I'm in week 3 of a long term study, and I'm sure I have drug. I'm feeling 50% better...   (Tue Nov 21 13:57 2006)

Taking 100mgs a day after 2 months. Results;
early wakening has stopped, concentration has improved and moderate mood elevation has occured. Above 75 mgs the sweating, sore testicles amd high blood pressures starts. The phantom nose bleeds start again. So I have a dilema, back off milnacipran or take BP medication. I chose the latter. Hopefully within 6 months I can start winding back down off this medication. I need it to function but despite the nice publicity the side affects are not pleasant. It's a choice between two evils.   (Thu Oct 26 10:24 2006)

Following the ucler diagnosis I went off milnacipran to see if the symptoms would ease. They did, then when I went back on the study drug, the ulcers became worse with pain and nausea.

I've now stopped the drug and left the study. It saddens me, but it also gives me hope. I think at the right dose, this drug can be a small miracle. I will try it again when it comes on the US market and look towards a lower dosage.

For now it's back to fibro sysmptoms and keeping my chin up.    (Tue Sep 12 20:41 2006)

Have been off Milnacipran (toledomin) for one year. In late June the severe fatique, 03:00 am wake ups and daytime sleepiness told me my old nemisis depression had returned. My day time concentration skills and short-term memory declined. So I reluctantly had to return to my GP and start the slow dosage increase phaze again. I just hope my BP can handle 5 pills a day to keep me functional. This side effect made me quit the last time. Anyway good luck to all.
Paddy   (Thu Aug 31 9:00 2006)

I'm currently in the phase III trial of milnacipran and three years ago I spent the better part of two years as a patient of Dr.Dryland's taking Mirapex.

My experience with Mirapex was awful. Severe nausea and side effects similar to Parkinson's-like symptoms, made me like a zombie with little pain relief. Dr.Dryland was less than compassionate and told me if I didn't want to tough it out, I could leave. I weaned off Mirapex and fired Dryland, only to go it alone with little or no meds for the next three years.

The milnacipran study has been overall a very good experience. Nausea if I take it without food, but up until the extended study, no other problems. Currently I'm being treated for three peptic ulcers which my doctor fears have been caused by the drug. I am either taking 100mg or 200mg a day at this phase, but now I have to decide whether to 'tough it out' with this until the phase is over in February. It's a difficult decision as my pain is 90% controlled and my energy is way up. I feel clearer and more like my old self; except for my stomach!

I do think Milnacipran is wonderful at the right dosage. It WILL be the drug for FMS in the future and I don't regret taking it to see the hope that still exists for us all.   (Wed Aug 23 22:56 2006)

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Hello everyone.  I order my Milnacipran from England.  Someone mentioned that you can also order from France or Italy.  I would like a back up, so would that person let me know where I can order Milnacipran.  I would like to order more but as it stands right now, I can only order 4.  Thank you for your help.  Everyone have a good day.     (Sat Jun 10 8:43 2006)

Hello everyone.  Dave, as I mentioned I had great results in the beginning.  I am sticking with this drug til the end of time.  Like I said I am on other meds, Elavil, also for pain, couple of others.  I am on oxy, reduced 320mg to 40 and I have taken the same drugs you have.  You have to wait a long time with this drug.  Somedays I have no pain, other days I have some pain but I say to myself it will pass.  I would say to anyone thinking of giving up, give it at least 10 months, yes, 10 months.  Stay on your meds with the Milnacipran, you will feel when it is time to give them up.  Good luck   (Thu Jun 1 14:57 2006)

Free Drug Reference: Dosing/Insurance Formularies/Side Effects/Drug Interaction http://www2.epocrates.com/products/online/   (Tue May 30 17:49 2006)

