methadone and savella

[truredhead]

I have been on methadone for many years, I was originally put on it for substance abuse and it helped me to live a productive normal life and be a good mother. I did not know it was the drug from hell to come off of. Failed to do that several times due to blood pressure rising and a convulsion. Needless to say I am totally away from anyone in the drug using world. I do have fibromyalgia and degenerative disc disease, My Rheumatologist is hard to get in to see quickly but I am wondering if savella she gave me could cause serotonin syndrome? All I take is is lisinopril savella and the methadone. Could methadone contribute to serotonin with the milnacipran? the savella seems to be helping my fibro. I have also came down 60 mg on the methadone in the last year.

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

The combination of Savella and methadone can theoretically cause an increased risk of serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome, but the chance of that is quite remote. Have you had any symptoms of it? Mild symptoms may include increased temperature and heart rate, shivering, sweating, dilated pupils and intermittent tremors or twitching. It can also become severe and sometimes life threatening. But from your question it is not clear whether you are just curious or are having difficulties. It actually sounds like Savella is a helpful medication for you.  Please don't assume that just because the medical texts say that it is a possible interaction or caution that it is something that you should worry about. Most of those are so rare that it more dangerous to cross the street or a parking lot. Make sure that your doctor is aware about your methadone use, than he can make appropriate decisions while proscribing. But in this instance you do not have to worry. Good luck to you and all the best.

[truredhead]

Thank you doctor so much for the comment about the savella. I have been so afraid of mixing drugs, I am just curious, not at all having any symptoms. But with the hepatitis C, I am very careful about any medications due to my liver functions. I have been on the methadone for 15 years, so afraid of the withdrawals. I have high blood pressure which I treat with lisinopril. So methadone and lisinopril was all I was taking before the savella. the savella has not caused any problems so far but I am just still on the 12.5 mg twice a day.The doc wants me to work up to the 25 twice a day. She is my rheumatologists and yes she knows about my methadone use. I  have been coming down slowly on the methadone in the last year from 160 to 110 now. I do not want to be on such a high dose at this age and with the hepatitis c. I am hoping it has alot to do with the fibro and when I treat the hep c, the fibro will go with it. I have alot of pain from the fibro and irritable bowel. Thks so much for your feedback! Brenda E.