Savella is a prescription drug used to treat symptoms of fibromyalgia including chronic pain. It belongs to a class of drugs called SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), and works by affecting chemicals in the brain. Savella is similar to antidepressant drugs, but is not used to treat depression.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and use Savella exactly as prescribed.

• Take with or without food.
• Do not stop using Savella suddenly.

Do not take Savella if you have used an MAOI drug in the last 14 days. If you stop taking Savella, wait at least 5 days before starting an MAOI.

Young people may have thoughts of suicide when they first start taking Savella, and should be closely monitored during this period.

Inform your doctor if you regularly use:

• Cold or allergy drugs
• Sedatives or sleeping pills
• Muscle relaxants
• Seizure medication
• Anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication
• Alcohol
• Blood thinners

Before taking Savella, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Liver or kidney disease
• High blood pressure
• Glaucoma
• Seizures
• Bleeding or clotting disorders
• Low sodium levels

Common side effects of Savella include:

• Headache, dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting constipation
• Insomnia
• High blood pressure or pounding heartbeat
• Sweating, flushing

Contact your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects:

• Feeling light-headed or passing out
• Seizures
• Manic episodes – increased energy, hallucinations, racing thoughts, extreme emotions or irritability
• Liver problems – jaundice, dark urine, upper abdominal pain, itching, fatigue, nausea, light-colored stools
• High serotonin levels – hallucinations, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, loss of coordination, agitation
• Low sodium levels – confusion, headache, weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, slurred speech
• Vision problems - blurred vision, eye pain, tunnel vision, halos
• Producing little or no urine
• Bruising, nosebleeds, bloody stools, coughing up blood

How else can I manage my fibromyalgia symptoms?

Studies have shown regular exercise is helpful in reducing pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms. Eating a healthy diet and establishing a routine can also help reduce symptom flares.

Can I use Savella to treat my depression?

Although Savella works similarly to antidepressant drugs, it has only been approved to treat fibromyalgia. If you have been diagnosed with depression, your doctor will prescribe a different drug.