Hi Dave:  I am still on the Milnacipran.  What messed me up was that my son forgot to re-order it for me, so I had to wait again for it to kick in (7wks).  I have great days with no pain and some days that are not that great.  I will tell you one thing though I would be dead without it.  I still use a few other drugs but I am reducing them now.  Like I was on 200mg of Amatriptyline, now I am on 100mg.  I look at it this way, well today is not that great but it will pass and I will feel better.  I am sorry I took so long answering but I just completely forgot about this site, busy walking my dog, going downstairs to do laundry.  I will not go shopping without my sons though.  Scared the pain will return and be very severe.  I hope that helps.     (Tue May 30 16:53 2006)

Hey Stan,

Look towards the bottom of page 2 of this it tells you where to get the drug for about $50 a month. You order it from France so order it now it takes 2-3 weeks. Sincerely,Jody   (Sun May 21 0:58 2006)

Hi! I am so pleaed to fnd others out there to compare notes with! I have been on drug study for a year and 2 months. I have gotten miraculous relief, after 30 years of various drugs & treatment! My problem is the study appears to be ending in 1 more month. I need info where to get the drug, my Dr. advised Antiaging company in England, but does anyone else know anywhere else?
Also I think it is unwise for the drug company to let us go off the drug cold turkey, I think we should have continued access to it. I would like to contact the study people and drug company if there are others who are with me.
Plese let me know. I can't say enough good things about the drug, but I fear problems getting the drug and at a huge expense.
Wellnes to all! Thanx
I take 2oo mg a day, it works amazingly well for me.    (Sat May 20 16:05 2006)

I was on Cymbalta and it quit working after about a month.  Just stopped it to take Ibex.  Ibex is working.  If it stops working,why not try Cymbalta again?  That's just food for  thought for others if the Ibex is not working for you anymore.....   (Sat May 20 2:14 2006)

I have been on Ibex for 3 days.  My Doc doesn't know it.  My heart is beating too fast - 110 beats per minute.  My BP is up.
I have gotten extremely angry over a couple of situations where anger was merited.  I'm just surprised at how extreme the anger was-I'm not usually like that.

I have been taking other drugs with this.  Perkasette for pain, Trazdone (desyrel) for sleep, Glucophage for diabetes.  Should I stop all of these?  I may not need the perkasette as my pain has gone way way down.  So I will try not to take it tomorrow.  

My vision is clear, my brain fog is less.

Any coments on taking other drugs or the BP and fast heartbeat problem?  Please help.  Thanks, Jody   (Sat May 20 2:11 2006)

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Carolyn - You have posted more than several times exhorting people not to stop taking the IXel - yet your last post suggests that it is not working for you - please clarify your post - I am sure people read these posts and follow.  Also, the fire sensations I am familiar with.  I have that type of painful sensation myself and a couple of other types of pain predominantly in the same area - legs/thighs up.  Unfortunately, for me the only relief there is at present is pain meds and physical therapy.  The Physical Therapy should be performed only by someone who understands FMS and uses a myofacial release technique.

Valorie M - nice to hear from you again - did the Milnacipran stop working for you as well? It stopped for me totally after about 4-6 weeks. Hope you are feeling ok.

Cindy - you are the first person with FMS/CFS that I have heard of actually having relief with the Provigil - I hope it continues for you.  Most I have heard about do better on other amphetamines.

I am interested to hear other people's experience with MIRAPEX.

Thanks to all, feel Good.   (Sun Mar 19 21:06 2006)

Hi all.  I have been through many of the drugs you've all tried and none seem to work for me either for more than a few weeks.  I recently acquired a thermal massage therapy bed called a migun bed.  It has jade far-infrared heat heads and does a full or partial body massage with accupressure and heat.  It hits all the right spots.  It helps me sleep better after I've used it.  It isn't a cure all, but it seems like I've improved.  It's worth a few minutes of research to see if it's for you.  the website is migunworld.com.  My sister, who has more of the skin sensitivity uses it with towels piled on it and still benefits.  I use it straight.  Many of the dealers that sell this massage bed allow you to try it at their shop for 60 days free before purchasing.  People with severe arthritis, FM, and other chronic pain diseases have had great results with it.  So just an FYI in the search for help with FM pain.   (Tue Mar 7 11:34 2006)

