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Compare Cymbalta vs. Xanax

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

  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
    Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
    Alprazolam (Xanax)

  • Summary of Cymbalta vs. Xanax

    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 Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine. It's approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic attacks in adults. It's taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day or as directed by your healthcare team. To avoid the risk of dependence, alprazolam (Xanax) is meant for short-term treatment only. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include drowsiness and memory problems. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking alprazolam (Xanax) because this can lead to serious interactions.

  • Indications of Cymbalta vs. Xanax

    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
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
    •Panic disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Cymbalta vs. Xanax

    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 Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can start to work in 30 minutes
    •Available as quick-dissolving tablets or liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can cause memory problems, drowsiness, and confusion
    •Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms
    •Not preferred during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Cymbalta vs. Xanax

    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

    Generalized anxiety disorder:

    •Drowsiness (41%)
    •Lightheadedness (21%)
    •Dry mouth (15%)

    Panic disorder:

    •Drowsiness (77%)
    •Fatigue (49%)
    •Poor coordination (40%)
    •Memory issues (33%)
    •Irritability (33%)
    •Appetite changes (28-33%)
    •Thinking problems (29%)
    •Constipation (26%)

    Side effects listed are for the immediate-release forms. Side effects for extended-release form might differ.

  • Warnings of Cymbalta vs. Xanax

    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
    •Sedation and difficulty breathing
    •Potential for misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Harm to babies
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Use with caution in people with depression

  • Prices with our coupons for Cymbalta vs. Xanax

    Learn more about Duloxetine
    Learn more about Alprazolam

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