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Compare Pamelor vs. Cymbalta

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

Key takeaways

Nortriptyline (Pamelor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are both used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes of medications. Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that works by adjusting levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, while duloxetine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that also raises these chemicals. Nortriptyline is typically taken multiple times a day, whereas duloxetine is usually taken once daily. Duloxetine is also approved to treat anxiety, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and long-term pain, making it more versatile than nortriptyline, which is sometimes used off-label for chronic pain and nerve pain. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, but duloxetine has a higher risk of liver damage, especially if you drink alcohol. Nortriptyline may take longer to show full effects, typically 6 to 8 weeks, compared to duloxetine, which can start showing improvements in mood within 1 to 2 weeks. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
    Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
  • Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
    Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

  • Summary of Pamelor vs. Cymbalta

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Nortriptyline (Pamelor) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It's approved to treat depression in adults. This medication is also often prescribed off-label to treat certain types of nerve pain. Nortriptyline (Pamelor) is available as a capsule and liquid that are taken by mouth. Side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and possible weight gain. This medication is available under the brand name Pamelor and as a generic.

    Summary for SNRI
    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 of Pamelor vs. Cymbalta

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •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 of Pamelor vs. Cymbalta

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Available as a capsule and liquid
    •Taken by mouth once per day, or split into smaller doses throughout the day
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for depression because of side effects
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it after long-term use
    •Not recommended for children
    Pros and Const for SNRI
    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 of Pamelor vs. Cymbalta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blurred vision
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach upset
    •Loss of appetite
    •Numbness in the hands or feet
    •Rash
    •Itching
    •Changes in blood pressure
    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 Pamelor vs. Cymbalta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression and risk for suicidal thoughts and unusual behavior
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Dizziness and drowsiness
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Glaucoma
    Common Side Effects for
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Pamelor vs. Cymbalta

    Learn more about Nortriptyline
    Learn more about Duloxetine

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