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I have been on milnacipran for 9 months now.  I find somedays it works, for the most part it does not.  I am really disappointed as I got great results in the beginning.  Now my question.  Does anyone wake up at night due to their legs feeling like they are on fire?  It is usually from the knees up.  I rotate with heat and cold packs to help me get back to sleep.  I wish I knew what is causing it?  Any suggestions.     (Sun Mar 5 15:17 2006)

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Greetings and good wishes to all,

I was in the Milnacipran study last year, but left at the end of the Phase 3 due to unwanted side effects.  

I just read a book by Dr Dryland which talks about a new drug that might help with the pain which is my biggest concern.   I just started taking Mirapex two days ago and really think I can see a difference.   Slept for almost 4 hours in a row last night.   I don't remember the last time I got more than 2 hours without waking up.

I would offer the suggestion that if you are looking for something to try, this is a known drug that is FDA approved for treatment of Parkinson's and restless leg.

As I have said before, your health care professional is a caring person, but no one is more interested in your health than YOU.  Take the time to research and study, then take your finding and questions to your Doctor.   Together you can find relief.

Good luck to all, we each know what hell this can be for us and our families.   I had given up and was just surviving with a pain level of 6 to 8 when my Pharmacy Manager suggested there was a new study just completed in July 2005.   It made me realize that I wasn't being fair to my family or myself and it was time to search for a better solution.   I hope that will be Mirapex for me.   (Fri Feb 10 11:24 2006)

I'm interested if anyone has ever tried Provigil, prior to entering into the study.

If I participate in this study, I will have to go off the Provigil for my fatigue, Effexor for my depression and Clonazepam at night to sleep.  I will still be allowed to continue my ArthroTec, which has my pain under control quite well. Isn't this a pain study?

Since starting on Provigil 4 years ago I've been very stable and have resumed most of my regular activites. No more fog, problems concentrating, or panic attacks, and my energy level is up 150%.

I'm concerned about messing up a good thing.
I don't think I could continue the sudy if I didn't get the real thing; and what about the weeks coming off my meds.

Just the thought of going back into the dark days scares the hell out of me.

HELP!   (Sat Feb 4 13:47 2006)

Hi Kevin:  I was on effexor and it did diddly squat for me.  Please whatever you do, do not give up on the Ixel.  When I first took it, in 7 days I was pain free.  Went for a deep tissue massage and that brought the pain back.  I did a couple of other stupid things,which brought back the pain again.  I am on 200mg of Ixel, not depressed though.  After being on it for 8 months I started to lower it by 50mg, boy that hurt, went back up to 200mg again, lo and behold it started to work again.  I could not believe my good fortune.  Some people give up too quickly, it took me 8 months to get back on track.  You may laugh at this but the whole time I was taking it, I felt no pain when I took a shower, so I knew it had to be doing something.  I cannot impress on you enough, do not give up on the Ixel.  I have talked with other people and some say they did not get pain relief for 9 months, some even got relief after a week, like myself.  Don't get off your regular meds yet, just relax (right) and unfortunately you do not know how long it will take but it will eventually kick in.  Good luck   (Fri Jan 27 17:25 2006)

I've been on for 3 days now with intense nausea each morning on rising for about 10 minutes. I'm also tapering off Effexor at the same time. I have an apt w my doc in the am, so I'll get feedback on the switch. I went from 75mg effexor xr/day then I dropped it to 37.5 one day then skipped a day...felt crappy so I took 37.5 today...prob skip again tomorrow and decrease the dose the following day. I'm happy to get off effexor...I don't have that much time to sleep.   (Thu Jan 26 0:04 2006)

Hi Dave:  Maybe you should have waited longer Dave.  The Ixel is kicking in after waiting 7 months.  Have a good day.   (Mon Jan 23 13:42 2006)

Thank you Dave for responding.  I am hearing that a lot from other web sites.  I cannot understand why it works so well for about a month and then just stops.  I was pinning all my hopes on this med.  Like yourself I am tapering off.  Good luck   (Fri Jan 20 7:13 2006)

Sorry for not being clear - After expeiencing relief for a short period of time the milnacipran became ineffective for the treatment of my pain, so I stopped taking it completely.

Best of luck.   (Fri Jan 20 2:09 2006)

Hi Kevin:  Please let me know how you make out on the milnacipran.  It worked beautifully for me in the beginning and I was pain free.  I am not depressed and on 200mg but I am lowering it because it just does not work anymore. Keep me posted as to how you make out.  Thanks    (Thu Jan 19 16:40 2006)

I just ordered my first pack of Milnacipran from Anti-Aging and I'm full of anticipation. My spine was injured in an industrial accident when I was 24 and I had Lymes disease several years ago, I'm now 42. My chronic pain is constant and I suffer from depression. I am currently on effexor and my pdoc is going to monitor my transition from effexor to ixel. The effexor helps my energy level and pain tollerance a bit but my concentration is really messed up. I'm glad to be getting off this effexor which has bad side effects and potential risks and onto ixel. I'll keep you up to date on the changes I experience!   (Tue Jan 17 13:10 2006)

Hi Dave:  How are you doing with the Milnacipran?  Would appreciate hearing from you.  Thanks Carolyn   (Fri Dec 30 15:26 2005)

Hi Dave:  I am glad you posted.  It sounds like you are going through what I am.  The first two weeks absolutely no pain.  Then I did a dumb thing got a deep tissue massage.  That put me out of commission for 7 days.  The Ixel did kick back in though.  Then the order got mixed.  Yesterday was the worst every.  Nothing helped me and I thought oh dear God I have tried everything, this was my last hope.  Today I had a very good day.  I don't know why but it seems to work better some days than other days.  I am always in pain but not to the extent I was before.  It is sad you go to bed and think, let me get through the night with no pain, and when your feet hit the floor you think oh my goodness what is today going to bring.  My son keeps impressing on me that it is the only drug made for fibro and you will have good and bad days.  So I am looking at it that way.  I wish the damn thing would just go away and go to Saddam.  Thanks for posting David   (Thu Dec 22 16:42 2005)

Friends.  I was filled with great anticipation this past June.  After seeing some of the amazing reports here, I was staring at the package of IXEL tablets wondering if this would be the panacea for me after 7 years of constant pain.  As a side note, I do not suffer from depression, so the anti-depressant aspect of the drug was not of interest.  No, I was more excited about the norepinepherine.  Anyway, as many have reported, by the end of the first two weeks I could not believe the results!  My pain was dramatically decreased, and the quality of discomfort was different.  No doubt about it - I felt a million times better.  I did suffer from the dramatic "sweats", also a temporary heat rash all over that passed.  I also had some heart palpitations.  Regardless, I would have lived as a human sponge with a jack rabbit heart for the pain relief I felt (my sleep was also improved).  Alas, by the end of the first month things started to change.  I tried to convince myself that I was just having a bad day here, and there.  Ultimately, I was like Charly in Flowers For Algernon (or Robert Deniro in Awakenings) - the drug stopped working.  I tried increasing the dosage from 100mg a day to 200mg a day, but no duplication of the initial results, unfortunately.  Today (about 4 months later) I am back to where I was before the drug; although lately I have been experiencing some symptoms that I have not had in several years.  I wonder if the Milnacipran has activated the recurrence of some of these autonomic system issues?!?  Anyway, my only hope is that the short term effect produced by the drug (and experienced by many here) will mean something to somebody who studies these things, and perhaps lead to a treatment with longer lasting results.

