Milnacipran and Sweating: What Users Say (Page 2)

• ded...
• November 25, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on Savella for 5 months now, and it really does work. It doesn't make you pain-free, but it has helped me 75% from where I was. It didn't work that well for me at first. It took about 8 weeks, then I started feeling a real difference. The worst side effect is the sweating. The others I had are gone. I am going to try a natural herb for that. I take a good multivitamin and B-12 complex, which helps me with the fatigue. I have had chronic pain from fibromyalgia for almost 10 years. Took all the medicines. Like others said, your whole life changes. You hurt all the time, can't get out of bed for days at a time. Try it for a while, give it a chance."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I have had hot flashes and sweating while on this medicine, which after a couple of weeks have subsided. I am only halfway through my first pack but have had a lot of emotional depression/anxiety since I started it. I was taken off of Cymbalta and given Savella. So far, I haven't had any more energy, but I am going to give it 2 more weeks, which will be a month."

• 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."

• Yay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2021

For Fibromyalgia "I had been taking Duloxetine for years and felt it had quit working. The doctor had me do the titration pack of Savella, and by the time I got to the full dose, my head and neck were sweating like a garden sprinkler. I could not even try cooking without it rolling into my eyes and down my neck, I also had a headache at the back of my neck that was unrelenting. Couldn't stand it!!"

• GMa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2021

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on Savella now for 5 weeks. 25 mg x2 daily. I am hoping the side effects I am experiencing subside, as it has helped my pain. I am experiencing vertigo 24/7 to the point I am scared to drive. Headaches which come and go, profuse sweating, and flushing of my face. Other medications have not helped. I tried Cymbalta but experienced excessive yawning to a point it was debilitating. Thank you to all who have posted about their experience. I am trying to hang in there and hope the side effects subside. I do wish the cost was more reasonable. I am paying $437 a month."

• Anonymous
• December 2, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "Been using Savella (50 mg 2 X daily) for 9 weeks, and it's made a HUGE difference in my pain. Not 100% pain-free, still have trigger points, etc., but improved my ability to function day to day tremendously. It 'takes the edge off.' I've had entire days where I feel almost normal. Did have the typical side effects the first two weeks: sweating, rapid heartbeat, agitation, and nausea. Stuck it out, the side effects subsided, and it was worth it. Tried a lot of the other medicines recommended for fibromyalgia, including Cymbalta, Lyrica, Elavil, Flexeril, etc. None worked for me - either unable to tolerate side effects or made no difference in my pain. Recently missed 2 consecutive doses, and the pain came back ferociously, made me realize how much better I've felt."

• zie...
• September 27, 2013

For Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome "Have been taking Savella for 3.5 months - started because of chemo-induced neuropathy. The only side effect that I did not know was a side effect until I read this board was sweating in the head area. I was having severe pain in both hands and arms, and it is virtually gone. Also, I have lost 13 lbs. and could not figure out why - guess this could be the miracle for weight loss. Very pleased with Savella, wish I had known about it two years ago."

• Nur...
• September 7, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "I was a patient in the research study for Savella from 1995 to October 2009. Within 3 days of receiving the 'unknown' medication, I began to feel like a normal person again. I had more energy, slept better, and my pain level went from almost the most possible to no pain on their pain scale. Up to about July 2009, the only side effects I experienced were occasional palpitations. Then I started having frequent palpitations, hot flashes, twitchy muscles, increased sweating, infrequent nausea, and vomiting. I continued to decrease my dosage and had to finally stop it entirely. Now I'm back to my old fibromyalgia pain again, but have been able to control it with Vicodin and methocarbamol so far. I may try the Savella again if my pain increases."

• Amt...
• February 25, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "Been on it for over a month. Seemed to work, gave me a clear mind. Still had night pains. Now I'm getting pain in my groin area. Been like that for over a week now. I've had bad headaches and sweating. Gonna stop. I'm getting side effects, it's lost its appeal."

• Viv...
• July 17, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on Savella for about a year. The medication greatly reduced my pain. Initially, after titrating up, I was on 100 mg. However, it caused my blood pressure to go really high, even with the medicine I take for blood pressure. I reduced the medicine to 50 mg, which helped some with the blood pressure. However, the nausea and vomiting, hot flashes, sweating have continued. The nausea and vomiting are bad enough that I am willing to go off the medication. I am hoping I can find something that will help as well, without the side effects. The benefits are outweighed by the side effects for me."

• All...
• September 4, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I was given the titration pack also. I started on the 12.5 mg twice daily and did fine. I noticed within 30 minutes to one hour of taking it, I passed out and was asleep like a baby. Then when I moved up to 25 mg twice daily, I still sleep like a baby. I also noticed a reduction in pain, still stiff though. I also noticed another change that I haven't heard anybody mention, which is a decrease in libido. I also started dealing with irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally and physically) behavior. So, my doctor told me to try taking one 25 mg pill a day and see how that works for me. I have experienced mild hot flashes and sweats, increased constipation. Sticking to it though."

• ney...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "This is the second time I have tried Savella. The first time, after 3 weeks of suffering from sweats, intolerance to heat, although the pain was better, I started having headaches and palpitations. It did nothing for my brain fog. It did, however, help with the pain. Because I only have 1 kidney, pain meds are a problem for me. I have RA, osteoarthritis, and fibro. I started back on Savella at a 12.5 mg dose 10 days ago, but once again, the palpitations, the nausea, and sweats have caused me to stop. Wish this could have worked for me."

