Posted by bleauberry on August 12, 2010, at 20:25:14
In reply to Milnacipran Experiences, posted by a_nicholson1980 on August 10, 2010, at 2:18:43
I have some experience with milnacipran, have read every study ever done on it around the world, and have followed everyone here that has tried it, and a couple other forums.
I would say...
The side effects are not any tamer than any other antidepressant. The internet makes it seem like it doesn't have side effects, but it does. Decreased appetite or nausea are common for at least a month. Weight gain not likely. Impotence possible but not nearly as bad as the others. Decreased desire likely at first, but can later turn into an increase. Sweating likely if dose too high. Insomnia or disturbed sleep likely at the start and if the dose is too high. Tiredness is the dose is too high. Can cause difficult urination, which was so bad in my case I had to stop the med.
My personal opinions...
Excellent antidepressant that can work even when ECT fails. As it did with me and at least two others I have read about.
Is too often used as monotherapy, but happens to combine very well with risperdal, zyprexa, ritalin, cymbalta, pindolol, buspar, ssris, and wellbutrin. I know I know, cymbalta (snri) and milnacipran (snri) together? Don't try to figure it out. These are all very different drugs and very different molecules. I'm just telling you what I've seen out there in my studies.
Is too often over-dosed when much smaller doses would have worked as well, or better, with far fewer side effects. My ideal dose was actually 6mg twice a day. That's the starter pill cut in half.
Has a short half life and needs to be dosed at least 2 to 4 times per day.
Can correct adrenal and thyroid problems in the longterm (6 to 9 months).
Benefits anhedonia very well unless the dose is too high, in which apathy will show up just like other antidepressants.
Side effects take longer to smooth out than other antidepressants.
It is not a "me-too" antidepressant but instead stands in a class all its own...it is actually the only true snri on the market.
I say it is definitely worth a try, but keep all of the above points in mind. Go for a dose higher than your body wants, and it will suck. Listen to your body. Forget what the books and internet say...listen to your body...it will tell you the correct dose.
As with all drugs, mileage varies. That said, I see high potential with milnacipran when it is handled properly...I do not agree with the dosing instructions given on the label or by the doctor.
poster:bleauberry
thread:958128
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100811/msgs/958384.html