Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

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) 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 Pamelor vs. Cymbalta

    Indications for
    •Depression
    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 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
    •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 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 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

  • Prices with our coupons for Pamelor vs. Cymbalta

    Learn more about Nortriptyline
    Learn more about Duloxetine

Compare other Depression drugs

Elavil vs PamelorLyrica vs PamelorMaprotiline vs PamelorPamelor vs CymbaltaPamelor vs DesipraminePamelor vs EffexorPamelor vs LidocainePamelor vs NeurontinPamelor vs OleptroPamelor vs PaxilPamelor vs VivactilPamelor vs XanaxPamelor vs ZoloftSilenor vs PamelorCymbalta vs LyricaEffexor vs LyricaGabapentin vs LyricaLexapro vs LyricaLyrica vs DepakoteLyrica vs DesipramineLyrica vs ElavilLyrica vs LidocaineLyrica vs NeurontinLyrica vs PaxilLyrica vs PristiqLyrica vs RemeronLyrica vs SavellaLyrica vs UltramLyrica vs WellbutrinLyrica vs Xanax
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.