Anyone Else Trying Savella For Fibromyalgia? (Page 10) (Top voted first)

This is a new medication that just came out for fibromyalgia. I have several other conditions involving spinal degeneration , herniated discs, arthritus, etc.
I've been taking this medication for a little over 2 weeks now and have worked up to the full dose. My biggest symptom seems to be upset stomach but I don't know if it's from the Savella or from de-toxing from 7 other medications that I've been on for over 10+ yrs.
Is there anyone else out there that has started this medication that can give me any information that they may have on it?

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Just started taking Savella yesterday. I am so hoping it works. I tried Lyrica and hated the way it made me feel. I also take ambien and flexeral, though the Dr. said to only take one flexeral when taking the Savella. I am so glad to read all of the good effects. I can handle being a bitch(my students might not like it LOL) and other side effects if this will help the pain and brain fog.

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It seems that almost everybody that has posted has had a flare up this week. Weather related? It has been quite awhile that I have had such a bad flare up. My skin has been so sensitive it is crazy. For those of you who feel the people around you do not understand your pain, you're correct. However, they know you are in pain but can't do anything about it and become just as frustrated as you. They are not usually selfish, they just can't grasp the pain when you look perfectly normal. If you had a body cast it would be a bit different. I think have a place such as this to go to to interact with others who know the same type of pain is great. Keep positive thoughts and try to remember to our loved ones it is like we speak a different language.

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Karen, I was wondering the same thing about weather or the stars or whatever cuz I was ready to sit down and cry!! Thats what I think is helpful about talking to others who understand because (for me) if I know there is one or two other people out there who know what I'm feeling I feel less alone, it really does help to cope to have someone who just understands.

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LORI, how the heck are you now?? I felt so bad when I got on and saw your post, I starting feeling that way about a day after you and BELIEVE me I understand, ALL of it!! I did wonder as I said in earlier post if it was weather related or something. It's strange how everyone seemed to feel really bad this last week. I really hope your doing better, HOPE ALL OF US HAVE A BETTER week this coming week. (I'd say it couldn't get much worse but we know it can) BUT on a POSITIVE note it has to get better too right!! TERESA, I agree with you about your meds, you have to take whatever works for you, my mistake: I let them put me on a slow release morphine patch that is for cancer patients, only I didn't find out how bad they were til after I cold turkey'd them, anyway you have to DO MORE than exist you have to take what you need to actually function. I think the idea's prescription drug info emailed are great, what about ANY who got them? A scheduled chat or whatever would be okay with me, I have no problem giving more info, I'd rather have the help and support than the privacy...how do you guys feel? At this point I'd even post my email if anyone wants it...I'd love to be able to chat whenever. Hang in everybody. HUGS!

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Sorry, me again. Sharon, I don't want to sit around and piss and moan all day about how crappy I feel ALL THE TIME, it is however, NICE to know how others are feeling and if they have same condition and are having similar symptoms it helps to have someone to understand. You don't have to participate or listen if you don't want.

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Hello Tessie and all~
Tessie, Thanks so much for your support and understanding about me using narcotics. I've been on several different ones since 1996. I haven't been able to work since 2000 and have been receiving disability. I supported and raised 3 children by myself often working 2 jobs at a time. Thank the LORD that when my Doc felt it necessary for me to stop working my children were already adults and I had a nest egg to get me through until the benefits started, which is a battle for those of you that are thinking about applying, but hang in there because if you have your Doctor's recommendation and all your medical records validate your issues you will receive disability. I'm going to apply for a part time job on Monday and see if I can return to the workforce. It's very difficult to support myself with less than $1000.00 a month in today's economy. I struggle each month to just get my utilities paid and eat lots of Ramen noodles!!! This has been a big stress factor for me and yet I don't know if I'm even capable of holding down part time work. The only way to find out is to try and do the best that I can under the influence of narcotics.

Weather conditions definitely have an effect on us fibro's especially if we have other underlying conditions. My body lets me know a good 2-3 days in advance of cold and rain.
Well..I'm rambling and I really didn't have much to say about Savella but I'm still trying to get my hands on a program that will help with the costs. Hopefully, insurance companies will see that it is improving the lives of so many and it will be easier to obtain for those of us that do not have excellent insurance. I receive medicare but I still have to pay 20% of all costs so when you add that in with my income it really only helps me in emergency situations because I avoid going to the Doc often to my own detriment so that I can pay my mortgage. What's one to do?

