Anyone Else Trying Savella For Fibromyalgia? (Page 5)

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?

REPLY

REPORT

It is now 2:21 pm 6 1/2 hours after taking 12.5 mg of Savella this morn. I thought I'd post that my horrible symptoms are gone now and I feel much better. Like before taking it, not the pain free it's supposed to give you, just the relief of the side effects it gave me.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Thanks to everyone who commented on my questions. I think from what I have read that I will just try to manage the pain on my own. I really dont like side effects or mind altering drugs. I will just keep praying that the good lord will help me deal with it. I have good days and bad ones ,but I guess that will be part of my life and except it for what it is. The biggest problem I have now is my back and hip hurts to walk and my legs feel like weights . Oh well just have to take it easy on those days. Hope you all have a good new year . God bless all of you.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Happy New Year everyone! Just like Lori asked, has anyone tried a pain management specialist...called a Rehabilitative Dr. If yours is as thorough as mine you will get every test under the sun related to pain. Heck, you may even need a lift in your shoe like me if you have hip pain on one side. After 5 yrs of not being able to sleep on that side, I now can. She thought maybe scoliosis, sure enough xrays showed yes. She does bloodwork and goes through it w/ a fine tooth comb...she ordered ANA test, I'm positive, but don't know why yet. I'm low vit D. Says always take vit made in US. She is the one who prescribed Tramadol for me, but she did not jump in, it took a few months. My general Dr prescribed Savella as I went to him just as a follow up to all the people I went to Rhumatologist, PT, Rehabil Dr. Since fibros prognosois is life of pain try to go to pain specialist. I know this is just about Savella...sorry for going off track...if nothing is working I would try anything even if some people complain of side effects. Try it when you have a day or 2 of nothing to do in case you do have side eff. It may not affect you and you'll feel wonderful. I'd even go for brain surgery if it helped. Good luck, God bless and hope everyone has a happy healthy 2010.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Regarding low back/hip pain:Pain specialist sent me to P.T., and upon the initial exam by the therapist, he noted that my tail bone was out of place. I always had low back/hip pain. Anyway, my PT was supposed to be long enough to teach me how to use the aquatherapy because of how beneficial it is to fibromayalgia, and after I was DC'd off of PT I can use the pool for $3 per visit. But when he noticed that my tailbone was out of place, he also got Dr.'s order to treat that, and then taught me how to fix it myself, gave me excercises to do to strengthen the back, and now I am so much better! It is terrible to have fibro pain and then excruciating low back/hip pain on top of it. Also, I am certain that the savella is helping me, not just with managing the pain, but my mood seems so much better. The worst thing for me is how the fibromyalgia jumps around. Vitamin D deficiency - I have a prescription for it - like 50,000 I.U's once a week for a month, then follow up blood work, now 50,000 I.U.'s once per month. The amount needed is way more than they used to think. That helps alot of the symptoms are similar. I seen the endocrinologist for that vitamin D. If you are wanting to use natural remedies, good luck. The one trick I do know that may be helpful to anyone, a fabulous way to get all the minerals you need is to ingest daily 2 TBSP of apple cider vinegar WITH the mother (health food store carries that,I use Braggs) and 2 TBSP honey. The darker the honey, the higher the mineral content. Mix together in 6-8 oz. hot water, drink like tea. It really is awesome. We are all deficient. That is a whole nother book!!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Lori, what is apple cider vinegar WITH the mother? Assuming Whole Foods has. I was also told that vit D req is higher as well and I have to go to a dif place for bloodwork as their baseline is dif than say Quest. Glad that Savella works for you, it was real weird for me. I have the same results with Tramadol as I feel it puts me in a happy mood. It doesn't have the build up like Savella. Takes 2 hrs to work and wears off w/in 4-6 hrs then just take another...I'm glad it's not habit forming...Oh and re back pain my pain spec recommended a dif gyn as sometimes back pain can be due to gyn issues...she was VERY thorough, but now that I have stepped away from Drs and PT I feel better as it's less stressful. I am not an indulgent person, but I am going to make a massage appt today. I'm greatful to have the financial means. I now tell myself I deserve it, but it's really for my family so I can do more...and I'm going to buy a lighter vaccuum, lol. Just trying to see the lighter side of this.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I was just diagnosed with Fibromyalgia today and after what i though would relieve my anxiety has only enhanced it. I have been going to doctors for years in pain and no one knew why and a rheumatologist diagnosed me today. I am more confused than ever and relieved that someone finally believes me. He is giving me Sivella and i am concerned that it will affect my mood. I am a very happy person and do not suffer from depression (and i know because i have been there before), so has anyone not been on anything at all and started this medication? And if so, how did it affect your mood? I do not want to be different...I just want the pain to stop.