Savella (Milnacipran) for Chronic Pain

Overview
Savella is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat fibromyalgia. Savella is also known by its drug name, Milnacipran.

Savella is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Most drugs in this class are antidepressants. Savella is believed to work by changing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

How do I take it?
Savella is taken twice daily.

Savella comes in tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Savella lists common side effects including headache, dizziness, insomnia, flushing, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, increased sweating, and heart palpitations.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Savella include worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, serotonin syndrome, liver problems, glaucoma, abnormal bleeding, seizures, and elevated blood pressure and heart rate.