Compare Cymbalta vs. Lyrica
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Lyrica (pregabalin) are both prescription medications, but they treat different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Cymbalta is an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) used to treat depression, anxiety, and various types of long-term pain, including diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. It works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Lyrica, on the other hand, is an antiepileptic medication used to treat nerve pain from diabetes, shingles, spinal cord injury, and fibromyalgia. If used with other anti-seizure medications, it can also treat partial-onset seizures. It is thought to work by lowering certain chemicals in the brain to relieve pain and prevent seizures. Cymbalta is typically taken once daily, while Lyrica is taken two or three times a day. Cymbalta is not a controlled substance, whereas Lyrica is a Schedule V controlled substance due to its potential for addiction and dependence. Both medications can cause dizziness and drowsiness, but Lyrica is more likely to cause weight gain and swelling of the limbs.
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)Pregabalin (Lyrica)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)Pregabalin (Lyrica)
Summary of Cymbalta vs. Lyrica
Summary for SNRIPrescription onlyDuloxetine (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 AntiepilepticPrescription onlyPregabalin (Lyrica) treats pain caused by nerve damage and fibromyalgia in adults. It can be used with other medications to prevent seizures for both adults and children. Pregabalin (Lyrica) is taken by mouth, typically 2 or 3 times a day. It's available as a capsule and oral solution. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include dizziness and drowsiness.
Indications of Cymbalta vs. Lyrica
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 adultsIndications for•Nerve pain from diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy), shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), or spinal cord injury•FibromyalgiaPros and Cons of Cymbalta vs. Lyrica
Pros and Const for SNRIPros•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 genericCons•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 bleedingPros and Const for AntiepilepticPros•Works well to relieve nerve pain caused by diabetes, shingles, and spinal cord injuries•Available in a capsule and oral solution•Used in combination with other anti-seizure drugs to treat partial-onset seizures•Available as a lower-cost genericCons•Can cause dizziness and drowsiness•Must avoid drinking alcohol•Not recommended for breastfeeding females•Can cause weight gainCommon Side Effects of Cymbalta vs. Lyrica
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•Dizziness (8-29%)•Drowsiness (4-16%)•Swelling of hands, feet, arms, or legs (4-12%)•Dry mouth (2-7%)•Weight gain (4-6%)Warnings of Cymbalta vs. Lyrica
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 problemsCommon Side Effects for•Allergic reactions and severe swelling•Suicidal thoughts and behavior•Difficulty driving and concentrating•Breathing problems•Swelling in the limbs and weight gain•Withdrawal symptoms and risk of seizures•Possible risk of bleeds (from low platelet levels)•Possible risk of muscle breakdownPrices with our coupons for Cymbalta vs. Lyrica
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