Prescription medication · Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)

levomilnacipran

Name: levomilnacipran - FDA Drug Safety & Adverse Event Data
Creator: PlainMeds
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

Also sold as Fetzima. Fetzima is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Compiled by PlainMeds Editorial, Drug Information Editorial Team

Data updated 2026-05-15

1,858
FDA reportsRarely reported: 11
InteractionsSeveral interactions: $16.13
Brand price (NADAC)

What the data shows

levomilnacipran (Fetzima) is a prescription Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI), among the least-reported drugs the FDA tracks (1,858 FDA reports), with 11 documented drug interactions.

Reporting volume reflects how widely a drug is used and studied, not how dangerous it is, a FAERS report documents a temporal association, never proof of cause.

levomilnacipran (Fetzima) is a prescription Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI). Fetzima is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Fetzima is a medicine used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It helps to improve your mood by affecting certain chemicals in the brain.

Verify with FDA → · CMS NADAC pricing →

Drug Pricing (NADAC)

Brand Price

$16.13/unit

Generic Available

ABBVIE

Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective January 2, 2024. Compare all drug costs →

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What it does

Fetzima is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Common side effects

Nausea, Constipation, Increased sweating

Key warnings

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults.

The sections below are summarized in plain English from levomilnacipran's FDA-approved prescribing information. They describe what the official label says, and are not personal medical advice.

How It Works

Fetzima is a type of drug called a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. These chemicals can help improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

How to Take It

Take Fetzima exactly as your doctor tells you to. The usual dose is between 40 mg and 120 mg once a day. You can take it with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole; do not crush, chew, or open it.

This is a plain-language summary of levomilnacipran's FDA labeling, not individualized dosing advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before changing how you take this medication.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Using Fetzima in the last months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antidepressants during pregnancy.

This is a plain-language summary of levomilnacipran's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about pregnancy or breastfeeding on this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

This is a plain-language summary of levomilnacipran's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber what to do about your specific missed dose.

Storage

Store Fetzima at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Side Effects (from patient reports)

Based on 1,858 FDA adverse event reports.

Pain

210
Throwing up

208
Trouble remembering things

189
Numbness or tingling

179
Reduced sense of touch

178
Pain in the upper stomach area

175
Severe headache

170
Heartburn

168
Change in taste

157
Seizures

155

What this shows Bars show how often each reaction was reported, not how likely it is to happen, a report records a temporal association, never proof that the drug caused it.

Reports over time

Adverse-event reports filed for levomilnacipran each year to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Year-to-year volume tracks usage, prescribing, and scrutiny, not a change in per-patient risk. Source: FDA FAERS.

Where levomilnacipran sits

levomilnacipran has more FDA adverse-event reports than 12% of the drugs FAERS tracks. A high position reflects how widely a drug is used and watched, not how dangerous it is.

fewest reports most reports

Percentile across all drugs PlainMeds tracks by FAERS report volume. The dot is levomilnacipran; the line is the median (50th percentile).

FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis

Detailed analysis of 1,858 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 2013–2025.

Total Reports

1,858

Reports Mentioning Death

154

8.3% of reports — not proof of cause

Hospitalization Reports

283

Top Indication

Product Used For Unknown Indication

Gender Distribution

Female 1,310 (76%)

Male 407 (24%)

Age Distribution

0–17 31

18–44 469

45–64 396

65–74 110

75+ 36

Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)

#	Reaction	Reports
3	PAIN	210
4	VOMITING	208
5	MEMORY IMPAIRMENT	189
6	PARAESTHESIA	179
7	HYPOAESTHESIA	178
8	ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER	175
9	MIGRAINE	170
10	GASTROOESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE	168
12	TASTE DISORDER	157
13	EPILEPSY	155
14	BLEPHAROSPASM	152
15	NAUSEA	143
16	CONDITION AGGRAVATED	135
17	DEPRESSION	114
18	HEADACHE	112

