My doctor prescribed Savella after I told him that I read that there can be life-threatening complications taking Relpax while on Cymbalta. I read the info. and it's true of Savella. What should I do? I hate second-guessing, but also don't want to end up in the ER.
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5/14/10 11:34am
Susie,
Your doctor should have talked with you about this when prescribing the Cymbalta, let alone when you questioned it and he prescribed the Savella. You can find information on this in Antidepressants, Triptans, and Serotonin Syndrome.
Hope this helps!
Teri
5/14/10 11:37am
If you are worried you can do a few things, call the doctor back, speak with your pharamacist and get a second oppinion, meanning call a another doctor. I wouldnt start the medication untill I was 100% comfortable.
5/15/10 1:53am
i cant tell you for sure, i dont know savella. If the perscribing doctor doesnt answer you you can call your gp or the pharmacist. I hope you figure it out soon i know how frustrating it is i am in a similar situation.
5/15/10 9:35am
Susie,
The dosage may make a difference. I don't want to minimize the issue of serotonin syndrome too much, but there are many, many people who use antidepressants and triptans. The warnings don't say NOT to use them together; they say to be aware of the warning symptoms so you can report them to your doctor if they occur.
Teri
5/18/10 3:06pm
The doctor told the staff to tell me that there's a small chance of serotonin syndrome, so if I take Relpax, someone should monitor me. I am so sensitive to medication that "small chance" might be me though. Since Savella was for the fibromyalgia and it isn't for the chronic headache or neck pain, I think I'll hold on to the starter pack and check with the Cleveland Clinic now for a second opinion. Thanks for helping me work through this!
5/18/10 3:41pm
Susie,
You're very weocome, always!
FWIW, I've taken Effexor XR and triptans for years with no problems. I'm not saying that guarantees that you won't have a problem or anything like that. Just hoping to add a bit of perspective to a confusing issue.
Keep me posted? I'd love to hear from you after you visit the Cleveland Clinic. I know some of the doctors there.
Sending you a hug,
Teri
9/24/10 2:36pm
I will have to post about my two visits (so far) to the Cleveland Clinic. I was just prescribed Pristiq yesterday, another antidepressant with the same issue as Savella. Dr. Mark Stillman is my neurologist there, and I wish I remembered the expression he used when I asked about serotonin syndrome. He was not concerned that I take Relpax when I have an attack. Something about smoke, no fire. It made me feel much better anyway. I will try the medication when I receive it from Medco and pray for the best. The nice thing is that Pristiq has a "Start Today" program where Pfizer (I think that's it) will pay 1/2 of your copay. Anyway, I will, of course, stay aware of any symptoms. I'm so glad I have knowledgeable people here, fellow migraineurs, to talk with about these problems. Thanks again!
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By SusieB— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 05/14/10
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I've left a message with the prescribing doctor. I'm wondering if it is the dosage that makes a difference. I'm to titrate up to 50 mg. twice a day. Thanks for helping me!