Best of luck to everyone.   (Wed Dec 14 20:05 2005)

I have asked a couple of questions.  Cannot blame you all.  I know you are all out enjoying the Milnacipran.  Take care   (Fri Dec 9 11:13 2005)

Hello everyone:  As you can see I have posted two posts.  I would love for someone to respond to my question, which is, how long before you got relief.  As mentioned earlier, it worked for 2 wks, but the order was late in arriving and I am in hellishing pain right now.  Thanks everyone, really glad for those who are having success with this drug, it truly is a miracle drug, just wondering why it is not working a miracle on me.  Thank you   (Sat Nov 5 11:08 2005)

I was on Milnacipran for 2 weeks and it was a god send for me.  Unfortunately, I went 2 weeks without it as my son forgot to order it.  I have been back on it for about 4-5 weeks now but it is not as effective as the first time.  Please Dear God, let me know if there is somebody out there that has had the same experience.  Good luck, and god bless.     (Mon Oct 31 14:16 2005)

Hello, would appreciate any help with this question.  I 1st went on the 100mg dose of Milnacipran and I felt terrific.  My son forgot to order another prescription and I was without any for about 2-1/2 wks and though the pain is not as intense as before, it was still severe.  Do you think it will kick back in a certain length of time.  I hope so as this is my only way out of Fibro.  I have been through the book of pharmacology so there is nothing left for me.  I would appreciate a reply, hope everyone feels better and good luck.  Thank you   (Sat Oct 29 12:54 2005)

I am in need of information from anyone with FM/CFS who has tried the above mentioned medications. I succesfully compledted the Milnacipran study, and am now taking IXEL. I have not experienced any side effects other than minor ones when first starting study.

My dilema is, I had to go see a psychiatrist due to increased depression; Job  and family related. This psychiatrist knows nothing about Milnacipran other than the information I provided for her. She wants me to come off of the Milnacipran and try Cymbalta or Effexor! I have no informaton on either med and there effects on FM/CFS. I need input from those who know. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
SheilaD     (Thu Oct 20 22:09 2005)

I am in a research study--in the 4th week.  I must be on the real med, as I am experiencing the intense flushing and sweating.  However, I have been off of work with extreme headache and just in general feeling ill.  No fever or other usual flu or cold like symptoms.  Just trying to figure out what is wrong and how to get back on my feet.  Have had CFS & FMS since 1992 and reallyl felt better at week 2 of this study.  Thinking the dosage may be too high for my tolerance.  Like so many others have commented, I too am very sensitive to most meds.  Has anyone else experienced this intense ill feeling?   (Thu Sep 29 21:24 2005)

I have been taking Milnacipran as part of the FMS since July 04. During Phase III of the trial study, I was on the placebo. I would have withdrawn from the study, but as a nurse I knew that it was important for the overall study that there was data even from the placebo group; so I continued. I was so misserable at the end of the 7 months, that I was not going to go on into the extended study. I wanted my life back. What life? Misery and pain!!
  It is a good thing that I trusted my doctor and continued on into the extended study. For the first time in over seven years with fibermyalgia I found relief. I have read what others have written about the side effects; I only experienced mild nausea (and that was only in the beginning), some sweating and with or without Milnacipran I had migrains during a major flare up. I think the bottom line is quality of life.
  I know that with Milnacipran, I can hike, kayak, horseback and bicycle again. Milnacipran has given me my life back. I only have one week left before I complete the final study. It scares me to death to think of going back to the way I was or the pain. I am all for Ixel and will without hesitation use it until the FDA approves Milnacipran in the US.
  I know dose is a question for alot of you. The final study only consisted of two dosages; 100mg twice a day or 200mg twice a day. I am pretty sure I was on the 100mg dose due to my lack of extreme side effects. It controlled my FM symptoms and restored my life.      (Sat Sep 24 22:23 2005)

Hello again,

I have been off of the Milnaciprin since June, I have my normal pain back.   I live with a level 6 to 8 pain most days and have some memory problems, but not enough to keep me from working yet.  

I am still seeing signs of my body's return to "normal".   Menstrual cycle is returning, I went 3 months without periods twice during the study.   I have not been able to loose any of the 15 pounds gained, but will work on that.  

