# Savella? **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Created:** [September 20, 2013, 2:24am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146 "2013-09-20T02:24:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jennifer\_J](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/jennifer_j/32/2187_2.png) [@Jennifer\_J](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Jennifer_J)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 2:24am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/1 "2013-09-20T02:24:33Z")
Anyone have experience with Savella? Good or bad, I would love to hear your input!! I just started it on Sunday night, and I worked Monday, at work I cried, felt like walking out, threw a cup of juice across our break room, and went in the bathroom a few times ti scream into my jacket! I love my job, none of this is typical of my behavior and/or attitude especially at work!! Then when I came home I screamed and yelled all night at my husband and kids! So I took myself off work (FMLA) till next Monday to try to adjust to this Savella. So far my mood seings are terrible, I am anxious all the time…everything frustrates me right now!, I am hungry all the time, I sleep for about 30-45min at a time, and I am awake 3-4 hours then sleep again for 30-45min. I am constipated the worst I have ever been, my body is always hot, but I always have the chills, and I have a severly decreased tolerhance to noise!! I am on the 25mg twice daily and the dose will eventually increase and stay at 50mg twice daily. Will these symptoms go away, or just get worse? At what point do I contact my doctor? With my Cymbalta the side effects came on over time, and I was just weined off that ti start the Savella. This time the symptoms hit me right away! ---
**Author:** ![Luna01](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/luna01/32/1481_2.png) [@Luna01](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Luna01)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 3:02am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/2 "2013-09-20T03:02:38Z")
I am taking 1-50mg tab at night for the past 2 yrs (& if I start huting I will take up to 3 tabs in a 24Hr period) & the only side effect I have encountered is the constipation & THAT only recently ( the past 4 wks). The only time I am crabby is when I hurt & I usually appologise to my son for snapping at him. I am on 2 antidepressants, so that may be why I am not having the mood swings. I am also experiencing menopause (yipee skippy) so I have been blaming the HOT/COLD crap on that. Hope this helps! M ---
**Author:** ![MrsK](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/mrsk/32/1829_2.png) [@MrsK](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/MrsK)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 3:07am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/3 "2013-09-20T03:07:11Z")
I am on Savella and have been for about 5 months. Now it is great but it does take time to adjust. It did make me very grouchy in the beginning also. ( my poor husband:( ) I increased very very gradually and I only take 25 mg 3 times a day. The 50mg dose was just too much. My doctor gave me 2 of the starter packs instead of 1 and had me double the days on the increase. Does that make sense? Like if its 10 mg for 3 days I did it for 6 days. I can say I noticed a difference within days with the fatigue and some pain. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis so its a different kind of pain now.I rarely have the fog now. Only on my worse days and its not nearly as severe when I do. As for the irritability… I’m still married so it must be better. Lol Try increasing slowly and always eat something. Don’t take it too late because it can interrupt your sleep. I did Cymbalta years ago and thought I was dying and I can say I thought I was dying before Savella. I hope it works for you and you find some relief ---
**Author:** ![Jennifer\_J](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/jennifer_j/32/2187_2.png) [@Jennifer\_J](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Jennifer_J)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 3:11am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/4 "2013-09-20T03:11:22Z")
My mom started menopause early, as did all of her sisters. My mom has been gone for almost 8 years now so I do not have her to discuss things with. It is funny that you mention that because my symptoms seem to be the same as those that go along with nenopause. ---
**Author:** ![Jennifer\_J](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/jennifer_j/32/2187_2.png) [@Jennifer\_J](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Jennifer_J)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 3:13am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/5 "2013-09-20T03:13:05Z")
I appreciate your input!! It gives me hope that this will get better!! I hope the Savella works for me because this is the last med my doctor is going to try, next step is neurologist! ---
**Author:** ![Jennifer\_J](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/jennifer_j/32/2187_2.png) [@Jennifer\_J](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Jennifer_J)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 11:45am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/6 "2013-09-20T11:45:22Z")
Thanks Pam!! I will go check that article out!! ---
