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Compare Paxil vs. Cymbalta

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

Key takeaways

Paroxetine (Paxil) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are both medications used to treat depression and anxiety, but they belong to different classes. Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), while duloxetine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Paroxetine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, and it can also treat conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Duloxetine, on the other hand, is also used for treating nerve pain from diabetes, fibromyalgia, and long-term pain in muscles and joints. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea and sleepiness, but paroxetine is more likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects. Duloxetine can affect liver health and blood pressure, making it less suitable for people who drink heavily or have liver problems. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly, so it's important to follow your provider's instructions when discontinuing them.

  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
    Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
    Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

  • Summary of Paxil vs. Cymbalta

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Paroxetine (also known by it's brand name Paxil) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), used for different types of anxiety problems and depression. It's available as a brand name and generic version, and it comes as an immediate-release tablet, an oral suspension, and an extended-release tablet. Possible side effects include nausea, sexual side effects, and weight gain. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms (e.g., headache, trouble sleeping, anxiety) if you suddenly stop taking it.

    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 Paxil vs. Cymbalta

    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Panic disorder (PD)
    •Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (IR only)
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (IR only)
    •Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (IR only)
    •Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (ER only)
    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 Paxil vs. Cymbalta

    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •Only needs to be taken once daily
    •Available as a tablet and oral liquid
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Can be used for many different mental health conditions
    •Can be helpful for people who have both anxiety and depression
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks or months to achieve the full benefits
    •Might be more likely than other SSRIs to cause weight gain or sexual problems
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels
    •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 Paxil vs. Cymbalta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal ejaculation (up to 28%)
    •Nausea (up to 25%)
    •Weakness (up to 22%)
    •Sleepiness or trouble sleeping (up to 24%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 18%)
    •Constipation (up to 16%)
    •Sweating (up to 14%)
    •Dizziness (up to 14%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 12%)
    •Low libido (up to 12%)
    •Shakiness (up to 11%)
    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 Paxil vs. Cymbalta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Risk of harm to unborn babies
    •Sexual problems
    •Withdrawal
    •Risk factors: Stopping paroxetine (Paxil) suddenly
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Glaucoma
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Seizures
    •Risk of abnormal heart rhythm from interactions
    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 Paxil vs. Cymbalta

    Learn more about Paroxetine
    Learn more about Duloxetine

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