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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) 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 / 5HT1A receptor partial agonist
    Prescription only

    Vilazodone (Viibryd) is a medication that treats depression in adults. It's taken by mouth, typically just once daily. As with most antidepressants, you should never stop this medication all of a sudden because doing so can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Some of the more common side effects of vilazodone (Viibryd) include diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Research suggests it's less likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects compared to some other antidepressants. Vilazodone (Viibryd) is available as both brand and generics.

  • Indications of Cymbalta vs. Viibryd

    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
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD)

  • Pros and Cons of Cymbalta vs. Viibryd

    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 / 5HT1A receptor partial agonist
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Taken once daily
    •Compared to other antidepressants, vilazodone (Viibryd) has a lower risk of weight gain and sexual side effects
    •Can be used in older adults (65 years of age or older)
    Cons
    •Might take several weeks before you feel the full benefits of vilazodone (Viibryd)
    •Not FDA-approved for children
    •Must be taken with food
    •Can cause stomach-related side effects, like nausea and diarrhea

  • 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 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
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Serious bleeding
    •Low sodium levels in the blood
    •Eye problems
    •Worsening of mania or hypomania
    •Sexual problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Cymbalta vs. Viibryd

    Learn more about Duloxetine
    Learn more about Vilazodone

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