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Compare Lexapro vs. Cymbalta

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

Key takeaways

Lexapro (escitalopram) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) are both medications used to treat depression and anxiety, but they belong to different classes. Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, while Cymbalta is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that raises both serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Lexapro is also used for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and is available in both tablet and liquid forms. Cymbalta, on the other hand, is available as a capsule and treats a wider range of conditions, including diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. Lexapro can be used in children as young as 12 for depression, whereas Cymbalta can be used for GAD in children as young as 7 and for fibromyalgia in those 13 and older. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea and trouble sleeping, but Cymbalta has additional risks such as liver damage and changes in blood pressure. Lexapro is generally considered a first-choice medication for anxiety and depression, while Cymbalta might be preferred for those with multiple conditions, including chronic pain.

Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Summary of Lexapro vs. Cymbalta
Summary for SSRI
Prescription only
Escitalopram, also known by its brand name, Lexapro, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's a first-choice antidepressant to treat depression and anxiety in adults and children. The medication is available as a tablet and oral solution, in both brand and generic forms. A dose is typically taken by mouth once per day. Some common side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and dizziness.
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.
Indications of Lexapro vs. Cymbalta
Indications for

•Depression in people ages 12 years and older

•Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in people ages 7 years and older

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
Pros and Cons of Lexapro vs. Cymbalta
Pros and Const for SSRI
Pros

•First-choice medication for anxiety and depression

•Only need to take it once a day

•Generally has fewer side effects compared to other antidepressants

•Can be taken with or without food

Cons

•Can take up to 2 months before you feel the the full benefits

•Risk of certain sexual problems

•Can raise your risk for bleeds

•Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

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
Common Side Effects of Lexapro vs. Cymbalta
Common Side Effects for

•Headache (24%)

•Nausea (15-18%)

•Ejaculation problems (9-14%)

•Sleepiness (6-13%)

•Trouble sleeping (9-12%)

•Dry mouth (6-9%)

•Diarrhea (8%)

•Tiredness (5-8%)

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%)
Warnings of Lexapro vs. Cymbalta
Common Side Effects for

•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior

•Serotonin syndrome

•Stopping escitalopram (Lexapro) too suddenly

•Risk of bleeding

•Not for use alone in bipolar disorder

•Glaucoma

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

•Low blood sodium levels

•Sexual problems

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
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Compare Lexapro vs. Cymbalta

Key takeaways

Summary of Lexapro vs. Cymbalta

Indications of Lexapro vs. Cymbalta

Pros and Cons of Lexapro vs. Cymbalta

Common Side Effects of Lexapro vs. Cymbalta

Warnings of Lexapro vs. Cymbalta

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