Uses
What is levomilnacipran used for?
Levomilnacipran is commonly used to treat depression.
Levomilnacipran may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does levomilnacipran work (mechanism of action)?
Levomilnacipran is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by increasing the amount of natural chemicals called serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
How is levomilnacipran supplied (dosage forms)?
Levomilnacipran is available as Fetzima and generic levomilnacipran in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 20 mg extended-release oral capsules
- 40 mg extended-release oral capsules
- 80 mg extended-release oral capsules
- 120 mg extended-release oral capsules
How should I store levomilnacipran?
Levomilnacipran should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of levomilnacipran?
The most common side effects of levomilnacipran are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Feeling of skipped heartbeats
- Sexual problems, such as difficulty getting and keeping an erection, or ejaculation problems
There may be other side effects of levomilnacipran that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of levomilnacipran?
While less common, the most serious side effects of levomilnacipran are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Levomilnacipran may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using levomilnacipran and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Levomilnacipran or other antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of children, teenagers, or young adults in the first few months of taking the medicine or when the dose is changed. Depression or other serious mental health conditions are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you or your child is about to harm themselves, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior
Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Levomilnacipran can cause serotonin syndrome when it is taken alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin. This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
- Sweating, fever, or flushing
- Confusion
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Seeing or hearing unusual things
- Dizziness
- Fast or racing heartbeat
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
- Seizures
Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Levomilnacipran may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.
If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable but look out for any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.
- Sudden severe headache
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea/vomiting
- Blurry or other changes to vision
- Anxiety
- Buzzing in the ears
- Nosebleed
- Feeling of skipped heartbeats
Increased Heart Rate. Levomilnacipran may cause your heart rate to increase. Your healthcare provider will check your heart rate before you start treatment with this medicine. During treatment, your provider will monitor your heart rate and blood pressure on a regular basis.
Abnormal Bleeding. People taking levomilnacipran or other antidepressants may have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising. You may be at higher risk if you are also taking aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like ibuprofen or naproxen, or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), apixaban (Eliquis), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in how easily you bruise or bleed.
Glaucoma. Levomilnacipran may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma.
- Loss of vision
- Eye pain or redness
- Severe headache or vomiting
- Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)
Inability to Empty Bladder (Urinary Retention). Levomilnacipran might make it harder to empty your bladder, especially if you already have a blockage. Call your healthcare provider right away if you cannot empty your bladder.
Extremely Elevated Mood (Mania). People with bipolar disorder can have severe high and low moods. The first symptom of bipolar disorder may be depression. People with bipolar disorder who take an antidepressant, such as levomilnacipran, may have a higher risk of having mania or a manic episode. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a manic episode.
- Dramatic increase in energy
- Significant trouble sleeping
- Your thoughts are racing and fast-paced
- Engaging in reckless behavior
- Having unusually grand ideas
- Feeling excessively happy or irritable
- Talking more or faster than usual
Seizures. Some people who have taken levomilnacipran have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking levomilnacipran and call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.
- Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
- Stiffening of your arms and legs
- Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Falling or losing consciousness
Low Sodium Level (Hyponatremia). Levomilnacipran may cause low sodium levels. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low sodium level.
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Tiredness or sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Restlessness or irritability
- Change in your mental condition such as hallucinations, confusion, decreased awareness, or alertness
- Seizures
Sexual Problems. Taking levomilnacipran or another serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) may cause sexual problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following sexual problems.
- Decreased sex drive
- Delayed ejaculation or unable to have an ejaculation
- Problems getting or keeping an erection
- Delayed orgasm or unable to have an orgasm
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use levomilnacipran?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take levomilnacipran.
- Levomilnacipran
- Fetzima
- Milnacipran
- Savella
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific levomilnacipran products they stock.
Drug Interactions. Levomilnacipran should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking levomilnacipran, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Kidney Problems. Levomilnacipran should not be used if you have end stage kidney disease. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.
What should I know about levomilnacipran before using it?
Do not take levomilnacipran unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share levomilnacipran with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep levomilnacipran out of the reach of children.
Do not open, chew, or crush levomilnacipran capsules.
Levomilnacipran can make you feel tired or affect your thinking and reaction time. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness and coordination until you know how levomilnacipran affects you.
People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from levomilnacipran. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
Do not stop taking levomilnacipran without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Anxiety, irritability, or high or low mood
- Feeling restless
- Changes in sleep habits
- Headache
- Sweating or shaking
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Electric-shock like feelings
- Confusion
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using levomilnacipran?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if levomilnacipran is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and past health conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following.
- Mental health conditions, including current or past depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania (including personal history or family history)
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems, including fast heartbeat or stroke
- Kidney problems
- Bleeding problems
- Problems with urinating or emptying the bladder
- Glaucoma
- Seizures
- Low sodium levels in the blood
Also, tell your healthcare provider if you drink alcohol.
Pregnancy. Taking levomilnacipran later in pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of certain problems in your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take levomilnacipran while you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking levomilnacipran, you can register for the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants by calling 844-405-6185 or at www.womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants. This registry collects safety information about the use of antidepressant medicines during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if levomilnacipran passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does levomilnacipran interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between levomilnacipran and foods or drinks.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking levomilnacipran. Alcohol can affect how the medicine is absorbed, causing various problems. The combination can also increase sleepiness or affect your alertness or concentration.
Does levomilnacipran interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking levomilnacipran.
- A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
- A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which are medicines commonly used for anxiety and depression
- A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
- A type of medicine called a triptan, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex and others), eletriptan (Relpax), and others, which is commonly used to treat migraines
- St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
- Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- Buspirone, which is a medicine for anxiety
- An antipsychotic, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- Amphetamines, such as Adderall, which are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy
- Opioid pain medicines, such as tramadol or fentanyl
- Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
- Medicines that affect bleeding, like a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), warfarin, or aspirin
- A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
- Ketoconazole or itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), which are medicines used for fungal infections
- Clarithromycin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of levomilnacipran. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with levomilnacipran. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much levomilnacipran?
If you or someone else has used too much levomilnacipran, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of levomilnacipran?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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