Yes, Prescription Drug Info -- we do need a safe place to fall. I'm almost willing to post my email address also but I think it may be removed. And I definitely don't need any hate mail. I do look forward to chats and perhaps IM's that way we could give our addresses out to those that we wanted to.

Here's to a nice weekend and I wish less pain days ahead. Our attitude does play a big part in our situations but we're only human.

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Teresa, if you would read my message clearly, I said that anyone who is addicted to narcotics would never be happy on a medication that was NOT addictive... Ever hear of rebound pain? That's when your narcotics wear off and your pain comes back, sometimes even stronger. What do you do? That's right, take more narcotics. I'm just saying that if this is how you have chosen to live, then when a new drug, such as Savella, comes out, you will never be able to give it a chance because you are soo addicted to the narcotics. I speak from experience. It is truly a wonderful life w/o drugs . Savella does work...

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Hello to all and Tessie, all thanks.
I am better today. Not physically but I MADE myself go out, an obligation that I had to fulfill. I actually had a good time and felt a relaxation - I ran into alot of old friends from my high school days. then ended up at the same place for dinner as friends, so we had some great conversation, and laughs. this cycle is winding down, but I am encouraged about some additional holistic approaches. When I can more understand the process I will be happy to share. I will stay on my savella. yep. I went to doctor and she gave me 20 vicadin (sp?) I took two the first night for pain and it made me nauseated. And I got my new TENS unit (the third now, the second one didn't work either) and that provides a nice relief on the lower back. My arm is swollen so I rubbed the smelly stuff for horses on it. Just hanging onto the headache / migraine.. but still better. I had to go back and read what I wrote... Ugghhh.. My ugly side. Sorry. My emotions were very high for a few days there. Doctor who gave me the vicodin said she and all doctors are just as frustrated as us who have fibromyalgia, because it is like trying to treat air. they can't get their hands around it. so, somebody anybody... tell me, are there a group of scientific brilliant minds out there trying to figure out what is the cause? I am happy for a pill to make me get through the day, but i really want to see a breakthrough discovery on WHAT for SURE causes it. Past studies I have read indicate a large number of fibro patients with some sort of a problem with the C-5 vertebrae. I have always had issues there. umm.. what's it called..... you know, the spine curves. And I have degenerative disc disease there, and also in my lower back. Did I mention that I have finally done the bloodwork so that I can get the appointment with a rheumatologist? Does anybody SEE a rheumatologist? I had been under the impression that they were for mostly arthritis, but I don't really have a good understanding. I guess google University to the rescue. Full moon, I can't sleep. yet anyway. Yes, to the earlier post, I don't know why weather wouldn't play a factor. We know that barometric pressure changes cause headaches. Ahhhh... the nice thing was, when I was having the really bad days, everyone else (that doesn't have chronic health conditions) were having a crap day too. Good grief, could you imagine living in a country where there was no medication to treat fibromyalgia? makes me wonder if it exists in third world countries. Heck, diet could play a part also. Sodium is loaded into chicken that is storebought. Everything has preservatives in it, and who knows what the long term effects of all that is. Pop tarts and pringles could be the cause of all our ills. More later. yes, please let's please find a way to have a online chat or something so we can all go Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi HI HI Hi hi Hello Hello Hi hello. It's me, blah blah blah.. We can use code names like princess and dutchess and Maryanne and Ginger. :) see my mood is a little better. TTYL. I did have a good friend tell me recently that if you can't change something, then don't fret over it. these things too shall pass.

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test. this is on those google ads. I just noticed something. Their computer generated promotional ads appear based on key words that are posted in this forum.
let me try one. Kineseology. Chiropractor. Reiki. Physical therapy. Now I'll betcha that one of those shows up. I love my savella.

