Subject:
Medications

Short Description:

Fetzima Approved for Depression

Background:

In July 2013, the FDA approved the SNRI Fetzima (levomilnacipran) for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults (Forest Laboratories, Inc). The efficacy of Fetzima at doses 40 mg to 120 mg once daily was established in three, eight-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in adults diagnosed MDD.

Levomilnacipran is an active enantiomer of milnacipran, the active ingredient in the SNRI Savella, which is approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia. However, Fetzima is not approved for fibromyalgia and Savella is not approved for depression.

Common side effects include nausea, constipation, hyperhidrosis, heart rate increase, erectile dysfunction, tachycardia, vomiting, and palpitations.