Should I Take Savella If I Have A History Of Panic Attacks?

General information about Savella shows that it works on and with the chemicals of the brain known as neurotransmitters. This drug is not prescribed for treatment of adult depression, as Effexor and others might be, though the effects on the brain and body are similar. Most of the basic information about Savella indicates that it is recommended for treatment of a pain disorder known as fibromyalgia.

Information from medical sources shows that Savella may be connected to suicidal thoughts in teens and younger children. Side effects might include mood change, anxiety, sleep troubles, restlessness and unusual irritation or aggressiveness.

A person who is not a medical expert might find the possible side effects of Savella are similar to the symptoms of panic attacks and panic disorder. While it has been found to help people suffering from fibromyalgia, there were adverse reactions such as hot flashes, increased heart rate and hypertension (blood pressure problems).

These similarities may be one of the reasons that Savella should not be used in conjunction with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). These are strong drugs prescribed for treating depression, some of which are also effective against panic attacks and panic disorder. Anyone who is taking either Savella or one of the MAOIs should do so only with the assistance of a medical professional. It’s probably wise to consult with a doctor as well if you are taking another type of antidepressant, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).

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Information about Savella from the manufacturer and from medical professionals shows that patients using this drug should be monitored closely for abnormal heart rate and increased blood pressure. Another connection between Savella and panic attacks lies in the withdrawal effects if Savella use is stopped suddenly. Patients have reported dizziness, anxiety, irritation, trouble sleeping and other affliction that are very similar to the symptoms of panic attacks.

Perhaps the best way to look at Savella in connection with panic attacks is this: There are thousands of sources of information on this particular drug and drugs like it. Nearly every one of these sources includes warnings about side effects that resemble panic-attack symptoms. In fact, most of these sources list panic attack as one of the side effects!

Maybe the best way to approach the use of Savella and the possibility of panic attacks is by using Food and Drug Administration advice. The medical guide from the FDA focuses on the possibility of severe anxiety, panic and suicidal thoughts. To someone who is not trained in the field of medicine, the connections between Savella and panic attacks are disturbing.

Written by Lucas Beaumont

Generalist. Wikipedia contributor. Elementary school teacher from Saskatchewan, Canada.

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