Key takeaways
Amitriptyline (generic, formerly branded as Elavil) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) are both used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes of medications. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, while Cymbalta is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that also raises these chemicals. Amitriptyline is often used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention, whereas Cymbalta is FDA-approved for additional conditions like anxiety, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Amitriptyline can cause side effects like sleepiness and weight gain, and it has many drug interactions. Cymbalta's common side effects include nausea, headache, and dry mouth, and it can also cause liver damage and increase bleeding risk. Both medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, but Cymbalta is generally considered to have a broader range of approved uses.
