Going to try Savella

[kiddthekatt]

Hi all;
  I saw my Rheumy today, got my injection for my knee and he gave me a 2 week sample of Savella to take. If I can tolerate the Savella I am going to wean off of the Ultram ER. I told him that I wanted to try and get off of some of the medication that he has me on, starting with the Flexiril, and then the Ultram and so on. He was in full agreement and told me to stay as is until we see how I tolerate the Savella. I start it tonight, so keep your fingers crossed for me. I hope this finds you all having as little pain as possible.

gentle hugs
Angel

[sadie16]

I went to my Rheumotologist yesterday and told him that I would like to try the new drug Savella. But instead He gave Me a prescription of Effexor Xr. He has told Me that both of these drugs are exactly alike. I have read all of the information on both of these drugs. I don't  think they are alike at all. I'm not depressed, but I have so much pain in my body from the fibramyalgia that I can't hardly even stand it anymore. I made a appointment with my Family Doctor for next week. I'm really going to talk to him about getting on this drug. I hope that they have this drug available in Pennsylvania.

[kiddthekatt]

Hi everyone;
  I finally made it home and it sure feels good to be here, although I miss my kids and grandbabies terribly. I feel great!! I am tired but that is to be expected, but other than that, I feel wonderful. I'm almost afraid to go to sleep at night, really scared I'll wake up and the pain will be back full force. I have gotten completely off of the Ultram ER and the Flexiril. I had no problems at all getting off of either one. Savella has given me back to me.

   My daughter was so shocked to see how well I am doing. We all went into Dallas, we looked like a tourist group there were so many of us......lol. We had a ball. We were on the go chasing kids, cooking out, swimming and I even went fishing for a short time, but it was too dang hot. Temps were in the low 100s every day, and it's going to get hotter. I sat up late with just my 2 sons and my daughter and we talked about the days when they were all little and the fun they had growing up. I really enjoyed the trip so much. I drove home today and my grandson Truett was happy to have spent time with his Dad, but he was ready to come home. My granddaughter Joslynn came home with me for 2 weeks, the fun never ends.

   If any of you are thinking about trying Savella, I would seriously think about doing it. If I continue to feel better and better every day, well, all I can say is thank goodness my Rheumy gave me the 2 week packet. I start taking 100mg tomorrow and I am so ready. But right now, I'm going to bed in my own bed, yaaahoooo. Good night my friends, I'll check back in the morning.

gentle hugs
Angel

[VaBreeze]

So happy to hear you are having a great time...and that you are feeling better as well.  That is great news.  

Can't wait til your return so you can fill us in.  Take care and enjoy.

[Joy697]

Glad you're doing so well.  I am weaning off the Cymbalta; only one 60 mg.per day.  Next Tuesday I will start the beginning pack of Savella along with only one 30 mg. Cymbalta.  The following Tuesday I will start full dosage of S. and no Cym.  I hope I do as well as you are on this new med.  I have been feeling pretty awful lately, so I sure do need to start feeling better again.  I am expecting my fourth grandchild any day now and I want to be available to help my daughter as much as I can.  I second what VaBreeze said, you are missed.  Seems that you are the core of this blog who keeps all of us chatting.  Can hardly wait for you to return home to tell us all the exciting things you were able to do.  Then I hope that next month I will be able to say how well I am feeling then (I pray for it).
Have a great time and keep on feeling GOOD!!
Joy697

[kiddthekatt]

Good morning;
   Just a short note to let you all know that my visit is going great, although it's been 104 here the last few days. The Savella has been working wonderfully, and I am so happy that I finally feel human once again. I'm tired but having a ball, all the kids and grandbabies will be here this weekend, and I can't wait. Take care all, I'll see you again Sunday.

gentle hugs
Angel

[VaBreeze]

I hope you are doing well and enjoying the visit with your daughter.  Just wanted to let you know that you are missed.

See you soon and can't wait to hear how you are doing through this week.

Hug,
Breeze

[kiddthekatt]

  Thank you. I'm really happy that you found medhelp, the site and the community has been a blessing to me. I always know that when I am having a pity party, I can come here and know that I won't be in any one's way. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful husband and family who do understand and support me. It makes a big difference.

  Have a safe and hopefully less pain weekend.

gentle hugs
Angel

[Joy697]

I hope you have a delightful, pain-free week.  I have never been part of a "community" before but I think I will like this.  At least I will be connecting with others who understand how I feel and what I'm going through.  I don't expect miracles any more; I just want to feel somewhere nearer to normal and be able to make plans to do things I like to do.  Hope the Savella continues to do the trick for you.
Joy697

[Joy697]

My doctor gave me the starter kit of Savella last week. She said that when she learned it was approved, she immediately thought of me. She told me to do my own research (which she knows I will do - ha!), and read the small brochure in the packet. I am seriously considering taking this new med. I've had fibro and CFS for over 10 yrs. and had to retire because of it. I am so tired of hurting and being fatigued. However, I also wanted to read about others who have started Savella and how they have done with it. I am so hoping this will be what will help me get my life back. Please keep reporting how you are doing on this drug. I will do so also after I've started it.
Joyce

[kiddthekatt]

Good evening;
   I thought that I would stop in for a sec and let everyone know that I am doing fantastic!! I drove into Dallas last evening and met my daughter and we spent the night. We got up and went shopping, and I was able to have a wonderful time. I arrived home a little while ago and I still feel fantastic, although I am tired.

