Anyone Else Trying Savella For Fibromyalgia? (Page 11) (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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Hello, I glad to see everyone is here. It gets quiet in here every so oft. I have been still cycling in the big pain cycle. Now it's the muscles - left side of body. I swear it's like I don't take any medication at all. I called my pain doc, asked for suggestions (i.e. HELP) and get told to go to the E.R. That's what they do. The feeling is that they think I'm a liar. So maybe fibro makes me paranoid? regular doctor just called; lab results are in so they will follow up with getting the rheumotologist appt. Gee. that only took a week. The worst thing that sets me off is STRESS. It is coming from my husband and so now I need to fix that. Counseling, I guess. I always want to call my mom though. She told me my Aunt (she passed away two years ago on May 1) who had fibromyalgia - the doctors did the same thing with her, she just gave up and when she found out she had cancer, she just said she was ready to go home. And she did. I don't know what else to do. I took some vicodin, makes me sick to my stomach and makes my head wierd, but it took away the pain. I do all kinds of things to get my mind off it. We have a farm, lots of livestock - horses, chickens beef cattle.. and dogs a plenty. They are good friends to have when I need to get myself away from people who are so disappointing. I love my animals. I don't let them lick my face though. that's gross. :) Trying to be happy. Sooner or later this cycle will break. My work called this week and now I have 3 ten hour shifts on my feet. Casino. Just what I need. But the money helps. Blahh. sorry for my whining. I'm just trying to get through it. thank you all for being so supportive. Sorry I'm at the point that drugs aren't a topic of conversation for me because they don't appear to do a thing. I don't need more anyway. thanks for listining to Lori the whiner.

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Hi Lori,
I can't take Vicodin because it will not work for me. period. Ask your docor about taking Darvocet. It is the only thing that gets control my headaches from the sun.

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I think Savella is amazing. I wish my insurance company didn't drop me. They are now trying to say it's all pre-existing. I have to go off all my meds. Savella is great for most people. Made me irritable though.

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Hi all! First of all Lori, you aren't a whiner! You feel like crap, do whats expected and more and when you feel awful all of the time it catches up with you. STRESS sets me off big time! I think they say thats a common thing with fibro. I mentioned awhile back that I worked at medical clinic for 10 years. Problems with docs is that if you have chronic pain (or even acute pain) most docs are narcotic paranoid. In my fantasy world all docs would have to have fibro for at least 3 months, maybe six, and have it BAD! They can teach them all they want in school but unless you've had pain or a problem you don't get it! Some are better than others but still, I feel your pain..lol..in more ways than one. Oh..back to the Vicodin, I got side tracked, don't know what strength you're on but that could be part whats making you sick, the gastroenterologist that did my stomach surgery said fibro's tend to have VERY sensitive stomachs. I have a headache pill I take occasionally called Esgic, it has tylenol, caffeine, butalbital in it, they also make one without caffiene that sometimes I use at night and it really seems to help as well or better than the vicodin, lortab, etc and its a not as strong so docs aren't so freaky about prescribing it, just a thought. Also, I remember reading a post where someone said nutrition played a part, rheumatologist told me it does! Because of my stomach surgery I had to drink Ensure, I lived on it straight for a month, surgery was six months ago, however (ramble ramble) one a day now really makes me feel better, gastro doc said your stomach more easily absorbs the vitamins in the ensure, boost, etc., because they're liquid and more easily absorbed, plus fibro people have harder time absorbing vitamins anyway. Aren't we all lucky. This would be shorter if we just said what we didn't have with fibro. Just Kidding....sorta...it could be worse there are just days and sometimes weeks in a row that plain suck!! I'm having drama with some family as well, husbands work isn't wonderful right now, etc., Others call it life, Fibro makes it feel worse somehow. I do know thinking positive, getting out, even if for a bit, and nutrition help some. Hang in there all. Oh, MORGAN, I really still feel aggitated on the savella as well, I'm trying to figure out why, stress definitely makes it worse, I keep hoping it will get better before I make too many enemies...like seriously I drive down the road and I used to just THINK about flipping somebody off now I about have to sit on my hand, road rage all of a sudden?? don't know.. Keep the sense of humor Lori, we're loving it, hang in ALL and Teresa and Rebecca, I think we can continue the chats here a little as they sorta pertain to savella, they just get lengthy cause of fibro fog and rambleitis..lol. Besides that if someone gets offended I guess better to tick someone off that you don't know than yell at the kids or take it out on someone you do know. Hang in there everyone!

