Milnacipran and Insomnia: What Users Say

• lit...
• October 28, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "After years of pain, I was diagnosed with fibro about two years ago. I thought I could change my diet and lifestyle to make the pain go away. Using vitamins, going gluten-free, light supportive yoga, etc. After suffering for about 5 years, I finally broke down and went back to my doctor to ask for medication. She gave me Savella. I have just completed the graduated starter pack, and let me tell you, work through the nausea, insomnia, dizziness, and headaches. I have never felt this good in my life. I still don't have much of an appetite, and get a headache here and there, and from my clothes hanging off of me, I know I have lost weight. (I refuse to own a scale, they are evil!) I start my second month tomorrow, and pray that this continues."

• Tri...
• April 28, 2014

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on 100 mg daily for 12 years and have had fairly controlled symptoms compared to others I know with fibromyalgia. I am increasing my dose to 200 mg daily to help control my anxiety and insomnia. Savella has been a lifesaver for me!"

• Ima...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "3 months on Savella, experienced no relief for fibromyalgia. Doctor increased dosage to double. Even though I was experiencing severe constipation to the point of rectal bleeding, insomnia, and intense pain. 2 months later, I experienced a severe seizure, stopped breathing, with my heart beating resulting in a stroke."

• jmm...
• August 27, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I have just weaned off Cymbalta and started Savella about 3 weeks ago. Be careful of your judgments on side effects of Savella. Many of us are being weaned off medicines like Cymbalta and others, and these can be causing the side effects. Coming off Cymbalta can cause dizziness, feeling 'weird,' and many others. Before you write off Savella, make sure your side effects are not withdrawal from other medicines. I have found if I take Savella on an empty stomach, I am nauseated, so take it with food. I also have moved the second dose of the day to 2 pm, and that helped decrease insomnia. I have more energy than before, but find I am a bit edgy at times, and this is fading. Smaller doses may help with side effects. Insurance should cover, ask for an appeal if denied."

• Pur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I started titrating, and I'm close to reaching the max dose of 50 mg 2x a day. I have experienced severe insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety, along with depression. I also take Abilify, Ativan, Klonopin, and extended-release Ambien, and I still can't fall asleep. The fibro pain, however, is almost gone."

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "I have been a fibromyalgia sufferer for about 9 years now. I saw a rheumatologist a month ago. He prescribed me Savella. I have to say that I was a bit worried about the side effects after reading a lot of patient reviews, but I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad that I did! My fibro pain went from a daily average of 9 to about a 2. My energy level is up. My mental focus is back! I've started to see the extra weight come off. I'm even thinking about going back to work! My side effects only lasted for about 2 weeks, and they were so mild that I was hardly bothered. The only real problem that I've had is insomnia, but I've always had that problem, and I'm getting back on Ambien for that. Try this medicine, it has changed my life!"

• Ric...
• June 5, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "I have suffered from chronic Lyme disease and fibromyalgia for twenty years and have been on high-dose morphine, Neurontin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and others, all of which had very bad side effects and awful withdrawal syndromes. Three weeks ago, I started Savella, but titrated very slowly, 12.5 mg/day for two weeks and now 25 mg per day. There were some pretty bad days of side effects in the first week and still some nausea and difficulty sleeping, but the benefits are much better than any other drug I've used for pain and fatigue. My pain was always at 9.5 and is now mostly around 4-6 (a vast improvement). Unlike all the other SSRIs I've tried, Savella gives me energy and new optimism!"

• Cry...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "My Dr. put me on Savella after my Lyrica and Cymbalta stopped working for my fibromyalgia pain. I wish I had read these reviews before I wasted $200 on these terrible pills! My pain has been worse since starting it. I’m nauseous all the time, get cold chills, go to the bathroom 2 times every hour, I can’t get to or stay asleep even with sleep meds, and I itch all over. I have had a horrible experience with this drug and wouldn’t recommend it at all!"

• man...
• November 17, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "I have recently started taking Savella for fibromyalgia. I started out with the small dosage for a few days, and now I am up to 2 pills twice a day. I am honestly going to have to say I haven't actually done that yet because I am having major insomnia, which I already suffer from, and this is making it worse. I am making sure to take this early in the morning and with food so I don't get sick. I did notice within the first days I was a little irritable, especially when on the phone, talking with others, but I am fine now. I think I have been on this medication a little over a week now, I have felt a little ease in pain overall in my body. It is hard to really know because I am also suffering from osteoarthritis in my hands, a bulging disk in my lower back, hip/groin pain, and I have been having knotting issues within my shoulders. I also suffer from migraines as well and am now a 5-year breast cancer survivor. I have also purchased one of those therapy back canes to see if that helps relieve the knots."