   I can not believe how much better I feel since going on the Savella. I have just about cut the Ultram completely out, and have had no serious w/ds, so I am feeling very good about life right now. I'm going to leave after my doctors appointment on Monday and drive to my daughter's house and spend the week with her, I am so excited. So, I will be MIA until I return, I'm not taking my laptop because I intend to enjoy every minute with them.

   I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, stay safe.

gentle hugs
Angel

[FurballsMom]

Thank you for such important information about Tramadol and drug interactions.  I do always make sure I remember to tell all my doctors which medications I'm taking when they go to prescribe a different medication for me.  But, this gives me something to think about.  I will be sure to do more research on this information you posted and compare it to what I'm taking.  

By the way, do you know of anyone who has had a bit of speech problems on occasion while using Tramadol?

[VaBreeze]

Hi Angel -

I really hope that this new med works for you.  I did want to post this info. though, so you would be aware of potential bad effects while using it with the Ultram.  Please be safe and report any side-effects or new symptoms to your doc.  Best of luck to you and keep us updated.

Hug,
Breeze

http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php

Ultram (traMADOL) and Savella (milnacipran) (Major Drug-Drug)

GENERALLY AVOID: Due to its serotonergic activity, coadministration of tramadol with serotonin-enhancing drugs such as SSRIs, SNRIs, nefazodone, trazodone, and mirtazapine may potentiate the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5-HT1A and 2A receptors. Symptoms of the serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucinations, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Patients receiving tramadol with serotonin-enhancing drugs may also have an increased risk of seizures due to additive epileptogenic effects of these agents.

MANAGEMENT: In general, the use of tramadol in combination with highly serotonergic agents should be avoided if possible, or otherwise approached with caution if potential benefit is deemed to outweigh the risk. Patients should be closely monitored for symptoms of the serotonin syndrome during treatment. Particular caution is advised when increasing the dosages of these agents. The potential risk for serotonin syndrome should be considered even when administering serotonergic agents sequentially, as some agents may demonstrate a prolonged elimination half-life.

[Phtartist]

Hey, Hi, Guess what? I started on Savella too!  I started on the 12.5 twice a day for five days and today is the beginning of 25mg. twice a day for five days.

I am very sensitive to meds so they have to start me slow.  My one Dr. gave me 50 mg. to start and I got sick, nausea and dizzy. I had an appt. with my GP and she started me slower and I'm good.

I had a massive headache since April which is less already.  One thing on the 50mg, the headache stopped immed. The dr. said it can work that fast.

I wish you the best, I know you have suffered for so long.

Hugs

[kiddthekatt]

Good morning;
   This is day 3 on the Savella and also day 3 of weaning off of the Ultram. I was a little stiff this morning but no more than any other morning. I haven't taken the Flexiril at all, and have had no w/d feelings at all. My body does feel a little better, not really positive but hopefully the Savella is going to be ok.

Gee;
  Thank you for your reply. You are so right about the meds being over whelming, ugh!! Some days I threatened not to take them at all, but I knew what would happen if I didn't so......... I hope this finds you feeling better today. Take care.

Chowmama;
   Thank you for letting me know how you are doing on the Savella, that really made my day. I am happy that you are doing so good on the Savella, it really gives me hope. I'll make sure to let you know how it goes.

Take care all.

gentle hugs
Angel
  

[chowmama]

I wish you great luck!  I've been on the Savella for three weeks now, and, luckily no side effects!  The worst part was weaning off the Effexor first.  I'm feeling better than I was before, but I started B12 shots a month ago too, so maybe its the combination.  I do feel less "foggy" and have enough energy to do a little bit of work when I get home from work.  I was on the Effexor for anxiety and so far that has not returned with the switching of meds.

Last year I was doing really good.  My goal this year was to get off most of my pain meds, but then I had surgery and all heck broke loose.  My body isn't healing the way it should.  For four months I have been complaining and all my doctors kept telling me it was the fibro, I just have to get used to this new pain.  Took an ob/gyn to take me serious and find the problem.  We are our best, and sometimes only, advocate for our health care management!!!

I'm looking forward to hearing how well you do on this.  Again, best of luck!

[ladygeegee]

I hope the saville works for you. I 've read about it. I know taking so many different meds is a "pain"...lol.  It was hard for me to keep track at first. It was in fact over welming . I think about so many of us in the same boat. One less pill really does make a difference!!! Keep your head up!!!

Sweet Hugs
Gee

[kiddthekatt]

Afternoon all;
  Well, so far so good. Although I've only taken 2 doses of the Savella, I haven't felt any of the side effects. If it's going to make me sick it would have done so by now. It would truely be a blessing if the Savella works. I want to get off of most of the scripts that my doctors have me on, I need to know how badly my body does hurt and that way we'll know which direction we need to take. I am goin g to continue taking my vitamins and supplements, because I do feel better overall when taking them.

   I don't want to take tons of pills for the rest of my life. I know that I'll have to take some, but I'm hoping that I'll be able to get rid of some. Take care all.

gentle hugs
Angel