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Levomilnacipran Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 19, 2024.

Applies to levomilnacipran: oral capsule extended release.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (capsule, extended release)

Warning: Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors. Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies.

Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Levomilnacipran is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

Serious side effects of levomilnacipran

Along with its needed effects, levomilnacipran may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking levomilnacipran:

More common

  • decreased interest in sexual intercourse
  • difficult urination
  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • inability to have or keep an erection
  • loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

Less common

  • anxiety
  • arm, back, or jaw pain
  • blurred vision
  • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
  • chest pain, discomfort, heaviness, or tightness
  • cloudy urine
  • confusion
  • decrease in the frequency of urination
  • difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
  • difficulty with speaking
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • drooling
  • dry mouth
  • fainting
  • headache
  • irritability
  • loss of balance control
  • muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness
  • nausea
  • painful urination
  • pounding in the ears
  • rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • restlessness
  • shaking
  • shuffling walk
  • slow heartbeat
  • stiffness of the limbs
  • sweating
  • trouble breathing
  • trouble sleeping
  • twisting movements of the body
  • uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

  • delayed or inability to have an orgasm

Other side effects of levomilnacipran

Some side effects of levomilnacipran may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
  • increased sweating
  • vomiting

Less common

  • bloated or full feeling
  • decreased appetite
  • dry eyes
  • dry skin
  • feeling of warmth
  • headache, severe and throbbing
  • hives or welts, itching, or rash
  • passing gas
  • red eye
  • red face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
  • stomach pain
  • sudden sweating
  • thirst
  • yawning

Incidence not known

  • decrease in smell
  • loss of sense of smell

For healthcare professionals

Applies to levomilnacipran: oral capsule extended release.

General

The most commonly reported side effects included nausea, erectile dysfunction, constipation, and hyperhidrosis.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Cardiovascular

Genitourinary

Erectile dysfunction and urinary hesitation occurred as dose-related events.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Metabolic

Psychiatric

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors more commonly occurred in adolescent and young adults 24 years and younger.[Ref]

Nervous system

Ocular

Other

Hypersensitivity

Hematologic

Hepatic

Respiratory

References

1. (2013) "Product Information. Fetzima (levomilnacipran)." Forest Pharmaceuticals

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Levomilnacipran side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.