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I was on Cymbalta before starting the Savella. I was very anxious about how stopping the Cymbalta and starting the Savella would affect my mood. Surprisingly, my mood remains good, if not better, since starting the Savella. It has also decreased my pain. Good Luck and remain positive. Like you, I didn't know what was wrong with me until a rheumatologist diagnosed me with FB about 3 years ago. There are new treatments developed every day so I remain positive and hopeful.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hi, I took the 2 week trial of Savella for my fibromyalgia and then started on a regular prescription. I felt fine but had severe hot flashes, sweating. I also have elevated high blood pressure. The bp readings started to go very high so I cut down the dose to 25 mg a day and sometimes would skip a day in between . Well it got worse, I ended up in the ER on New Year's Eve, had uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe headaches. So, I went off the medication on Jan. 1st and today is the 7th and my bp readings are still high. My fibro pain is not bad since I am having this literal hot head. I'm up to 4 atenolol a day and I don't see any relief. (Atenolol is a beta blocker and decreases the heart rate). So, I'm not going back on it at all.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Elaine, are you sure the proper cause of your high blood pressure is savella? I have had zero affects on my blood pressure. Even the day before yesterday (tuesday), after I have been on savella for at least 3-4 months I had a cardiolite stress test. After my heart rate was up to 150, my blood pressure responded completely normal, as per the cardiologist's report. I knew a lady that had a severe jump in her blood pressure, with no idea what the cause was; doctors couldn't figure it out... turns out she was using the Head On product for her headache. That did it to her. I would certainly investigate more thoroughly, assuming that you haven't based on a limited amount of info. in your post. I guess I wasn't aware that that was a possible side effect, and would ask the pharmacist, as they are more knowledgeable on medications and contraindications (sp?). Good luck.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I had hypertension before beginning Savella and am on two bp meds. In spite of those two bp meds, my blood pressure also increased. My heart rate increased dramatically. My worst side effect, at least as far as the way I feel, has been severe hot flushing and sweating. The increased heart rate is a problem at work since I work on the third floor of an office (no elevator) and must go up and down the steps numerous times per day (which is a good thing -- some exercise is better than no exercise, right?). As of today, I am stopping Savella, with the approval of my doctor, because of the severe sweating. Today I can feel a bit more pain taken 25mg (rather than 100mg) of the Savella yesterday, and none today. My rheumatologist is suggesting Methotrexate for my newly diagnosed RA. I'm scared to death of that med but my primary doc says it is better to start that med sooner rather than later to slow or halt the progression of the RA. As far as the fibro goes, I also stopped Cymbalta, after taking it for approximately years, also because of severe sweating. My best wishes to everyone. Elaine, I feel your pain with the severe hot flushing and sweating and elevated bp/heart rate. Good luck getting that straightened out quickly!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I also had severe hot flashes with Savella. However, it helped with the pain so I rode it out. I had my own private summer for awhile. But now, the hot flashes and sweating are gone and I continue taking the Savella at 150 mg daily.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I'm so pleased to find this posting. I started savella yesterday for fibro. I've been on tramado for about two years and noticed the effects aren't what they once were. I am at the max dosage and afraid my body will soon quit responding at all. I tried lyrica but gained weight and felt like Willie Wonka all swelled up. I started with my fibro and CF after menapause and a bout of mono. I've also had some thyroid problems. Everything started at the same time. I feel that it has something to do with my hormones. I take enjuvia, a hormone replacement, it helps some. I too see a load of specialists all working together. I would like to know more about the site injections. My back has been terrible these days. It aches all the time. I have noticed some stomach upset and pain with savella. I also had a terrible sinus headache but didn't connect it till after reading this.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I have been on savella now for nearly 2 months. It was added to my med regime because it works with and enhances the effects of other medications. I have been very ill with Fibro for 15 years, and this is the first real relief I have had. I am so grateful every day for Savella and the difference it has made in my life. I finally have energy again, and deal with the pain and fatigue much better. My family loves that I am able to be a much more cheerful person, and I am finally able to work without wondering every day if I can make it for 8 hours or not. It does cause some nausea in the beginning; take it with food. The nausea will pass as your body becomes accustomed to the Savella.
As for the injections...I hope they help you. I had several, and not only were they incredibly painful, they did not improve my condition at all. I hope they are useful to you. By all means you should try them, because you may be the person they help. Good luck and keep trying new things until you find the magic button for your body.
Darcy Birdsall