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thank you! thank you all for being heIre. I'm wondering now.. I wonder what if any, side effects I could be having. I do want to try the medical don't freak out marijuana. It acts as an analgesic, and I can't take alot because of my stomach. the ulcer thing, I can't remember if I told you all.. anyway, it's LEGAL. It is perfectly acceptable to talk about it. It does freak me out that there are the V--- monologues and people are all good with that word, but to not dare utter one word of a legal natural Rx. I'm going to go to the aquatherapy pool tomorrow. Since I graduated from my therapy, I can go 12 visits for $30. I had a better day today (husband is gone hehe.) after the water tomorrow, then the chiropractor then home to chill. I had a meeting tonight and was hungry, in a rush and got a baby big mac (I think they call them mac juniors) and within minutes of injesting it I had a freaking headache. I do know better. Just, there it was.. my mistake. I have to go get my savella refilled tomorrow to, I am out of it. How long before I get the DT's? Fifty dollar copay sucks. Having a better day, can ya tell?

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ALL THE ADS ARE FOR DRUG REHABS TONIGHT.
Testing. Testing. LOL. I love the bots that pick up words to determine the ads we get to view. It used to be fibromyalgia ads.. now...
it.
is....
REHAB. LOLOLOL

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Lori

It's all the narcotic drug talk we are doing. They think we are junkies and need REHAB.

LOL
LOL
LOL
LOL
LOL

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Hi everyone :) I am so glad to have found this site today and not keep dealing with fibro totally alone anymore. I have had fibro for 12 years. Went thru many drs and tests for so many years before really accepting it :) I now have a really fantastic dr on my side and that has made a huge difference in managing my symptoms. I started Sevella last night. I got nauseated and woke up with a headache. Ibuproferen helped the headache (I am very prone to headaches anyway, and will eat before taking my next dose of Sevell. Not going to get my hopes up yet about Savella working for me, as I did that with the Lyrica (got to 300mg/day) and that med did not work for me. I cried off and on for 6 weeks because I was so disapointed that I did not get the relief many others did with that med. Talked to a lady in the pharmacy line who said she Lyrica completely changed her life, and she was able to stop all her other meds. I am so happy that some people with fibro are getting themselves back, and I won't stop searching til I do. Then I will support all those who are still struggling. Thank you for all the tips :) Has anyone heard that some researchers and drs think fibro may be from 1 or more viruses? There is a Fl doctor who had fibro himself and he discovered the possible virus link. Fortunatly my dr is very open to new ideas and plan to bring this up at my May appt. A live chat with others that have fibro would be absolutely wonderful, as I have nobody that really understand the scope of living with fibro 24/7. It has affected EVERY relationship I have (or had), and it has now broke up my 20 yr marriage. He just did not understand that somedays just getting out of bed was a major accomplishment. He, like many others, feels that you just get up and go no matter what. Doesn't help that with fibro, you look ok even if you feel like you are dying inside :). I stretch, do light exercise, hot baths, and a few meds to keep my symptoms as minimal as possible. Getting started on the exercise was the hardest, but I really can tell the difference the next day if I skip it :).
I am so glad to have read the posts and gotten an idea of who you guys are, and am glad to have a place to go where there are others in the same boat as myself. Sorry this is so long, but feels good to get to talk about fibro after so many years of keeping it to myself so as to not get eyerolls and a dutiful polite remark from people :)May all of you have a wonderfully blessed day, and stay strong :)

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Faith I just found this thread only a few days ago and like you I was amazed that there are people like me. My heart broke to hear about your marriage. My husband feels a similar way, but is not a problem for him because I do get up every day take care of the kids, homeschool all 4 of them, wash 4 to 5 loads of laundry a day. That is why I am on so much medication. I could no live this life if not. I have not gotten my prescription for savella yet, because my copay is $100. With 4 children just not sure can do that on a month to month basis. I hope you find some relief both physically and emotionally on this site.

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Hi all,
Faith: I tried Lyrica also and I wanted to shoot myself. YUCK! I have just started the full dose of Savella and cannot believe the change. My stomach is a little upset but I can live with that. I was diagnosed 12 years ago with FM and have many other medical issues, like the rest of you. I can't remember ever being without pain but the Savella is fantastic. I have so much energy I don't know what to do with myself. I can relate to the feeling tired and not being able to get out of bed or even wanting to so this is great! Hang in there there are Drs out there who are understanding. I found that females seem more so than males.
May tomorrow be a better day for everyone!