Reactions in Death Reports

MATERNAL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY 91

CONDITION AGGRAVATED 89

OVERLAP SYNDROME 73

HYPOAESTHESIA 29

VOMITING 29

ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER 27

DEATH 26

MEMORY IMPAIRMENT 26

PARAESTHESIA 26

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS 26

Reactions in Hospitalization Reports

VOMITING 43

PAIN 39

HYPOAESTHESIA 38

MEMORY IMPAIRMENT 35

CONDITION AGGRAVATED 34

HYPERTENSION 33

PARAESTHESIA 33

ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER 32

CHEST PAIN 32

GASTROOESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE 32

Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation

Serious Warnings

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults. Your doctor should closely watch you for worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. Fetzima is not approved for use in children.

Known Drug Interactions

moderate linezolid

Within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders In a patient who is being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 , 2.6 ), Contraindications ( 4 ), and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Examples: selegiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of FETZIMA with other serotonergic drugs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Mechanism: Both of these medications increase the levels of a brain chemical called serotonin. If levels get too high, it can lead to a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction.

What to do: Do not take these two medicines together. Your doctor will typically wait at least two weeks after stopping one before starting the other.

moderate phenelzine

Examples: selegiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of FETZIMA with other serotonergic drugs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Mechanism: Both drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead to a dangerous buildup called serotonin syndrome.

What to do: Do not take these medicines together because the combination can cause serious side effects.

moderate tranylcypromine

Mechanism: These drugs both raise serotonin levels, and using them at the same time can cause too much serotonin to build up in your body.

What to do: Avoid using these two drugs together to prevent a potentially dangerous reaction.

moderate selegiline

Mechanism: Taking these medications together can cause serotonin levels to become dangerously high, leading to a condition called serotonin syndrome.

What to do: Talk to your doctor before using these together, as this combination is generally avoided.

minor buspirone

Examples: other SNRIs, SSRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, buspirone, amphetamines, tryptophan, and St.

Mechanism: Both of these medicines increase the levels of a brain chemical called serotonin. Taking them together can cause serotonin levels to become dangerously high.

What to do: Your doctor should monitor you closely for signs of too much serotonin, such as shivering, sweating, or confusion. Tell your provider immediately if you feel unusual.

Check all your medications →

This is a plain-language summary of interactions documented in FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before combining medications.

Common Questions

What should I do if I feel worse after starting Fetzima?

Tell your doctor right away if you feel your depression is getting worse or if you have suicidal thoughts.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Fetzima?

No, you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Fetzima.

What if I have kidney problems?

Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, as your dose may need to be adjusted.

Can I stop taking Fetzima suddenly?

No, you should not stop taking Fetzima suddenly. Talk to your doctor about slowly reducing the dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Will Fetzima affect my other medications?

Fetzima can interact with other medications. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

How long does it take for Fetzima to start working?

It may take several weeks for Fetzima to start working. Be patient and continue taking the medicine as prescribed.

What if I have bipolar disorder?

Tell your doctor if you have bipolar disorder, as Fetzima may trigger mania or hypomania.

Can Fetzima cause sexual side effects?

Yes, Fetzima can cause sexual side effects. Talk to your doctor if you experience any sexual problems.

What if I need surgery?

Tell your doctor if you are taking Fetzima before any surgery or dental procedure.

Is there a generic version of Fetzima?

No, there is currently no generic version of Fetzima available.

What are the common side effects of levomilnacipran?

The most commonly reported side effects of levomilnacipran include Nausea, Constipation, Increased sweating, Increased heart rate, Erectile dysfunction. Based on 1,858 FDA adverse event reports. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.

Does levomilnacipran interact with other medications?

Yes, levomilnacipran has 11 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include linezolid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

What drug class is levomilnacipran?

levomilnacipran belongs to the Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). Fetzima is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Is levomilnacipran safe during pregnancy?

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Using Fetzima in the last months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Related Medications in Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)

Other drugs grouped near levomilnacipran - same-class peers and common alternatives.

acamprosate

Campral

Acamprosate is a medicine that can help you stay away from alcohol if you are alcohol-dependent and have already stopped drinking.