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

My opinion is give the injections for back pain a try. You'll probably need to see a pain specialist for injections. Depends where your pain is coming from where they'd do the injections. I'm in process of having a series of injections in my neck area, both sides. With the kind of injections I'm having, they are done in a series of three different times. The doc injects my neck in 4 or 5 different areas -- first with something to numb the skin, then with a kind of cortisone. I'm told the first two times she does the injections it is really more for diagnostic purposes to see whether the injections will work. Third time the injections are to actually kill some little nerves in the neck. (Those little nerves do grow back so this is not necessarily a permanent solution.) The injections are unpleasant but I've definitely had worse things happen to me. Don't let someone tell you the injections are unbearable. They aren't. They aren't a picnic in the park but you can definitely have far worse things. Best of luck!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I have trigger point injections as needed. For me, it is monthly. There are many trigger points, the maximum that my pain specialist will give me at one time is six. The medication is only lidocaine. It is more the needle that helps the trigger point, but the dry needling can be painful. My pain specialist does not use any steroids, that they are not good for you/me/anyone. When I get my injection, she sprays a numbing agent onto the area, injects the lidocaine, slightly moving the needle around, then slowly removing the needle from the site. after removing needle, she massages the site area which is necessary to improve the benefit of the injection. I have also received the lidocaine patches for a sample, then got a prescription for them. It is very helpful for when I have an area flaring up, for me it is usually my shoulder blade muscle/neck muscle area. I have had a great benefit from the injections and I called for info. on accupuncture. The first visit for me will be $95 for a complete history and a treatment. then 65 every visit thereafter. I have to budget this in, but it is worth it to me, and my pain specialist actually recommended it. Wheeeww. Long winded. Hope the info helps

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I was on Savella for 4 mos. Have called the FDA to advise of a side effect I had that wasn't listed & have saved all my info & leftover meds (waitin to see what happens). Had to stop taking it-it's been abt 2 mos. OMG! The probs it caused me! Was covered in bruises, , mood swings, stomach pain, the anxiety (geez!), lost my job (a new job) because I couldn't concentrate/focus/retain anything, was always soaked w/sweat, 24/7 headache, hardly ate (needed to lose weight, but not the way to do it), terrible dry mouth (still have that-hasn't gone away), sense of smell went out of control (hyperosmia-not listed in poss side effects-also hasn't gone away-making my life miserable as 99% of my migraines are caused by scents), ended up in the hosp 2X for extremely high blood pressure & chest pain (mine is normally high90's over low70's). Still having some probs even after going off it. Afraid now to try anything for Fibro, now just trying to deal w/the pain...safer that way.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I start savella tonight-for depression-still on 375 Lyrica per day-taking me off Effexor for depression-anyone taking both fibro drugs for different reasons?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hello everyone...I'm a 10 year FM sufferer and I'm very young. My PM doc gave me the sample pack of Savella and I sat on the thought of taking it for about 6 months, just because of all the other meds i've been on for the past 12 years. Well the holiday's were coming and I thought hmm maybe I'll try this Savella Sample pack so I can get through the pain of Christmas shopping I knew I had coming up. Well that was a baaadd decision. I took the Savella and about a week or so after I started taking it my ENTIRE body swelled up like a balloon. I discontinued the medicine and was in sooo much pain I had to rent a wheelchair scooter to finish getting through Christmas. I waited about a week and continued to swell up. Even though I quit the Savella the swelling was still the same if not worse. I finally went to the ER and the doctor's were shocked to see how swollen I was and where I was swollen(EVERYWHERE!!) I was put on lasix oral meds and after about a week the swelling finally began going down. I have been on the Lasix for about 3 weeks now and I have lost 24 pounds and still have some swelling. The doctor gave me a 2 month supply of Lasix. I truely think if I would have continued the Savella I could have died. It was really scary. Just to give you some minor info about me, I'll tell you I'm 36 Caucasion I have FM, Asthma and Sleep Apnea, and Diabetes. I am only taking Asthma meds and Insulin. I no longer take anything for Fibro cause obviously pain killers mask the pain and nothing makes it go away. Occasionally I will take Prescription Naproxen. That's all! I've tried injections and all that good stuff too..Tried Lyrica and it made me pass out on my kitchen floor....also, I have no know allergies...This just happened out of the blue...I followed all the proper instuctions and looked up Savella online before I decided to take it....Good Luck all you Fibro sufferers...I'm gonna try some semi permanent aquatic PT and pray I have a comfortable life because I tell you what...It sure SUCKS right now...