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Sharon~ Thanks for more input and I did read your message thoroughly, several times. I understand what you are saying. I am and have been addicted to narcotic medication many years and I've gone through the de-tox which is horrendous. I understand about rebound pain. There is not one medication that will ever take our pain away completely. Even morphine does not take my pain away completely it does take the edge off of the pain that I suffer so that I can do daily activities which I would not be able to do without the pain meds. Believe me, I do not like or enjoy popping pills, I take my medication for relief. I was on Savella and taking it in addition to my narcotic meds until my insurance would not cover it for me and my Doc could no longer keep me supplied in the samples. He is a neurologist and even stated that the Savella is not a wonder drug but it is improving the lives of so many that are using it. The Savella was working for me. I'm glad for you that you are able to live your life without strong medication and you are so BLESSED for that. Not all of us can---- it doesn't make me weak or a junkie because I've chosen to live my life this way. For me it's not a matter of choice it's a necessity. You and I may never see eye to eye on this issue but at least we can talk about it and if it helps someone else to make a choice and not use addictive meds then all the better for them. I do what works for me.

Lori~ I love your sense of humor. I saw a rheumatologist for years and they treat many conditions, Fibromyalgia has been put into the same class as arthritis. Our diets do play a big factor in our overall health. The rheumatologist that I was seeing felt allot of mine was caused by heredity. My maternal and paternal grandmothers had rheumatius arthritis, DDD and what they called back then fibrositis. Myself and my daughter have also been diagnosed with all the same conditions. Who knows? But I do think our heredity, diet and lifestyle play a large role in it.

Tessie~ Keep up your great wisdom and support, I truly appreciate it.

And to all~ Thanks so much for your input into this forum. It helps me tremendously!

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Day 4 on Savella and I could actually get out of bed and move immediately! Yeah! Teresa: I have taken Vicoden off and on for 20 years. I take it on an as needed basis. I believe, and my Dr. concurs, if you are truly in pain then you do not become addicted. It is when you take it when you are not in pain that it is addicting. If someone can handle the pain w/out painkillers, yeah for them. I have tried everything from diet to acupuncture and I will stick with what works and try whatever new treatments they come up with. I am very excited about Savella. Have a wonderful day!

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Good Morning Ladies!

Seems as though we've all been in a cycle of pain lately, myself included. This round settled more in my back and what I call my girdle - the lower pelvis/hip region and down my legs. I still have pain all the other places but these particular areas are extremely sensitive right now. The weekend was a total blur to me. Saturday it took every ounce of energy I had just to move. If the house was on fire I don't think I would have been able to get out of bed. When I finally did, I made it all the way to the couch and lounged ALL DAY! I couldn't move. When I HAD to I was in a great deal of pain. I had zero energy. I know this bothered my hubby something fierce but he is understanding (in his own way). Sunday was much the same. I managed to drag myself out of bed at 11am. I MADE myself get dressed and out of the house. What a chore!!! By 3pm I was spent. And I was back at home and in bed for the rest of the day.

Anyone else have days like these?

I seem to be experiencing more of these days lately.

This morning I woke up in pain but, for now, it seems to be manageable. I don't know how long that will last, but I am hopeful.

I go back to the Rheumatologist next week. I don't know what the next step will be. Because I know so little about this disease I don't know the questions to ask or how to direct the doctor. I don't know how to get the help I need. The only thing I do know is that the treatment I'm getting now is not effective AT ALL.

I don't want my life to be all about the pain. I'm young (46) and I want my life back. I just don't know how to rise above the pain and fatigue at this moment and I don't know how to get the help to do this. I try to stay positive - really - I DO! It's hard though!

With all that said, I am greatful to hear how everyone is doing. It lets me know I'm not alone in this journey. It also helps give me direction.

Thanks so much ladies!

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i was diagnosed in 2000 after clinical depression due to the pain, and have spent the last 10 years just dealing with it. after 30 different doctors in 2 years i was finally told i did not have MS (thank you Lord) so it must be firbo.
In Dec i started hurting and haven't stopped. the pain finally got bad enough mid-Jan that i went to the dr. i swore i would have to be bleeding or unconsious to go to another doc. the rhumetologist i saw was very helpful and concerned. he prescribed water therapy, melatonin and Savella. i love the water therapy, it is the most active i have been in years. the Savella however is another story. Nausea and sleeplessness. The melatonin helped me sleep for awhile but now i am having nightmares. i go back on Wed for a follow-up. the pain had lessened for a bit, i even had a virtually pain free day two weeks ago, but now it is back with avengence.
Has anyone tried diet changes to help control the symptoms? i have stopped caffeine, aspartame and chocolate but i really can't tell if it has done any good. i also have become very negative about everything, very unsual for me. My glass has always been half-full.

