NEW DRUG FOR FIBROMYALGIA: SAVELLA
Posted on 06. Feb, 2009 by Robin August, Ph.D. in Savella
Hot off the presses, the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) has approved a new drug specifically for Fibromyalgia, Savella, which will be available in March. Considering that the FDA only approves about 20 new drugs a year, this seems really important and may be a milestone for people suffering with Fibromyalgia. It is thought that Savella works in the central nervous system by increasing norepinephrine and serotonin. These two neurotransmitters are part of the pain inhibitory system that helps to filter out pain signals.
Patients in the trial studies noticed that their symptoms decrease were noticeable after only one week. It helped reduce daytime fatigue, memory and concentration difficulties, and has a slight effect on weight loss. Hurrah, no more weight gain like on the other drugs that have been used off label for the treatment of Fibromyalgia. Side effects include a slight increase in both blood pressure and heart rate. It also has other side effects like headache, constipation, sweating, insomnia, dry mouth and palpations.
However, while Savella is similar to other tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil), it does not effect other neurotransmitter substances that cause severe dry mouth, weight gain and hangover effect the next day. It's not for everyone especially for people with hard to control hypertension. It also may not be good for people who already take other medications that raise the level of serotonin in your body such as tramadol, cyclobenzaprine for relaxing muscles, over the counter 5-HTP, and sumatriptan for migraines so discuss this at length with your physician and make sure he/she knows that you are taking these drugs. Also discuss any other over the counter drugs that you are taking.
For more information, go to the website, www.savella.com.
Please do not consider this medical advice. This obviously needs to be discussed thoroughly with your physician. This is for information purposes only.
This provides some hope that new medications are being developed with hopefully fewer side effects. For those of you who decide to try it, please write in to me and let us all know how it is working for you.
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Robin August, Ph.D.
hsegirlrr
14. Aug, 2009
I had been on Cymbalta, 90 mg, for over a year, prescribed by my psychiatrist. My pain management doc wanted me to try Savella, and I gave it 2 months. Although I did lose weight, my mind was not happy with the Savella, nor did I notice any change in my fibromyalgia and chronic myofascial pain. Therefore, I asked my pain management doc to please put me back on Cymbalta. I feel much better mentally since the switch. I am confident that some people will benefit from Savella, but we are all unique and what works for some may not be right for all. Just thought I'd share my experience.