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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by former poster on March 15, 2012, at 17:36:29
I stared Savella about 2 weeks ago for chronic pain, chronic fatigue and depression. I'm up to 87.5mg a day. I'm hoping these are not placebo effects but it seems to be working better than I expected.
I'm noticing some cognitive improvement and lessening of pain. Side effects are minimal. Sociability has improved from increased spontaneity.I previously took Savella for about 6 weeks in 2010. The only benefit I noticed then was improved sleep, but this time it doesn't seem to be happening. My sleep is light. I wake up every 2hrs for no reason. I take 50mg with breakfast and 37.5 milligrams around 2PM, hoping the stimulating effects would be somewhat diminished by bed time.
Any advice, comments or experiences would be appreciated
I will try to keep updating my progress,(or lack of).
Posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2012, at 17:53:13
In reply to Trying Savella again, posted by former poster on March 15, 2012, at 17:36:29
Were you totally off meds as you posted you were also starting klonopin again? Is it the Savella that is causing the anxiety? Phillipa
Posted by former poster on March 15, 2012, at 19:11:58
In reply to Re: Trying Savella again » former poster, posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2012, at 17:53:13
It could be the Savella is causing some anxiety as well as insomnia. I have no other options for pain.
I forgot to mention, I was on Cymbalta for about 2 weeks prior to Savella and the Cymbalta side effects were intolerable. I had confusion, short term memory problems.. Nausea, malaise. I was losing things all over the house..
Cymbalta worked great for me 4 years ago. Almost seems like they changed the formula?
So.. for now its Savella. I know of some individuals taking both Cymbalta and Savella, regardless of the serotonin syndrome risk.
Being a retired nurse, what are your thoughts on this Phillipa?
Posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2012, at 21:51:39
In reply to Re: Trying Savella again » Phillipa, posted by former poster on March 15, 2012, at 19:11:58
First time on cymbalta when new 60mg tolerated fine with benzos extremly active lifestyle. Went off when found this site and saw others failing. When moved here about 2 years later couldn't take it intolerable anxiety side effects. But first time no back pain. Only when went off it did I find out I had it. As for changing formulations since brand still wouldn't that be illegal? Phillipa
Posted by former poster on March 16, 2012, at 1:56:07
In reply to Re: Trying Savella again » former poster, posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2012, at 21:51:39
Large corporations never do anything illegal right? I do seem to recall Eli Lilly having to resolve some "manufacturing issues" at their Puerto Rico plant.
I have a close relative on 120mg a day of Cymbalta and it has made him extremely outgoing, to the point of becoming beyond rude. I really worry about him. Someday he will have to come off of it.
Strange how Milnacipran works on depression in Europe but Savella,(milnacipran) doesn't seem to work. Manufacturing process maybe? I'll be going to Europe soon. Maybe I should get a refill there and see if there is a difference?
Posted by bleauberry on March 16, 2012, at 5:26:36
In reply to Trying Savella again, posted by former poster on March 15, 2012, at 17:36:29
I'm a fan of savella and I am cheering you on! Hope things keep improving.
Posted by former poster on March 30, 2012, at 11:06:24
In reply to Re: Trying Savella again, posted by bleauberry on March 16, 2012, at 5:26:36
I lowered my dose to 75mg a day because I'm getting low on Savella. Seems the pharmacies in Thailand don't have Milnacipran. I may have to try a hospital. I'm told they have the hard to find meds. I don't notice any improvement with my chronic pain. Social anxiety seems fairly well under control. I think this is an effect of the Savella.
Posted by former poster on April 7, 2012, at 0:39:54
In reply to Re: Trying Savella again » bleauberry, posted by former poster on March 30, 2012, at 11:06:24
Now I'm completely out of Savella. I haven't had for a dose in 3 days. The effects that is was having on me are clearly apparent. It was the only med that really improved my sleep. I was alert all day and slept normal for the first time in years. Anxiety was significantly lower, sociability improved on Savella. Also motivation improved. OCD symptoms, joint pain now creeping back.
I can't find a pharmacy that carries it in the Isan area of Thailand. Anyone familiar with this area? Please send me a babble message.
Posted by SLS on April 7, 2012, at 6:31:10
In reply to Re: Trying Savella again » former poster, posted by former poster on April 7, 2012, at 0:39:54
> Now I'm completely out of Savella. I haven't had for a dose in 3 days. The effects that is was having on me are clearly apparent. It was the only med that really improved my sleep. I was alert all day and slept normal for the first time in years. Anxiety was significantly lower, sociability improved on Savella. Also motivation improved. OCD symptoms, joint pain now creeping back.
> I can't find a pharmacy that carries it in the Isan area of Thailand. Anyone familiar with this area? Please send me a babble message.Cymbalta would be a logical replacement to Savella. If you are having problems sleeping, perhaps amitriptyline would be worth consideration. Both drugs are seen as being capable of treating certain pain syndromes including fibromyalgia and neuropathy. You might also think about adding Lyrica an antidepressant to treat both pain and improve sleep.
- Scott
Posted by former poster on April 7, 2012, at 13:03:00
In reply to Re: Trying Savella again » former poster, posted by SLS on April 7, 2012, at 6:31:10
Thanks Scott.
Posted by Phillipa on April 7, 2012, at 20:24:42
In reply to Re: Trying Savella again, posted by former poster on April 7, 2012, at 13:03:00
Cymbalta compares favoribly to savella? Thanks for info Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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