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Compare Duloxetine vs. Venlafaxine

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

Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Venlafaxine
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Venlafaxine

Summary of Duloxetine vs. Venlafaxine

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 SNRI
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 of Duloxetine vs. Venlafaxine

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
•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 of Duloxetine vs. Venlafaxine

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 SNRI
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 of Duloxetine vs. Venlafaxine

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

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 of Duloxetine vs. Venlafaxine

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

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