The sweating was more like when you work hard, but it occured without much effort.   It continued as long as I was on the drug, but has gotten much better now.

I also feel that we should be very careful when mixing any drugs or suppliments.   REMEMBER, no one is as interested in your health as you are.  Ask questions and don't just blindly follow a Doctor's directions.   You should listen to their advise, but be sure to research and KNOW what you are doing.  Your Doctor sees you for maybe 20 minutes, you live with the symptoms 24 hours a day.
   (Thu Sep 15 14:18 2005)

My feeling is that regardless of what a doctor tells you , it is NOT wise to be mixing this drug with other medications. Doctors are not the experts here with regard to this type of medication and playing with brain chemistry is not wise ! This drug already had too many side effects, pay attention to your body..uping the dosage is dangerous, mixing with other drugs is seriously foolish . You have all been warned by the manufacturer NOT to do this..they must  tell you though to follow your doctors advice.  FOLLOW THEIRS, or try something else . Think !!! I'm throwing mine away. I don't need more problems thank you! When this is pulled off the maket it will already have generated the millions the company wants, and will you all be standing in line for the next game ? Something is wrong here ..re-read this page alone..please !Any problems that this drug causes especially used in combination with other drugs will not be followed up on  the way you think...I'm worried that people are going to die early because of how this study is is so carelessly being done and what MD's are prescribing to deal with the side effects , OR the part of the problem that the drug is not addressing. Be careful everyone , there is only one you..

Jessie  
   (Fri Sep 9 11:04 2005)

When do we expect Milnacipran to be a legal prescription in the USA. I live (very difficultly. I would like to try Milnacipran completely sanctioned by the FDA. Eurpeans seem to have more benefits than negative experience.    (Thu Aug 25 14:32 2005)

"Top O the morning to ya" I came off it recently and had taken it for 2 years. My symptoms were deep depression, early wakening, lethargy, concentration difficulties. For me the drug offered limited benefit below 3 pills(75mgs). At 125mgs for 1 yesr mood elevation slowly but noticeably improved.I abstained from alcohol. Never experienced nausea. which is the most common side effect, but did experience, sweating, impotence and migraine for the first time. The migraine went away as the body adjusted  The reason why I wanted to wind down quickly was high BP which culminated in red face and right nostril nose bleeds at work. My doc warned me to come off it slowly and that's what I did. The BP side effects prompted me to get off this medication. It does work well, but I didn't like the side effects.  I am a touch irritable without the medication, but I am working on it.  Take care Paddy   (Wed Aug 24 10:18 2005)

I tried this drug ordered thru anti-aging.coms website. I started @50mg. I noticed the pain relief was great for the first few days but came back again. I was at the end of my rope. I have increased my dosage to 100mg and I must say, it took 8-10 weeks for it to work but my pain is 98% BETTER. I thank GOD for this drug and for the suppliers/makers of it. I take 50mg in the morning and 50mg before bedtime. WHAT A GREAT DRUG. The people I share this horrible disease with have also improved to the point where we have our lives back!   (Sun Aug 14 21:00 2005)

I'm considering being on the milnacipran study.I have suffered for 13 years with FMS.I have chronic,severe overall pain but I'm bothered most of all by the inability to sleep like a normal person.I hate having to rely on 2 very strong drugs(Eliavil 100mg & klonipin 1mg)to get some sleep but I am greatful that I have something to take.I'm so excited to hear that many of you have energy again.Are the sweats that you get onging for the entire duration of the study.Are they like menopausal hot flashes?Does the water weight gain also last the entire duration of the study or does it subside?.I'm so excited for all of you that have found releif & hope it's approved by the FDA soon.Thank you for answering these 2 questions.   Christine   (Wed Jul 20 15:47 2005)