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I was recently diagnosed with fibrosis and prescribed sevella. I must say the difference it has made for me is huge, I have more energy I'm nearly pain free. Albeit I have had some really bad days but those are getting fewer. I still get dizzy when I take the sevella, but overall am thankful.

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Hi everyone, I am a 39 yr.old mom of 4 precious children who I homeschool. I have had fibro for the last 4to 5 years, migrains, TMJ, protruding disks in my back,etc. Ridiculous I know. I have been reading posts tonight and finally have realized I am not alone in this world! I am on cymbalta now without any luck, no pain relief and I have zero patience with my poor family. I get up at 6 and run,run, until about 11 or so after grading papers and planning for the next days school. I am also very anemic and exhausted. I have to take pain meds just to function and getting up in the morning feels more like 93 than 39. I am feeling pretty depressed right now, overweight, depressed, tired, etc, Thank you so much for these posts, have really meant alot to me. My general doc has prescribed savella but unsure if I want to take on something else yet.

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Dear Momo4, Cathy and Rebecca (and the rest of the girls!)
I understand how frustrating this is. I home-schooled my 3 children for 5 years, and finally had to stop due to the intense pain, fatigue and depression. Momo4, you might consider looking at SONLIGHT curriculum for the homeschooling, it is a fantastic literature based program and comes with everything-daily plans, science experiment kits, etc. I used it to great success.
I tried the Cymbalta, it did nothing for me. I know it helps some people. I am on Savella, and love it. However, you should know that due to depression from pain, I also take Welbutrin XL. I have been on this about 2-3 years, and it is a life saver. I am much more able to be patient and kind with my family. I take generic Flexeril along with Imipramine every night to help me sleep. The flexeril is a muscle relaxant, and the Imipramine is an old class anti-depressant that helps tremendously with sleep.
Water therapy is by far the most helpful to me. I am doing well enough on the Savella to begin working again for the first time in years. Please do not quit looking for help. It took me years and many many doctors to find one who would really dig in and help me. I do take Hydro-Codone for pain as needed, and I do NOT feel guilty. My priority is being functional for my family.
I will keep all of you in my prayers as we together strive for healing and health.

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MoMo4~ Thanks for sharing your post! So many of us are right there with you. Along with fibromyalgia comes CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). It's like a vicious cycle that is never ending. Just the slightest of activity will wipe me out like I've worked three 12 hour shifts consecutively and my entire body throbs, burns, etc...... It's difficult to get complete relief even with all the medication that I take. I do know that when I had the opportunity to take Savella I began to not feel as much pain and fatigue and each day seemed to be getting brighter! Of course it will take your body time to adjust to Savella but the side effects DO go away. I strongly recommend that you give it a try. It just might be that bright light for you that we all want to see. Remember to fill your own cup first or you will be no benefit at all to your precious children. Many think that is selfish but I can assure that our good LORD has told us to do that! Wishing you all the best!

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Darcy~ AMEN and AMEN to that!

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Teresa:

You described (CFS) exactly how I feel anytime I do ANYTHING. I am spent for days after a day of activity. It's horrible. Yet, my docs are telling me to be as active as I can be on the days that I feel well. That's better said than done though. Taking a walk or shopping can wipe me out. Then I'm useless for days. What good is that? It's such a vicious cycle.

I really wish I could go back on Savella. REALLY, I DO! Despite the few annoying side effects, I felt better. I had energy! And I was losing weight. That's always a good thing.

I have decided that my next visit to the doc will NOT be a pleasant one for him. Yep! I am going to MAKE him hear me, address MY issues and take action. I'm at a point of being up against a wall. The Flexeril he prescribed is a joke! I'm not getting any relief - not even sleep. I have no other rheumatology doctors in my network that I can see. If he feels my problems are beyond his scope of practice I'm going to insist on being sent to another specialist (different field). Someone has to have some answers and solutions to help me live a better life.

While it's never a good thing to see other people suffer with FM and CFS, it's nice they've found this board to come to. WELCOME - even if it's not under the best circumstances.

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Thanks so much for the replies! I finally feel like someone understands. My husband as sweet as he is does not at all!!! That is so funny that you mention Sonlight that is the curriculum that I have been looking into for next year. It must be meant to be. Thanks again for this thread. I never get online because I don't have time, but I think God wanted me to find this. I hope everyone has a good day.

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