levomilnacipran ()

Treatment for:
depression

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What is an SNRI?

A serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) is a class of medication commonly used to treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD.

How does an SNRI work?

SNRIs increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Serotonin is a naturally-occurring brain chemical that supports the regulation of mood and memory; norepinephrine is also a naturally-occurring brain chemical that supports focus, attention, and energy.

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is levomilnacipran (Fetzima) used for?

Levomilnacipran (Fetzima) is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) or depression. It works as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) to increase levels of the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine.

Should I take levomilnacipran (Fetzima) in the morning or night?

Levomilnacipran may be taken in the morning or at night. The time of day you take the medication depends on your response to the medication, other medications you may be taking, and what works best for you. Try to take levomilnacipran at the same time daily—it's important to stick with a regular dosing schedule when taking the medication.

Is levomilnacipran (Fetzima) a stimulant?

No, levomilnacipran is not a stimulant medication. However, the medication works by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can improve your mood and give you energy.

Does levomilnacipran (Fetzima) cause weight gain or loss?

No, weight gain or loss weren't commonly reported side effects of levomilnacipran. However, you may experience nausea and/or vomiting with the medication, which could cause some temporary weight loss. Taking levomilnacipran may also cause increased appetite, possibly leading to some weight gain. If you have concerns about weight gain or loss with levomilnacipran, talk with your provider.

Does levomilnacipran (Fetzima) help with anxiety?

Levomilnacipran is approved to treat depression. However, it may sometimes also be used off-label to treat anxiety since, in studies of the medication, some people with anxiety experienced improvements in their symptoms while taking it. If you're interested in learning more about using levomilnacipran for anxiety, talk with your provider.

Does levomilnacipran (Fetzima) make you sleepy?

No, sleepiness isn't a side effect of levomilnacipran. If you experience sleepiness while on the medication, talk with your provider. In some cases, your symptoms may be related to other causes, such as other medications or conditions you may have.

How long do levomilnacipran (Fetzima) side effects last?

Typically, mild side effects of levomilnacipran are temporary and go away as you keep taking the medication. However, levomilnacipran may also cause some serious side effects that can last or even be dangerous, such as some sexual side effects, seizures, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or bleeding. If you experience side effects that are bothersome or don't go away, talk with your provider right away to discuss your options. If you feel you're having a medical crisis, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency medical center right away.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published December 3, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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