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Compare Cymbalta vs. Celexa

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Celexa (citalopram) are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different drug classes. Cymbalta is an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) that also treats anxiety, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and long-term pain. Celexa, on the other hand, is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and is primarily used for depression. Cymbalta can be taken once or twice daily, while Celexa is typically taken once daily. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea and dry mouth, but Cymbalta has a broader range of side effects, including headache and drowsiness. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Celexa has a lower risk of weight gain compared to Cymbalta. Additionally, both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable.

  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
    Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
    Citalopram (Celexa)

  • Summary of Cymbalta vs. Celexa

    Summary for SNRI
    Prescription only

    Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is used to treat depression, anxiety, and some forms of long-term pain. This medication is an antidepressant that's called an SNRI or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The dosage is typically one capsule by mouth once daily (or twice daily for some people with depression). Side effects can include nausea, headache, and dry mouth. If you need to stop the medication for any reason, your prescriber will lower your dose slowly over time to prevent withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and trouble sleeping.

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Citalopram (Celexa) is a first-choice medication for treating depression in adults. This antidepressant belongs to the drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Citalopram (Celexa) is typically taken by mouth once daily. It typically takes a few weeks or longer of consistent treatment to notice an improvement to your mood. Common side effects include nausea and dry mouth. There's a low risk for weight gain, but suddenly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms (e.g., upset stomach, trouble sleeping, anxiety).

  • Indications of Cymbalta vs. Celexa

    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder in adults
    •Generalized anxiety disorder in people age 7 years and older
    •Diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain caused by high blood sugar) in adults
    •Fibromyalgia in people age 13 years and older
    •Long-term pain in the muscles, bones, joints, or tendons in adults
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Cymbalta vs. Celexa

    Pros and Const for SNRI
    Pros
    •Can treat several conditions, so might be good for people with multiple conditions
    •Helps lower nerve pain from diabetes and other forms of long-term pain
    •Can take at any time of day (as long as you're consistent)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks before you feel the full effects of the medication on your mood
    •Might not be a good option for people who drink heavily or have liver or kidney problems
    •Can cause higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in people 24 years and younger
    •Might raise your risk of bleeding
    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for treating depression
    •One of the safest antidepressants for older adults
    •Available as a tablet, capsule, and a mint-flavored liquid
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    Cons
    •Can take a couple months before you feel the full effects of this medication
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels or heart rhythm
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
    •Not FDA-approved for children

  • Common Side Effects of Cymbalta vs. Celexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (23%)
    •Headache (14%)
    •Dry mouth (13%)
    •Drowsiness (10%)
    •Feeling tired (9%)
    •Trouble sleeping (9%)
    •Dizziness (9%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Low appetite (7%)
    •A lot of sweating (6%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (21%)
    •Dry mouth (20%)
    •Sleepiness (18%)
    •Trouble sleeping (15%)
    •Sweating (11%)
    •Tremor (8%)
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Ejaculation problems (6%)

  • Warnings of Cymbalta vs. Celexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Liver damage
    •Changes in blood pressure and risk of falls
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Higher bleeding risk
    •Severe skin reaction
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Mania
    •Low sodium levels
    •Sexual problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Withdrawal
    •Risk factors: Stopping citalopram (Celexa) suddenly
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Not for use in bipolar disorder by itself
    •Glaucoma
    •Low sodium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Cymbalta vs. Celexa

    Learn more about Duloxetine
    Learn more about Citalopram

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