Savella vs. Cymbalta for Fibromyalgia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Savella

(milnacipran)

Duloxetine

(Cymbalta)

Summary for Savella

Prescription only

Savella (milnacipran) is FDA approved to manage fibromyalgia in adults. It belongs to the drug class called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Savella (milnacipran) is a tablet that's taken by mouth twice a day. You'll usually follow a dosing schedule for the first few days to reach the right dose for you. Side effects can include nausea, constipation, headache, and dizziness. As of January 2025, Savella (milnacipran) is only available as a brand-name medication. There's no generic version yet.

Indications for Savella

Fibromyalgia

Pros and Cons for Savella

Pros

One of few medications approved for fibromyalgia
Can take with or without food

Cons

Taken every day to help with fibromyalgia pain over time, not just "as needed" for quick relief
Not approved for children

Common Side Effects for Savella

Nausea (37%)
Headache (18%)
Constipation (16%)
Trouble falling and staying asleep (insomnia, 12%)
Sudden feeling of warmth (hot flush, 12%)
Dizziness (10%)

Warnings for Savella

Suicidal thoughts and behavior
Serotonin syndrome
Higher blood pressure and faster heart rate
Higher risk of bleeding
Urination problems
Sexual problems
Liver damage
Worsening of glaucoma in certain people

Summary for Cymbalta

Prescription only

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) helps treat depression and anxiety. It can also help with some types of chronic pain, such as nerve pain from diabetes. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is a type of antidepressant called an SNRI, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Most people take it by mouth once a day, but some with depression might take it twice a day. Side effects include nausea, headache, and dry mouth. When it's time to stop taking the medication, the prescriber will slowly lower your dose to help prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Indications for Cymbalta

Depression in adults
Generalized anxiety disorder in people ages 7 years and older
Diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain caused by high blood sugar) in adults
Fibromyalgia in people ages 13 years and older
Chronic pain in the muscles, bones, joints, or tendons in adults

Pros and Cons for Cymbalta

Pros

Taken once a day for most people
Can take at any time of day
A first-choice option for depression
An option for some types of chronic pain, like nerve pain from diabetes

Cons

Can take several weeks before you feel its full effects
Might not be a good option for people who drink heavily or have liver or kidney problems
Can cause nausea or dry mouth
Can interact with many medications, including other antidepressants and certain pain relievers

Common Side Effects for Cymbalta

Nausea (23%)
Headache (14%)
Dry mouth (13%)
Drowsiness (10%)
Feeling tired (9%)
Trouble sleeping (9%)
Dizziness (9%)
Constipation (9%)
Diarrhea (9%)
Low appetite (7%)
A lot of sweating (6%)
Stomach pain (5%)

Warnings for Cymbalta

Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Liver damage
Changes in blood pressure and risk of falls
Serotonin syndrome
Higher risk of bleeding
Severe skin reaction
Withdrawal symptoms
Low sodium levels
Sexual problems
Not for use alone for bipolar disorder because of the risk of mania
Angle-closure glaucoma in certain people

Prices with our coupons for Savella vs. Cymbalta

Milnacipran60 tablets / 50mg

$53.13$488.40

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Duloxetine30 capsules / 60mg

$11.45$33.12

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Savella vs. Cymbalta

Savella

Duloxetine

Summary for Savella

Indications for Savella

Pros and Cons for Savella

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Savella

Warnings for Savella

Summary for Cymbalta

Indications for Cymbalta

Pros and Cons for Cymbalta

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Cymbalta

Warnings for Cymbalta

Prices with our coupons for Savella vs. Cymbalta

Compare other Fibromyalgia drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Savella

Duloxetine

Summary for Savella

Indications for Savella

Pros and Cons for Savella

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Savella

Warnings for Savella

Summary for Cymbalta

Indications for Cymbalta

Pros and Cons for Cymbalta

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Cymbalta

Warnings for Cymbalta