**Author:** ![SK1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/sk1/32/539_2.png) [@SK1](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/SK1)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 6:31pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/7 "2013-09-20T18:31:14Z")
Hi Jennifer, Our most efficient search engine is broken, but this search engine is still working, though other topics are included, there are so many that have been posted about Savella, that I thought I'd give you this link. [http://forum.livingwithfibro.org/main/search/search?q=Savella&page=1](http://forum.livingwithfibro.org/main/search/search?q=Savella&page=1) I was given it in the beginning, years ago, it helped my pain a little, it really helped my mood, after a few months however, I began to shake. My Doctor discontinued it, but I still shake on occasion, so now I have to wonder if it actually was the med. I know it has helped so many people! I hope you are one of them! Wishing you well, SK ---
**Author:** ![ranjo327](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/ranjo327/32/2194_2.png) [@ranjo327](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/ranjo327)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 7:33pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/8 "2013-09-20T19:33:31Z")
I am on Savella. I started it 3 weeks ago and I must say this is the most I have been able to move in forever. I feel amazing so far no set backs (knock on wood). I am praying it keeps being so amazing. ---
**Author:** ![Jennifer\_J](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/jennifer_j/32/2187_2.png) [@Jennifer\_J](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Jennifer_J)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 7:34pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/9 "2013-09-20T19:34:03Z")
Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![Jennifer\_J](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/jennifer_j/32/2187_2.png) [@Jennifer\_J](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Jennifer_J)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 7:36pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/10 "2013-09-20T19:36:00Z")
Today has been one of my worst days in a long time. I hurt so bad all over! And it is my son’s big football game tonight! He is a senior and this is our rival school…it is a huge game! Nothing would keep me from going, I just wish I could enjoy it! ---
**Author:** ![SK1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/sk1/32/539_2.png) [@SK1](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/SK1)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 7:37pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/11 "2013-09-20T19:37:43Z")
Make sure to take/wear enough to keep you warm! Hope you can not only get through it, but enjoy it! ---
**Author:** ![SK1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/sk1/32/539_2.png) [@SK1](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/SK1)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 7:38pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/12 "2013-09-20T19:38:07Z")
So glad to hear it, Jo! Nothing like success! ---
**Author:** ![Kitty1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/kitty1/32/1150_2.png) [@Kitty1](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Kitty1)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 10:34pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/13 "2013-09-20T22:34:48Z")
[http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-152224-Savella+Oral.aspx?drugid=152224&drugname=Savella+Oral](http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-152224-Savella+Oral.aspx?drugid=152224&drugname=Savella+Oral) I had to check webmd for you. It does say that if you notice any psychiatric changes to call your doctor immediately. I've just pasted the paragraph below. I think your experience so far may qualify as impulsive actions. Like throwing the juice across the room. I'm pretty cautious with these meds. Sometimes we have to try a few before we find the right one. Don't be discouraged. If this isn't the right one I'm sure you will find yours. QUOTE from webmd: _Tell the doctor immediately if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening[anxiety](http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/default.htm), [panic attacks](http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/default.htm), trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, **impulsive actions,** severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed._ ---
**Author:** ![barbjjej](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/barbjjej/32/1656_2.png) [@barbjjej](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/barbjjej)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2013, 6:28pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/14 "2013-09-22T18:28:28Z")
i did not have any luck with savella....i am sensitive to med right now i take tramadol and still have pain but cant handle anything stronger..so so tired i hope you are happy with meds and it helps you barbjjej good luck feel better ---
**Author:** ![Laura\_W](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/laura_w/32/2093_2.png) [@Laura\_W](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Laura_W)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2013, 10:45pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/savella/3146/15 "2013-09-22T22:45:54Z")
Hi Jennifer, I'm sorry about all these symptoms you're having, it sounds awful! I am on Savella 100mg twice daily for about 3 years, my doctor said that sometimes with fibromyalgia, a higher dose of Savella is needed so I'm on the highest dose that is safe. Fortunately for me, I have not experienced any negatives to Savella, it felt like it just ended a lot of my whole body aches and I love it. I feel so horrible if I don't take it. Of course, like any med, Savella is not for everyone. If I were you though, I would wait at least a week at your full dose (after the initial weaning) and then reevaluate how you feel. I hope things do work out for you! ~Laura~