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Duloxetine vs. Venlafaxine

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.

• 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

• 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%)

• 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

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It comes in two forms: extended-release, which is taken once a day, and immediate-release, which is taken in split doses throughout the day. This medication can interact with many things, including other medications and alcohol. Possible side effects can include nausea, weight changes, and sexual problems. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.

• Depression
• Generalized anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules only
• Social anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules and tablets only
• Panic disorder - extended-release capsules only

Extended-release:

• Nausea (29-31%)
• Trouble sleeping (17-23%)
• Dizziness (16-20%)
• Loss of appetite (10-20%)
• Drowsiness (15-17%)
• Dry mouth (12-17%)
• Abnormal ejaculation (10-16%)
• Sweating (11-14%)
• Weakness (8-13%)

Immediate-release:

• Nausea (37%)
• Headache (25%)
• Drowsiness (23%)
• Dry mouth (22%)
• Dizziness (19%)
• Trouble sleeping (18%)
• Constipation (15%)
• Nervousness (13%)
• Weakness (12%)
• Sweating (12%)
• Abnormal ejaculation (12%)
• Loss of appetite (11%)

• Suicidal thoughts and behavior
• Serotonin syndrome
• High blood pressure
• Higher bleeding risk
• Mania
• Glaucoma
• Withdrawal
• Seizures
• Low sodium levels
• Lung problems and pneumonia
• Sexual problems