• jho...
• August 1, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I am 38 and have had fibromyalgia since I was 18. I have spent the last 2.5 years recovering from 2 neck surgeries. Pure hell. I am off all pain medicines finally. But I have constant nerve pain and nerve damage in both arms and hands. I controlled my pain via a personal trainer 3 times a week since the 90's. I am not the machine I used to be due to the neck injury. You all with fibromyalgia keep moving. The stronger you are the pain can be managed. It will not go away, but you can get through it with more on your side. I am on my third week of Savella. 2 weeks, no sleep, higher heart rate, and I am anxious. I have to keep going, these things take time. We all must give it a try, everything takes work. Cymbalta and Lyrica helped a little."

• Anonymous
• July 9, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on the medicine for about 1 month. It took all the pain away. The side effects are awful. Blood pressure way too high. I already have high blood pressure, and this put it over the top. Dry mouth, sweats, insomnia at night, but once I get to sleep, I sleep for hours. Curling of fingers and toes is painful and scary. Foggy memory. The cons outweigh the pros. I have tried Celexa, Paxil, Cymbalta, and now Savella, and none of them work. If I did not have the side effects, I would continue taking it. I have not been pain-free and able to do normal housework and other chores in years."

• Anonymous
• September 18, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on Savella for a short period of time, and it took the place of Cymbalta. I suffer from fibromyalgia and migraines. I notice terrible intensity of the headaches. I wake up with a much more intense headache than I used to. The insomnia I'm getting used to, I'm taking amitriptyline for that. I think I'm going to wait it out because fibromyalgia is a complicated disease. There is no 24-hour cure, and I notice if I move around, it also helps. The worse side effect for me is blurred vision because I am an avid reader. Good luck, fibromyalgia sufferers. My motto is, what do you have to lose? We're all in pain already, what's the worst that could happen?"

• lil...
• March 2, 2011

For Fibromyalgia "I am starting my second week of Savella and think that all the reviews I read with horrible side effects listed must have been from people coming off of something else. I am hypersensitive to medicines and alcohol and usually can only tolerate very low doses. I started Savella and was really afraid of the side effects. Here is what I have noticed: first day nothing, second day nothing, third day a bit of a runny nose and a little insomnia, fourth day a little constipated and a lot of insomnia. I am now on my seventh day and the only thing is still a little constipated, no nausea or headaches or anything. And my world seems brighter. Don't know if that is what is meant by the fog lifting, but everything seems so bright and clear."

• AFi...
• August 26, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "Have used Cymbalta and then Lyrica for years. Weight gain and blurred vision were the worst side effects. I have now been on Savella for about a month, and the side effects are awful. Constipation is the worst! Even so bad, I have been to the emergency room feeling like I was in labor. The sweats are almost unbearable. I also have chills and insomnia. Headaches are now a daily occurrence."

• Nit...
• September 27, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "The muscle pain was so severe at night that I was only getting an hour or two of sleep each night. The fatigue was so bad, I could hardly roll over to get off the bed or couch. I had been taking Cymbalta for nerve damage from cancer surgery, so it was not helping the condition. The rheumatologist started me on Savella. The muscle pain improved drastically, although the fatigue continued for about a month. I hired a trainer and worked out with stretching and weights 3 times a week and did stretching exercises every day. I also take Xanax and Trazodone at night to sleep, as the Savella also keeps me awake and hyperactive. I still have the nerve pain from the cancer surgery all the time at varying levels."

• Anonymous
• July 3, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I am so upset that this new medicine did not work for me. I must have had an adverse allergic reaction to it because I only took it for two days, and I woke up with sore calf muscles, the worst stiff neck, really bad muscle pain, and a horrible sore throat. I did experience insomnia both nights as well. I called my doctor on the third day and was instructed to stop taking it right away. I thought this was going to be my miracle drug, I'm tired of all the different medicines and crazy side effects. I'm glad that it is working for others, hopefully, I will find relief soon."

• Anonymous
• January 12, 2011

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on Savella for 3 months now, and at first, it helped with the pain. As I increased the dosage, I got severe hot flashes and terrible sweats, which I could handle, but then after about a month, the nausea started and increased insomnia, then the vomiting. At first, I thought I had the flu or a stomach virus, but noticed every time I took my dose, I got nauseated and then threw up shortly after. I started having severe headaches and increased vomiting and feel so horrible. I know it works for some people, but I will be contacting my physician and asking him to take me off. I know it may work for some, but not for me."

