Milnacipran
Molecule Description
Milnacipran is used in the treatment of chronic pain caused by Fibromyalgia alt
hough it works as an antidepressant.
Uses of Milnacipran
- Chronic pain caused by Fibromyalgia (that affects the muscles, tendons, ligaments and supporting tissues)
- Depression
Contraindications of Milnacipran
When should one not use Milnacipran
- It is advisable to avoid taking Milnacipran in:
- If you are allergic to this medicine
- Child below 18 yrs of age
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease, high BP
- Blood cell disorder e.g. sickle cell or haemophilia
- Glaucoma
- Low sodium levels in the body
- Problems in urination
- Bipolar disorder
- Liver disorder
- Convulsions or epilepsy
Side effects of Milnacipran
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Increased sweating
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Serious side effects:
- Allergic symptoms - itching, hives, rash, swelling of lips, face, etc.
- Liver complaints – stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, dark urine
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision
- Convulsion
- Easy bruising, bleeding
- Manic episodes – increased energy, extreme happiness, talkative etc.
- High serotonin signs - hallucination, fever, agitation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, etc.
- Low sodium signs – headache, confusion, slurred speech, loss of coordination, severe weakness, etc.
- High BP – severe headache, chest pain, breathlessness, irregular heartbeats, nosebleed, etc.
Precautions and Warnings of Milnacipran
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Milnacipran during pregnancy?
A:
It is advisable to avoid taking Milnacipran during pregnancy. It may affect the unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Milnacipran while breastfeeding?
A:
It is not recommended in breastfeeding. It is still not known if it passes into breast milk. Doctor's consultation is advised.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Milnacipran?
A:
It may impair your thinking or reactions and this in turn, may affect your ability to drive. Be cautious while driving if you are on this medication.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Milnacipran?
A:
Milnacipran may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness with alcohol. It may worsen existing liver damage. It is advised to avoid excess intake of alcohol with this medicine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You notice abrupt mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts
- You have any liver, kidney or heart problems
- You have any psychiatric conditions or you're on a medication for that
Mode of Action of Milnacipran
How Does It Work?
This medicine is Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances present in the brain (neurotransmitters), thereby reducing the pain and assisting in the management of Fibromyalgia. It is also used in the management of depression....
Interactions of Milnacipran
Interactions with other medicines
- Narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, medicine for anxiety, depression, fits, etc.
- Certain medicine, when taken along with Milnacipran, can cause Serotonin syndrome – e.g., Medicine for Parkinson’s disease, migraine, ADHD, etc.
- Blood thinners e.g., Warfarin
Interactions with food items
No adequate information.
Dosage of Milnacipran
Overdose
- The symptoms of overdose can be – slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing, etc.
- Seek medical emergency help in case of overdose
Missed a Dose
If you miss a dose, take medicine when you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, don’t take the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Ravi Kakarla
MBBS, MBA
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Milnacipran?
- Inform the doctor about your detailed medical & surgical history
- Inform your physician if you have any of the following conditions -
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease, high BP
- Blood cell disorder e.g. sickle cell or haemophilia
- Glaucoma
- Low sodium levels in the body
- Problems in urination
- If you drink alcohol
- If you are taking blood thinners, e.g. warfarin
- If you are pregnant, lactating or planning a pregnancy
Q: How is this medicine removed from the body?
A: About 58% of medicine is removed through urine.
Q: How long this medicine stays in the body after taking it?
A: Half-life of this medicine is around 8-10 hours; hence, it can stay up to 16-20 hours in the body.
References
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Disclaimer
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