocks throughout my whole body, sweats, chills, etc. I am on day 7 of Savella and still having some withdrawal, but it is getting better. I say give Savella a chance to work before giving up. I am."

• Ala...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "Lyrica made me drowsy and puffy. Cymbalta made me feel weird and killed my sex drive. Savella has been a blessing for me! I have more energy, less pain, and feel like a lot of my brain fog has cleared up. I have Ehlers Danlos and possibly fibromyalgia, which I use this for. I can feel pain when I hyperextend, but the reticular nerve pain is almost gone. Maybe 2-3 days out of the month I have an odd day, but not nearly as many as I used to, plus the SNRI seems to keep me cheerful. Have to take with food or I get nausea. Had BP spike, high pulse, and sweats first month, but they went away after. I pray this med continues to work! Get prescription drug card from website! Much cheaper, even with insurance."

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I started Savella 2 months ago for fibromyalgia. I also have DDD, a C-spine fusion from 2-6, chronic spondylosis, sciatica, and migraines. I used 2 titration packages, using the same dosage for day one out of each package before moving to the next day, etc. That way it prolonged the rising of levels. I had been on Neurontin for many years, and even though it helped tremendously for a long while, I started having pins and needles feelings in my legs, abdomen, etc. that an increase in dose didn't help. I still have nausea and a tired feeling, but believe some of it might be due to decreasing Gabapentin as I went up on Savella. Having said all of this, I am not having nearly as much pain as before!"

• JEE...
• December 3, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on Savella for about a month, and I must say there is an improvement in my pain level. The only side effect at first was nausea, and then that went away after the first couple of weeks because the body needed to get used to it. But after you are over that hump, the only side effects for me were hot flashes and sweats. However, to be out of pain is all that I care about. I was out of work for a year and a half, and now I'm able to function and work again. I thank God for Savella and my doctor who suggested it. She has never steered me wrong. To anyone who has Fibromyalgia, please try this medicine and give it a little while to work. Stick out the side effects the first couple of weeks, and the payoff is wonderful."

• Ali...
• December 29, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 4 years ago. I have tried Lyrica, Cymbalta, Flexeril, and all I experienced was nausea and no relief from my pain, itching, and general discomfort. Savella has been the only medication to relieve my symptoms with only mild dizziness. Unfortunately, my insurance will not cover it in 2016, and my cost will be over $130/month."

• jmm...
• August 27, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I have just weaned off Cymbalta and started Savella about 3 weeks ago. Be careful of your judgments on side effects of Savella. Many of us are being weaned off medicines like Cymbalta and others, and these can be causing the side effects. Coming off Cymbalta can cause dizziness, feeling 'weird,' and many others. Before you write off Savella, make sure your side effects are not withdrawal from other medicines. I have found if I take Savella on an empty stomach, I am nauseated, so take it with food. I also have moved the second dose of the day to 2 pm, and that helped decrease insomnia. I have more energy than before, but find I am a bit edgy at times, and this is fading. Smaller doses may help with side effects. Insurance should cover, ask for an appeal if denied."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2022

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia after suffering from pains in various parts of my body, exhaustion, and overall lack of interest in most everything. I've now been on Savella 50 mg 2 X a day for about two months. My results are astounding. Significant reduction in pain. The first two weeks I did experience nausea and headaches, but was willing to continue, for I already had some reduction in pain. Give it a couple of months to fully work. The feedback from others on this site was helpful. I hope my positive experience is also helpful because I've finally got my life back!"

• T t...
• December 23, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I am on day 14 of the starter pack and I have to stop. I have had nausea, vomiting, dizzy spells, blurry vision, drunk feeling. I was stopping venlafaxine and slowly tapering off while starting Savella. I had a rash for about 24 hours too. This is the worst side effects from a medication I have ever had. I have also lost about 4 pounds in 3 days because I have not been able to eat."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2012

For Fibromyalgia "Within the first few days of starting Savella, the pain in my arms and legs had disappeared, and I was more alert during the day. I had slight nausea and sadness as I completed the titration process, but these symptoms did eventually go away. One of the best things that happened during this time was that my weight stabilized after steadily gaining for 6 months due to the constant exhaustion. Unfortunately, my neck and back pain initially worsened but returned to my personal baseline after a few weeks. This pain has not gone away but stayed with me. My only problem may be something unique to me - it took away my drive to be active. I finally have the energy, but now have no desire. Wish I knew how to work this out."

• Ric...
• June 5, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "I have suffered from chronic Lyme disease and fibromyalgia for twenty years and have been on high-dose morphine, Neurontin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and others, all of which had very bad side effects and awful withdrawal syndromes. Three weeks ago, I started Savella, but titrated very slowly, 12.5 mg/day for two weeks and now 25 mg per day. There were some pretty bad days of side effects in the first week and still some nausea and difficulty sleeping, but the benefits are much better than any other drug I've used for pain and fatigue. My pain was always at 9.5 and is now mostly around 4-6 (a vast improvement). Unlike all the other SSRIs I've tried, Savella gives me energy and new optimism!"

• Cry...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "My Dr. put me on Savella after my Lyrica and Cymbalta stopped working for my fibromyalgia pain. I wish I had read these reviews before I wasted $200 on these terrible pills! My pain has been worse since starting it. I’m nauseous all the time, get cold chills, go to the bathroom 2 times every hour, I can’t get to or stay asleep even with sleep meds, and I itch all over. I have had a horrible experience with this drug and wouldn’t recommend it at all!"

• lyn...
• March 27, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "I have suffered from fibromyalgia for over 20 years and never even knew about the condition until I was diagnosed by my rheumatologist. After years of suffering from flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and overall muscle and joint pain, I finally agreed to try the medication. I only take Tylenol for the pain and was reluctant to go on any type of medication. My doctor prescribed the Savella trial pack, which started with 12.5 mg and up. Other than slight nausea in the first week, I have never felt better in my life. I wake up in the morning pain and stiffness-free. I thank God for Savella and hope that it works for other people as it has worked for me. Still on the 12.5 after two months and am doing great!"

• Jen...
• June 30, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "I am amazed at how well Savella has been working for me so far. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in November 2008, but suffered 10 years before diagnosis...thought it was arthritis. I've been terrified to try any medications for it because the side effects really scared me...pain kept getting worse as my quality of life declined...the doctor suggested Savella and gave me a two-week titration pack. As far as side effects, I was pretty nauseous and sleepy, had zero appetite, and weird dreams...once or twice I felt my heart racing but managed to bring it back to normal with some deep breathing exercises. After two weeks, I'm a little less sleepy...still not that hungry (ginger candy stops the nausea) and very little PAIN now...feeling great!"