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hi Faith, and others.. nice to meet you. I'm interested in the doctor who may have found a viral connection. Please keep updates coming. I actually did something today. I mean, something awesome! I went to an accupuncturist. As in chinese medicine accupuncture. I'm a believer. I am happy I did that. It's not covered by insurance, but I did it. I have had a headache, but that's about it. I left there, and went to the health food store. leafy green vegetables, brown rice, beans. Cabbage also. It is such a different thought process. I'll stick with the new food plan, stay on savella (until such a time as I may not need it, but not planning anything other than to keep with it) and continue with accupuncture.
anyway.... I cannot imagine what it would be like with little ones at home with fibromyalgia. The whole stress thing that comes with life anyway, dump the physical ailment on it and a husband who doesn't get it. I hope you have a strong faith. Keep working at your excercise. that's the tricky one for me. It really does have to be JUST RIGHT. Not too much, not too little. Even if you start out at five minutes. well, I need to go to bed. I am tired. No xanax tonight unless I really can't get to sleep, but I feel sleepy. it's a very nice feeling. take care, rest well.

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Hi All. I will keep posting on the virual link to fibro as I find out info about it. Like I said, going to ask my MD about it in May. I know he will have no problem testing my blood for the viruses (there are 23 viruses that the FL MD tests his fibro pts for) that can activate fibro in certain people. You can also google fibromyalgia virus and get the homepage of the dr that has spearheaded this new direction in finding a cause. The virus link to fibro makes sense to me as I have always felt it was cellular, because it affect EVERY body system we have. Exercixe has to be done EXACTLY right, and it is so individualized. I started w/ 3 reps and have built from there. Just added tredmill work to my program. Jogging long enough to increase my heart rate for 3 min. I made my own program as most personal trainers are not aware of how negatively to much working out can set us back for weeks. I know, been there and done that! To get myself motivated to start exercising I told myself that if I am going to hurt, I might as well hurt for a good reason :) I still have lots of pain, but exercising has helped my sleep and energy level (well they go hand-in-hand). I remember going from early am to late pm Momo4, and it is such a hard cycle to break as all your energy goes into getting thru the day. Hang in there. I hope this summer you will get a chance to re-juice your batteries as much possible. Good for you with the new diet Lori. Let me know if you feel any different from it. I tried one similar and felt it was helping, but was feeding a family at the time and it got to be hard to stick to it. Even with food, the savella still makes me pretty nauseated, but am going to keep taking it as that is a small price to pay for feeling better in the long run. Just hope the headaches stop. Even tho Ibuproferen works, it is just more pills to take, and I kid of prefer to have a healthy liver...lol :) Again, I am so glad that I found this site that I actually get teary eyed when reading the posts because you guys understand! TY so much for the words of encouragement. God bless all of you, the people you love, and lets keep fighting this syndrome :D

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Hi all,
I am new to this board but have been on Savella for a month now. I had a couple of really bad weeks with extreme irritablity but the pain is relieved. I am so much more clear headed than I was when I was taking tramadol but I have buzzing in my head and am very blurry eyed in the evening. I am not sure if I am noticing these symtoms now because I am off the tram or if the savella is causing my vision to be blurred. Anyone else experience this? I am alos haing trouble with my blood pressure but will be seeing the DR next week to increase meds for that.

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Well the Dr. gave me some samples of savella so I went ahead and started yesterday. When does everybody take their dose? I usually take that type of med in the evening. I am concerned about depression and irritability since I am prone to that anyway and the savella replaced those meds. If anyone has any thoughts or info on this would appreciate it. Thanks

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My life hasn't been mine for years now. I can't explain the pain I go through daily. I hate to go to bed because the morning is more painful than the afternoon and evening. Doctors have me on pain meds that really don't do much but put a small band-aid on the matter. i'm scared to take some of the stuff suggested. Please help if you can anybody!!!

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hi.. welcome to you new posters.. I take my savella when I get out of bed (if I work the night before, I get up between 9-11a) and then when I get home from work at 1a. i also take my xanax at bedtime, so I am not sure if the savella keeps me awake if I try to go to bed without xanax I can't. I am going to sleep dr. on monday. Also, I had posted a few days ago about going for accupuncture and I'm doing GREAT. I have not taken anything for pain (I still take the welbutrin150mg 2x/day and savella 100mg 2xday- down to 1 mg. xanax at bedtime instead of 2 and occassionally I have taken 3) . I go back next week to see the accupuncturist. the diet is great! I have limited to eating leafy greens and brown rice OR beans of any sort. Like I said before, I cannot explain chinese medicine, but I can tell you I am not in the pain I was previously.. as in.. very little and no headaches. My fibro fog has even lifted. If my health continues to go so well, I may just ask pain dr. to titrate off savella. I really don't think I'm going to need it. A diet of brown rice or beans for protein and leafy greens for a veg. might sound boring and unappealing etc., etc., but I haven't thrown up since I started eating this way, I have more energy, and I am naturally tired. The suckie thing is insurance doesn't pay for accupuncture. But if I can get off the western medicine and the drugs that go with it, and just live the natural way, I'm good with all that. Besides, I'm paying almost 500 per month just for my health insurance premium. Ahh.. I am probably not very much help to those of you that are in severe pain day in and day out. I know what that is, and all I can tell you, is do not be afraid to try alternative things. If there is an alternative that you are interested about, read up on it, find out more. Check out all your options. Well, I hope I answered a couple of someones questions. Oh, I did have funny vision but I believe that wasn't a side effect of the savella (but I can only speak for myself) Everybody is different. Take care

