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Levomilnacipran

FETZIMA

What it isNorepinephrine-dominant serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor; major depression.

Why this oneUnlike its sibling milnacipran, it is used for depression rather than fibromyalgia.

What limits itBlood-pressure and heart-rate elevation, urinary hesitation, and discontinuation symptoms can limit use.

FDA-approved for

FDA label

BOXED WARNING Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients; monitor closely. Not approved for pediatric use.
FDA dosingPopulationStartTargetMax
Major depressive disorderAdults20 mg QD ×2 days, then 40 mg QD40–120 mg QD120 mg QD

Titration Increase by 40 mg at intervals of ≥2 days.

Renal Mild (CLcr 60–89): no adjustment; moderate (30–59): max 80 mg QD; severe (15–29): max 40 mg QD; ESRD: not recommended.

Hepatic No adjustment for mild, moderate, or severe.

With strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, max 80 mg QD.

Instructions

Contraindications

Cautions

Adverse reactions

Pregnancy Insufficient human data; possible increased postpartum hemorrhage and neonatal complications with third-trimester exposure.

Lactation No levomilnacipran data; racemic milnacipran present in human milk — monitor infant for agitation, poor feeding, poor weight gain.

⚠ BOXED WARNING

Cost, est. cash$300–$2,500/month

Generic entry2019

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden2 / 4
Overdose danger2 / 4
Weight-gain liability0 / 4
Sedation liability0 / 4
QT / Torsades0 / 4
Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4
Embryofetal risk2 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryC

Defining liabilitySexual/GI effects, hyponatremia, discontinuation and serotonin toxicity; overdose danger varies substantially by agent.

Mechanism of action: Levomilnacipran ballicule

Levomilnacipran ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram

Open Levomilnacipran in the interactive console ↗

Memory aids: mascots and interaction avatars

Levomilnacipran FETZIMA mascot mnemonic cartoon
“Leave Milhouse with a Zima Fetish”
Zima was a clear malt beverage available 1993–2008
Stimulating → strong norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

Open Levomilnacipran in the interactive console ↗