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Purpletustin,you mentioned in your post experiencing sudden hearing loss; do you know what caused it? I too have experienced this along with a gradual loss that i later discovered was caused by neurontin.I was prescribed Cymbalta to help with nerve pain,after starting Cymbalta i began having blackout spells and woke up one morning unable to hear anything.I have regained some with the help of a hearing aid.I tried the Savella which caused severe nausea

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

First, Teresa, thanks for starting post. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus and Fibromyalgia but from what rheumatologist tells me they all cause you some similar problems. That being said the Fatigue & pain has been the WORST for me for the last 15 years. I worked at a medical clinic for ten years, my doc did believe in fibro before it was recognized but was at a loss as how to help and was willing to try anything I was. I have tried everything from the Amitriptylene the really old one, to the neurontin and the lyrica and the cymbalta, was on prozac for about 10 years, didn't ever feel real good on any of them. Was given ALOT of different narcotics for pain as well which between all these meds about ruined my life, marriage, etc. I have been totally narcotic free now for three months, started savella two months ago and was able to taper off the Prozac, but take it 4-5 nights per week the week before my period, it does help with the aggitation and depression of PMS, mood swings, etc. That being said I was scared to death of the side effects of savella because of the lyrica, cymbalta and neurontin experiences I had, HOWEVER, I feel better than I have for 15 years. That being said, I agree with the aggitation and aggression someone mentioned they had, some days seem worse than others. I do take xanax occasionally when I get extremely agitated. I HAVE noticed I DON'T sleep so good with it though, I do have ambien rx but don't like to take it much, try to use tylenol PM 3-4 nights and then use an ambien for a real good nights sleep.
QUESTION: for those of you who felt really aggitated and irritable did symptoms seem to get better as you got used to it, I too have also noticed a little more depression and or emotional feelings; I WONDER though if this is a result of discontinuing Prozac after 10 years because some of the antidepressants do make you feel kinda like you don't feel.
Sorry to ramble, anyway thank you all for sharing and any info anyone else has who has tried this a little longer is welcomed. Also I do have a cousin who is a pharmacist, she says of all these fibro drugs and antidepressants, this one was shown to cause weight loss, weight gain wasn't a symptom in trial studies...that being said, I had major stomach surgery for a GI bleed in June, and I haven't had the upset stomach (any more than usual)....gastroenterologist said that stomach problems, nausea, etc., are a big symptom of the fibro as well, what ISN'T???!!!! Anyway thanks to all for sharing. I do notice I have energy and can get out of bed and pain is 75% better with NO NARCOTICS. I just hate being so CRANKY at kids and hubby at times and hope somebody can figure out something to help ease that..I am SOOO glad I found this so far though. Thanks for sharing. Teresa, Prayer and attitude is huge as you say as well as nutrition, exercise and good mental attitude. Just easier said than done, like anything worthwhile, you gotta work for it....I tell myself that on the days I hold my couch down so it doesn't run away cuz I'm too tired and hurting to do anything that day!! Hugs to all, Hang in. Prayer does help me too!!!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

50 mg in the a.m. and 50 mg. in the p.m. (along with 30 mg cymbalta once a day) and - for the first time in 50 yrs. have...

1 REPLY

I'm a difficult case of fibromyalgia, poor treatment response since 15. I'm on a pharmacy of meds including 150m...

3 REPLIES

I was just prescribed Celebrex for fibromyalgia pain & need to know if I can still take melatonin for sleep ## Melat...

3 REPLIES

I just went from 60 mg to 80mg of cymbalta. I have fibromyalgia, neuropathy and depression and anxiety. Has anyone taken...

2 REPLIES

Has any one had success with the use of Zonisamide for pain with fibro and if so how long did it take ? Been on one week...

2 REPLIES

I have been diagnosed with polymyolitis and put on 15mg of panafcort per day. I am concerned that I may have Fibromyalgi...

Hello, I'm looking for a Dr who understands and is up to date on the most current Medical research and information c...

I have been taking gabapentin for one month for fibromyalgia... 500 mg a day...100 mg in the morning 100 mg in the after...

3 REPLIES

What are the best medications to treat fibromyalgia? I am always hurting somewhere on my body. Especially my back, knees...

10 REPLIES

I take this for fibro and back pain (had 2 back surgeries) also have lot of nerve pain. It only takes the edge off. I ca...

5 REPLIES