Duloxetine vs. Venlafaxine for Depression and Anxiety: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Duloxetine

(Cymbalta)

Venlafaxine

Summary for Duloxetine

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.

Indications for Duloxetine

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

Pros and Cons for Duloxetine

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

Common Side Effects for Duloxetine

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%)

Warnings for Duloxetine

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

Summary for Venlafaxine

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Venlafaxine

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

Pros and Cons for Venlafaxine

Pros

Can treat multiple mental health conditions
Affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood
Lower risk of weight gain compared to other antidepressants
Comes in both immediate-release and extended-release versions

Cons

Might raise your blood pressure, especially at higher doses
Interacts with many medications
Can take up to 4 to 8 weeks before you feel the full effect
High risk of causing withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped

Common Side Effects for Venlafaxine

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%)

Warnings for Venlafaxine

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

Prices with our coupons for Duloxetine vs. Venlafaxine

Duloxetine30 capsules / 60mg

$11.45$33.84

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Venlafaxine60 tablets / 75mg

$14.74$111.44

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Duloxetine vs. Venlafaxine

Duloxetine

Venlafaxine

Summary for Duloxetine

Indications for Duloxetine

Pros and Cons for Duloxetine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Duloxetine

Warnings for Duloxetine

Summary for Venlafaxine

Indications for Venlafaxine

Pros and Cons for Venlafaxine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Venlafaxine

Warnings for Venlafaxine

Prices with our coupons for Duloxetine vs. Venlafaxine

Browse medications by letter

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Duloxetine

Venlafaxine

Summary for Duloxetine

Indications for Duloxetine

Pros and Cons for Duloxetine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Duloxetine

Warnings for Duloxetine

Summary for Venlafaxine

Indications for Venlafaxine

Pros and Cons for Venlafaxine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Venlafaxine

Warnings for Venlafaxine