Levomilnacipran
About Levomilnacipran
Levomilnacipran belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Major depressive disorder is characterised by a persistent and intense feeling of sadness for an extended duration of time.
Levomilnacipran contains Levomilnacipran, which works by increasing the levels of natural substances in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that help maintain mental balance. Thereby, it helps treat depression.
In some cases, Levomilnacipran may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, decreased appetite, and excessive sweating. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, if any of the side effects persist or worsen, consult the doctor.
Let the doctor know if you are allergic to any components in Levomilnacipran. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep the doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Levomilnacipran
Medicinal Benefits
Levomilnacipran belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Levomilnacipran contains Levomilnacipran, which works by increasing the levels of natural substances in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that help maintain mental balance. Thereby, it helps treat depression.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Levomilnacipran
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Excessive sweating
- Decreased appetite
Drug Warnings
Do not take Levomilnacipran if you are allergic to any of its components or if you take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or have taken them in the past 14 days. Inform the doctor if you have/had glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, bleeding problems, sexual problems, seizures, low sodium levels, bipolar disorder, liver or kidney problems. Seek medical attention if you notice symptoms of serotonin syndrome (hallucination, agitation, sweating, shivering, fever, fast heart rate, twitching, nausea, vomiting, or loss of coordination), mood changes or if you have suicidal thoughts such as killing or harming yourself. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Let the doctor know if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal products and supplements.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking medicines used to treat migraine, mood, anxiety (buspirone), psychotic or thought disorders, pain killers (tramadol, aspirin, fentanyl), herbal products (St.John’s wort), NSAIDs, blood thinner (warfarin), appetite suppressant (sibutramine), anti-manic (lithium), or diuretics.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have renal disease, glaucoma, high blood pressure, mania, seizures, urinary tract infections, or hyponatremia (low sodium levels).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while on treatment with Levomilnacipran.
Pregnancy
cautionLevomilnacipran belongs to pregnancy category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Levomilnacipran passes into breastmilk. Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionLevomilnacipran may cause drowsiness and affect your judgement, movements and thinking. Avoid driving or operating machinery unless you know how this medicine affects you.
Liver
consult your doctorPlease consult the doctor if you have liver problems before taking Levomilnacipran.
Kidney
cautionLevomilnacipran is not recommended for people with end-stage renal disease. Please consult the doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeLevomilnacipran is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising helps in improving overall health and boosts self-esteem.
- Regularly attend therapy sessions.
- Perform meditation and yoga. This helps in relieving stress and provides relaxation.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern to improve the amount and quality of sleep you get.
- Include foods rich in omega fatty acids such as fish, nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables and olive oils.
- Neurotransmitters are made up of amino acids. Amino acid-rich foods such as meat, dairy products, and certain fruits and vegetables help in the proper maintenance of neurotransmitters.
- Complex carbohydrates help in stimulating serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter). These include whole grains, legumes, spinach, broccoli, oranges and pears.
- Exercising helps in the production of the body’s natural anti-depressants. It also helps in relieving stress, improving mood, boosting self-esteem, and providing restful sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Learn about your condition, understand the risk factors and follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Major depressive disorder: Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, is a mental health disorder characterised by a persistent and intense feeling of sadness for an extended duration of time. It mainly impacts mood, behaviour, and other physical functions, such as sleep and appetite. Symptoms include sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite, sleep problems, restlessness, lack of energy, feeling worthless or guilty, thoughts of harming oneself, and difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and thinking. The exact cause of depression is unknown. However, factors such as stress, changes in hormone levels, alcohol or drug abuse, abuse during childhood, certain medical conditions and medications might increase the risk of developing depression.
FAQs
Levomilnacipran is used to treat Major depressive disorder.
Levomilnacipran works by increasing the levels of natural substances in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that help maintain mental balance.
Levomilnacipran may cause angle-closure glaucoma. Consult the doctor if you have eye pain, nausea, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around the eye.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Levomilnacipran for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Levomilnacipran. Do not discontinue the medicine without consulting your doctor.
Levomilnacipran may cause high blood pressure. Therefore, inform the doctor if you have hypertension. Blood pressure and pulse/heart rate should be monitored prior to the start of the treatment and regularly during treatment with Levomilnacipran.
