Milnacipran

Introduction To Milnacipran

Milnacipran is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of fibromyalgia (a condition in which there are generalized pain and tenderness in the body) and depression. It works by increasing the level of chemical messengers (serotonin and noradrenaline), helping in faster recovery.

Milnacipran may be taken with or without food. It is advised to take this medicine at a fixed time each day to maintain a consistent level in the blood. If you miss any doses, take it as soon as you remember. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. This medication mustn't be stopped suddenly as it may worsen your symptoms.

Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), constipation, anxiety, decreased appetite, increased sweating, and sexual dysfunction. It even causes dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. However, these side effects are temporary and usually resolve on their own in some time. Please consult your doctor if these do not subside or bother you.

Before taking Milnacipran, inform your doctor if you have any problems with your kidneys, heart, liver, or have a history of seizures (epilepsy or fits). Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or if you have any suicidal thoughts.

Uses of Milnacipran

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Depression

Benefits of Milnacipran

Fibromyalgia
Milnacipran may also be used to treat pain in people with fibromyalgia. It reduces pain and also the mood changes, sleep problems, and tiredness that can be caused by the pain. It interferes with pain messages traveling through the brain. Taking this medicine regularly will have an impact on your overall quality of life. Keep taking the medicine until your doctor advises you to stop.

Depression
Milnacipran helps in maintaining the balance of certain chemicals in the brain that affect mood and behavior. This improves your mood, relieves anxiety, tension, helps you sleep better, and increases your energy levels. Milnacipran prevents extreme mood changes and helps you feel less agitated. You may experience fewer episodes of depression and low mood.

Side effects of Milnacipran

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Milpran

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
  • Constipation
  • Anxiety
  • Decreased appetite
  • Increased sweating
  • Sexual dysfunction

How to use Milnacipran

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Milnacipran may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Milnacipran works

Milnacipran works by increasing the levels of chemical messengers (serotonin and noradrenaline), natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance and stop the movement of pain signals in the brain.

Quick tips

  • It may take 2 to 4 weeks for Milnacipran to start working. Keep taking it as prescribed.

  • It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.

  • Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Milnacipran as it may cause excessive drowsiness and increase the risk of liver damage.

  • It may cause a sensation of restlessness, especially when you first start taking it. Inform your doctor if this happens to you.

  • Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.

  • Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Milnacipran if I’m pregnant?

Milnacipran may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

sdsBreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Milnacipran if I’m breastfeeding?

Milnacipran is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

sdsAlcoholCAUTION

Is drinking alcohol while taking Milnacipran safe?

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Milnacipran. Please consult your doctor.

sdsDrivingUNSAFE

Can I drive after taking Milnacipran?

Milnacipran may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. As Milnacipran may impair your thinking or reactions and this may affect your ability to drive.

sdsKidneyCAUTION

Can I take Milnacipran if I have/had kidney diseases?

Milnacipran should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Milnacipran may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

sdsLiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Milnacipran if I have/had liver diseases?

Milnacipran is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Milnacipran may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor. Caution is advised in patients with the severe liver disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Milnacipran addictive?

Milnacipran does not cause addiction

Q. Is Milnacipran narcotic?

Milnacipran is not a narcotic

Q. Is Milnacipran a generic or a controlled substance?

Milnacipran is a generic and not a controlled substance

Q. Does Milnacipran cause weight loss?

Milnacipran may cause this side effect. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual problems during your treatment.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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