I have taken an Effexor and Wellbrutin combo (both at
maximum dose---not an uncommon level for clinical
depression) for a number of years with good results for
depression. My FMS specialist  agreed to follow me on
milnaciprin  if I got off Effexor via a
psychopharmacologist. Following the new doctor's
instruction for a  very gradual decrease in Effexor, I was
then pushed into trying Cymbalta instead of M. I was
never in much pain with FMS and thought at first that the
ending Effexor caused my sudden pain increase. Two
awful pain-filled months later I realized that the pain had
not begun until I took Cymbalta. Even at the weeks I was
on tiny amounts of Effexor, I was not in any pain. (I have
suffered from terrible cognitive deficits and debilitating
fatigue that begun after a series of hip surgeries.   Have
had FMS now for over 1 year and cannot work or  
exercise.)
Anyway, I stopped the Cymbalta cold turkey w/doctor's
approval and began the Milnacipran, with total pain relief
at 50mg daily, however, the psychopharm doc would not
follow me if I took a drug from Europe, so  my wonderful
and much smarter Internist has agreed to, beginning with
an EKG that showed no abnormal waves.
I am up and down during these 2 wks. of milnaciprin BUT
FROM THE FIRST DAY MY IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME IS
100% GONE.  IBS began after 6 mos. of FMS.I am waiting
for the anti-depressant part to kick in w/more
consistancy,since that is a life long diagnosis of mine.
Pain returned for past two days following aserious upset. I
really see how badly stress can
impact on fibro symptoms. One additional note is that
there have been no side effects like sweat or nausea with
Milnacipran.   (Sun Jul 3 22:10 2005)

Hello everyone,

I have been off of the Milnaciprin for 2 weeks now.  I did not have the horrible withdrawal symptoms this time and am very greatful.  

I feel like I got the most benefit from the first 3 weeks of the study while the dosage was ramping up.   In my case, I think 200 mg per day is too much, but I am pretty sensitive to any medication.

By the end of the study, (I dropped out with 6 weeks left), I felt the side effects were starting to out weigh the relief I was getting.  Some of these may not be completely related to Milnaciprin, but I do not take anything else.

I gained 15 pounds between Aug 2004 and May 2005.   This is with active weight loss techniques in place.  I had lost 40 pounds 3 years ago and have really felt helpless against the gain.   I think constipation played a part in this and it has been relieved since stopping Milnaciprin.

Unusually heavy sweating and a runny nose were also side effects that became more than I wanted to deal with.  I feel like I have some control over my body again.   There is pain, but warm weather helps me and I think I can cope.

I was also in the study for Cymbalta, (Duloxetine), and felt at the time that it was helpful.  I keep hoping they will make a break thru on treatment, but there are so many areas to cover with FMS.

I have found a new Doctor who ordered X-rays and an MRI for the pain in my left leg.  At last I have some one who doesn't think everything that is wrong with me is all FMS and untreatable.   I hope every person can find a health care professional who will help them also.

I do not think I am depressed and really feel that if I could control the pain I would be able to get the rest I need.  Who knows what I could do without pain and with a full nights sleep!

Good luck to all.   (Sun Jun 26 22:53 2005)

My wife has been taking Milnacipran since January at 25mg twice a day. HUGE improvement. No problems ordering through www.antiaging-systems.com. FDA inspected the package once. Caviot - you can only order (I believe) two boxes within a certain period of time to avoid the FDA considering it other than "suppliments." At 25 mg BID, that's no problem, but check the website for better details. There's also some Case Law that should keep them from confiscating the drug.

A couple of question to those on it.
1) Has anyone had problems with Migraines on the drug?
2) Is anyone on Paxil concurrently and at what dosage?
3) What has been your experience with Cymbalta? They are chemically similar drugs and Cymbalta is available here by prescription.
4) Has anyone started out on the 25mg BID and increased it to 100mg BID and noticed any difference?

Thanks, and best of luck to all on the trail. My wife didn't qualify to be on study due to other medical problems. Thanks for your help!
   (Fri Jun 10 14:31 2005)