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Compare Cymbalta vs. Viibryd

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

Key takeaways

Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Viibryd (vilazodone) are both medications used to treat major depressive disorder, but they belong to different drug classes and have some key differences. Cymbalta is an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) that also treats anxiety, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and long-term pain. Viibryd, on the other hand, is an SSRI and a serotonin (5HT1A) receptor partial agonist, and it is only approved for depression. Cymbalta can be taken with or without food, while Viibryd must be taken with food to ensure proper absorption. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of Cymbalta include nausea, headache, and dry mouth, while Viibryd often causes diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Additionally, Viibryd is less likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants, including Cymbalta. Both medications require a gradual dose reduction to avoid withdrawal symptoms if you need to stop taking them.

  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
    Vilazodone (Viibryd)
  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
    Vilazodone (Viibryd)

  • Summary of Cymbalta vs. Viibryd

    Summary for SNRI
    Prescription only

    Duloxetine (Cymbalta) helps treat depression and anxiety. It can also help with some types of chronic pain, such as nerve pain from diabetes. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is a type of antidepressant called an SNRI, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Most people take it by mouth once a day, but some with depression might take it twice a day. Side effects include nausea, headache, and dry mouth. When it's time to stop taking the medication, the prescriber will slowly lower your dose to help prevent withdrawal symptoms.

    Summary for SSRI/ 5HT1A receptor partial agonist
    Prescription only

    Vilazodone (Viibryd) helps treat depression in adults. It works in a similar way to the drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). You take vilazodone (Viibryd) by mouth once a day. Some common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Research suggests that it might be less likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects than some other antidepressants. But it can have many drug interactions. It's important not to stop taking this medication all of a sudden because it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Vilazodone (Viibryd) comes as both a brand-name and generic version.

  • Indications of Cymbalta vs. Viibryd

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

  • Pros and Cons of Cymbalta vs. Viibryd

    Pros and Const for SNRI
    Pros
    •Taken once a day for most people
    •Can take at any time of day
    •A first-choice option for depression
    •An option for some types of chronic pain, like nerve pain from diabetes
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks before you feel its full effects
    •Might not be a good option for people who drink heavily or have liver or kidney problems
    •Can cause nausea or dry mouth
    •Can interact with many medications, including other antidepressants and certain pain relievers
    Pros and Const for SSRI/ 5HT1A receptor partial agonist
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Might have a lower risk of weight gain and sexual side effects than other antidepressants
    •Okay for older adults (65 years of age or older) to take
    Cons
    •Might take several weeks before you feel a noticeable difference in your mood
    •Must take with food
    •Not approved for children

  • Common Side Effects of Cymbalta vs. Viibryd

    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
    •Diarrhea (26-29%)
    •Nausea (22-24%)
    •Headache (14-15%)

  • Warnings of Cymbalta vs. Viibryd

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Liver damage
    •Changes in blood pressure and risk of falls
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Severe skin reaction
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Low sodium levels
    •Sexual problems
    •Not for use alone for bipolar disorder because of the risk of mania
    •Angle-closure glaucoma in certain people
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Manic or hypomanic episode in people with bipolar disorder
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Worsening of glaucoma in certain people
    •Low sodium levels
    •Sexual side effects

  • Prices with our coupons for Cymbalta vs. Viibryd

    Learn more about Duloxetine
    Learn more about Vilazodone

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