Milnacipran?

February 10, 2011 9:41 AM

Antidepressant question: Milnacipran? I'd never heard of it, but I'll likely transition from venlafaxine (Effexor) to milnacipran (brand names Toledomin, Savella, Ixel etc.) soon due to an upcoming move (from US) to Japan. Venlafaxine is not available in Japan.

This will be an extended, semi-permanent move, so staying with my US insurance, taking a long-term supply or mail ordering the meds isn't an option. I'll be in the Japanese health care system. I thought I knew this chapter of the Physicians' Desk Reference pretty well, but this is a new one to me. Both drugs are SNRIs. I know everyone's reaction to these drugs is different, but does anyone have any experience with milnacipran?

posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (1 answer total)

I have no experience with milnacipran, but Pristiq and Cymbalta are both related to venlafaxine, and are the drugs currently getting big pushes from the drug companies. Any chance they're available in Japan? I have transitioned from venlafaxine to both -- Pristiq seemed the same and there was no withdrawal during the transition, and Cymbalta seems to pack a little more punch with very minor withdrawal.
posted by freshwater at 12:05 PM on February 10, 2011