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HI everyone. Lore, the savella works on the nor-epinephrine and serotonin in the brain, so it should help with sleep issues. I actually dreamed the other night, which I have not done in a very long time, so I know it is helping my sleep. You may want to try no xanex on a night that you don't have to do much the next day (just in case you get no sleep). I do know that it takes about 3 days to clear most meds from our system, so you may experience a few nights of up and down sleep before you would be able to tell if you can get a fairly good nights sleep without the xanex. Take care all :)

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I was FINALLY dx. with fibromyalgia, after so many misdiagnoses. I have only just begun the pills, and have found the following: I'm UP. OUT OF BED!!Mood has improved, however, my blood pressure has gone up, and I have been getting head aches. I am being treated for bi-polar disorder, and am a little leary of combing my meds. My pharmacist and dr. aren't concerned. But all that aside, I have never felt better. My thoughts are clear, no foggy disconected feelings, pain much better, and ENERGY!!! No napping!

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Hi all. Sorry if I can't remember all names, I read all posts and then try to respond, I can remember whats said, sorta..but not all who said what. Anyway, I have really been struggling the last two weeks with the Savella and fibo,. I am so irritable when I take full dose of savella and when I don't then I don't feel as good. I CAN'T take the evening dose before bed, I had to start taking morning dose earlier and like a 3--4 o'clock dose for evening dose or I can't sleep, noticed several others said same thing . I do have xanax that I take as needed. Lori, I'm seriously wondering about adding some wellbutrin, I took it before years ago and I felt ??TOO mellow, maybe it would help with aggitation now. Also I KNOW the diet, nutrition, OUT of the box stuff helps, I did some homeopathic things several years ago, helped more than anything conventional docs did, I would consider accupuncture. I have had chronic headaches ever since well ever and I'm wondering the last couple weeks if they're worse from savella or if its just stress due to husband, kids, etc. I don't know...IM just DOWN the last two weeks WORSE than normal. Whoever asked about the eyes, I have had some eye issues as well, I don't know if its linked to savella or not but you got me thinking. I don't know if husbands really don't understand OR if because males tend to want to be fixers and there is nothing they can do to fix, they seem like they don't listen or they don't act understanding or maybe they just are jerks. sometimes I give mine the benefit of doubt sometimes I get really really ticked off, angry and hurt!! Well didn't mean to have a pity party here, just freakin frustrated today, I can usually handle a few days in a row but I'm going on a couple weeks and I'm frustrated. Teresa, if you're still out there haven't heard from you for awhile, I think if anyone wanted to trade email addresses we could go through prescription drug info and the email they sent us, maybe send a request. Anyway, good to hear from all new people today, I''m interested in the viral thing as well, Thanks all!

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HELLO EVERYONE!!! I've noticed that many of you have mentioned changes in your vision. I've had this going on for years and it is a side effect of many medications. Some days are worse than others but also as you age you do begin to lose some of your vision capabilities. Usually close up vision first as in why so many older people need reading glasses. But be assured the the vision problems are because of not only Savella but many other meds and it is temporary.
I listen to so many of you gripe about your husbands and think if only I had one! I've been single for so long I think I would be qualified as a virgin!! Really ladies, sometimes we have to put aside the bad and be more thankful for the good. I know that is easier said than done but I've found that each day I wake up and say, This is going to be a great day, regardless of the fibro monster lurking just waiting to attack at any given moment, it helps to be positive.
Sleep disorders is another symptom of fibro. Seem there is nothing that doesn't fall back to fibro.
I just went through the worst flare up I've had in over a year. For the last week I've been so miserable that i felt like I wanted to die. I went to my clinic to see if they would give me a shot to help with the pain and was turned down flat as a pancake. I was told that since I'm on morphine they weren't going to give me anything else. So even with morphine I still have pain. Like I've said before not one medication will ever take our pain away but I didn't think I'd ever be treated like a junkie because I was searching for more pain relief. How humiliating.

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