• ord...
• September 9, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "First medication for fibromyalgia that did not make me talk to myself, lose my vision, or be so sleepy I could not work. I appreciate some feedback I read that said taking it while eating meals helps with side effects. Mine have been sweating (odd body temperature swings) and dry mouth. I have switched to unsweetened so as not to pack on pounds and drink more. It has helped curb my appetite (pain makes you want to comfort eat). One month on, still some pain issues, but can get out of bed in the morning and work during the day. Be sure to go to drugs.com and check interactions. Can't take it with a lot of medicines doctors try for fibromyalgia. I am only on Savella and occasional Tylenol. Right now, doing better than I have in a long time."

• 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."

• jud...
• April 27, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "I tried Savella on the regular sample pack, which apparently progressed much too quickly for my body. I had horrible sweating, mental fog, and freezing hands and feet. It was the oddest combination of side effects that rendered me completely nonfunctional. I tapered off the drug because of the terrible side effects, but when I went to see my doctor, he suggested I try again -- but much more slowly. I dread the side effects, but would like something that will make me feel normal eventually."

• Cla...
• February 25, 2012

For Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome "I was diagnosed with RSD almost 4 years ago. I have had 4 surgeries between my wrist and shoulder and have not had a moment without pain. I have been on multiple pain meds and pain patches and suffered severe allergic reactions. Recently, things were so bad due to the extreme amount of pain I was feeling, I was using Ultram ER, and my doctor added Savella. The combination of these 2 medicines has finally made my pain tolerable. I am not suffering from any severe side effects except some hot flashes, sweating. But I will tolerate those over the pain any day. This medicine is worth trying, give it a chance. It gives you your life back."

• Anonymous
• December 30, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "This medicine has helped me feel less pain, was very good in the beginning, however, the sweating was okay at first, but as time went on, the sweating began earlier and lasted longer every day. Finally, I was sweating profusely two hours in the morning and then again in the afternoon. My clothes were drenched, along with wet hair, dripping in my face, etc. I stopped for three days, and the sweating stopped, however, the pain came back. I have decided to continue taking Savella and put up with the sweating but wish there was a pill for that side effect."

• Jud...
• September 9, 2021

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on Savella for approximately 1 month for fibromyalgia. It helped with energy, maybe a little pain relief, clearer thinking. Flushing, sweats, chills, headaches, sneezing, nervousness/anxiety, high blood pressure, some nausea, worsened sleep issues with taking Ambien. Never took over 25 mg in the AM. Weaning off. I have never had blood pressure issues."

• 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."

• Ste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 20, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "I have had fibromyalgia for about 10 years now. My Dr. tried Cymbalta and then Gabapentin, which both seemed to help at first, but only for a short time. Then maybe 4 years ago, a new Dr. put me on Savella. At first, I felt nauseous, dizzy, and had headaches every day. All those symptoms continued, but not as severe, but I started feeling like I could get around better, and my muscles weren't as stiff or sore as before. But then, being diagnosed with BPD and anxiety, those meds weren't where they should be, and I started feeling really down and depressed. I told my Drs. about it. Then, trying to get Savella refilled, I found out they weren't going to refill it because insurance said I had suicidal ideations. But after 4 weeks without it, I feel so much better! No sweats, dizziness, etc."

• flp...
• December 30, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I took Savella for 7 weeks. Noticed just a bit of relief. Horrible side effects, which included not only severe sweating, bloating, increased headaches, but also I got a period after 3 1/2 years of not having one. Coincidence? I stopped taking the drug and I didn't have a period since."

• One...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 15, 2021

For Fibromyalgia "I was on Savella for 10 years. Run, do not walk from Savella. I suffered from day one until I refused to take another pill. It did nothing for my pain and caused sweating, chill bumps on one arm and scalp, rapid heartbeat, swelling, high blood pressure, and in the end, diabetes 2. I literally lost 10 years of my life to Savella. Heat intolerance, flushing to the color of purple on a 72-degree day mowing the yard, I'm a woman, not morbidly obese. I felt immediate relief the minute I stopped taking it."

• 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."

• Cra...
• November 15, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "I came here to see if anyone else was dealing with what I am. I am almost finished with my first pack and finding myself miserable at night. At first, like many here, I was finding relief and felt 'yes, finally a drug without side effects,' but then the twitching and sweats started. Now I am in surgical menopause, so I am quite familiar with hot flashes and night sweats, but since being on estrogen, I haven't had those problems. On this medication, the night sweats are so bad they disrupt my sleep. Last night, I literally was up all night. I had that kind of 'sleep' where your brain is up but your body is relaxed. I'm starting to feel that it's not worth it. I too have osteoarthritis in my shoulder and it's horrible and wakes me up as well."

• Dee...
• November 16, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "I've been taking Savella for a little over 3 months. I have to admit, the painful episodes of fibro have been minimized, but when I do have one, they are more extreme than before taking the medication. Will talk to the doctor about dosage. I am currently on 50 mg twice a day, and I am scared to take more, as I also have the sweats, and they last for up to 3 hours."