• cra...
• August 14, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "1 week on Savella, so far, side effects aren't bad, except if you like to sleep, you may as well kiss that goodbye for a while. Relief of pain is getting better with each day. Going to give it a chance and see how it goes."

• GAm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2024

For Fibromyalgia "I like Savella, but I don’t love it. It does take the edge off of pain, for that, I’m grateful. But it makes me SO HOT. So hot that I can’t wear sweaters in winter. So hot when I’m sleeping that I have to wake up and take my jammies off. If I do housework, I am dripping wet. Also, it makes me very foggy, even after weeks of use. And most importantly, I am sure it is affecting my liver. I get pains in my back about 20 mins after I take it, so this is worrisome. I am only at 50 mg and would like to get to 100 mg for more pain relief, but don’t see how I can tolerate it. Cymbalta gave me much better pain relief and better mood, but also horrible insomnia, so for now, I'm stuck with Savella until something better comes out. But please keep in mind I am very sensitive to meds and often suffer side effects that others don’t, so your experience may vary. 6/10"

• pai...
• January 25, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "I am currently finishing the titration packet. I have four days left. 50 mg twice a day. Yesterday, I started having terrible stomach cramps right after I eat and have diarrhea. When I don't have that, then it's constipation and really bad gas pains that make me feel like I have to go, but of course, nothing happens, so I have to wait it out. Also, not sleeping well at night. Wake up at all hours and trouble getting comfortable. My legs, which have always been my worst symptom, don't feel any better yet. Also, I have a terrible pain in my neck and shoulders, which ironically didn't start until three days after I started the pack. Anyway, I will try to keep taking them for at least a month and pray for some relief."

• Fib...
• January 25, 2011

For Fibromyalgia "After taking Savella, I was basically in bed for 3 weeks, feeling so cold I had to stay under 3 blankets. My hands and feet were like ice. I would get a tingling sensation through the inside of my body and felt so cold I would shiver. When I did get out of bed and, for example, go to the store, I would break out in sweats that made my hair look like I just got out of the shower and all my makeup came off. I had at least one night a week of insomnia where I couldn't get to sleep until dawn. I had very disturbing, vivid nightmares. I had no positive effects from this medicine. I've had fibromyalgia for 16 years and decided to go back on Lyrica as I had no side effects from it."

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "The pain is down, but I am having trouble sleeping and hot flashes. At first, I thought this was an effect of steroid injections, but I think it is this medicine. I haven't slept all night in weeks. I will be in contact with my doctor about this."

• Ler...
• March 6, 2011

For Fibromyalgia "I tried Savella with the starter pack. I experienced terrible nausea, insomnia, hot flashes, racing heart, and fever. My doctor reduced the dosage back to 12.5 mg, but with very little improvement of side effects. She finally told me to stop taking it. I have had great results with my other medications, and I wasn't having any issues, but my doctor wanted me to try this new 'great' medication. I haven't felt this bad in years. If I were having problems, I could understand her trying the Savella with me, but for me, this medication made me feel worse than I have in a very long time. I am relieved to be off of it. In the future, if my other medications become less effective, I might give it another shot... but for now, 'No thanks.'"

• con...
• January 17, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "I started the titration pack and am now on the full recommended dose of 50 mg twice a day - this is not working for me - I have insomnia, I wake up all night long, still have muscle pain, restless leg at night, stiffness, leg swelling, headaches, grouchy and irritable. I have not experienced any stomach problems nor constipation. Not sure about the blurred vision being caused by this medication, as I have just been diagnosed with the beginning stages of cataracts, so it could be that. I am on week 3 now. I am very disappointed. I was on Effexor for years, and it worked for 7 years, but then stopped being effective. I pray for something to come along to help."

• mso...
• October 11, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I have been taking Savella for almost 5 months and am overall very disappointed. Switching from Lexapro to Savella made for one week of hellish symptoms. Then I had nearly every awful side effect that is listed for Savella: rapid heartbeat, nausea, constipation, sweating, shivering, insomnia, etc. I was getting some significant pain relief, though, maybe 60%. The rapid heartbeat was a real concern, so I cut back to 75 mg for a few weeks. The pain relief decreased, so I went back up to 100 mg again. Although the rapid heartbeat was no longer a problem, the FM pain relief has never returned either, and I still have the side effects, though the severity has lessened. My plantar fasciitis pain is the only pain that is really reduced."