Savella is a prescription medication used to treat the chronic pain symptoms of fibromyalgia. Savella is a SNRI or selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. SNRI drugs are commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of depression. However, Savella is not approved to treat depression, only the chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia.
The problem with SNRI drugs is they can increase the risk for worsening depression or suicidal behavior. However, clinical trials performed on Savella in patients with depression and fibromyalgia did not indicate that these individuals experienced suicidal thoughts. In fact, patients who took Savella, there was a 0% rate of suicidal ideation. This was compared to 0.5% rate of suicidal ideation in those who took a placebo.
Main Use of Savella
Savella for depression is not approved as of yet. It is mainly used for fibromyalgia. It is important to note that this drug helps to manage pain symptoms, but it does not cure fibromyalgia. There is no cure for fibromyalgia. Savella works by blocking certain neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are thought to produce the pain associated with fibromyalgia. By blocking the transmission of these transmitters the patient can function with minimal pain and fatigue.
If you take Savella for fibromyalgia pain, and you have a history of depression it is important that you or a loved one watch for specific symptoms of worsening depression. This is especially true if you are aged 25 or younger. The symptoms you or your loved one needs to be on the lookout for are:
- Worsening depression
- Unusual behavior changes
- Suicidal thoughts
- Increased anxiety.
- New or worsening panic attacks
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Hostile/angry feelings
- Impulsive actions
- Severe restlessness
- Rapid speech
Symptoms to Look Out For.
These symptoms need to be brought to the attention of the prescribing doctor right away. If the individual has been taking Savella for a long time, it is important he or she not stop it abruptly. If the drug is stopped abruptly, the individual may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, mood swings, sleep changes, fatigue and feelings like an electric shock in the body. Your doctor will need to gradually reduce the dose to wean you off of Savella safely.
Doctors do not prescribe Savella for depression, but this medication can affect those who have depression. The best thing it can do is alleviate the pain from fibromyalgia while eliminating the symptoms of depression. But the worse case scenario is that it helps with the fibromyalgia pain but makes the depression worse to the point of suicidal thoughts. Individuals who are started on Savells must be closely monitored as there are many people out there living with undiagnosed depression.
Savella can be a great drug to help the pain of fibromyalgia. However, you need to be aware of the possible side effects it can cause. Always keep your follow up appointments with your doctor and be sure to let him know if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms.