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Compare Prozac vs. Cymbalta

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

Key takeaways

Prozac (fluoxetine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes. Prozac is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, while Cymbalta is an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) that raises both serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Prozac is also used for conditions like OCD, bulimia, and panic disorder, whereas Cymbalta is used for anxiety, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and long-term musculoskeletal pain. Prozac is typically taken once daily or weekly, depending on the form, while Cymbalta is usually taken once daily. Common side effects of Prozac include headaches and difficulty sleeping, while Cymbalta can cause nausea and dry mouth. Both medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, and they both carry a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts in people 24 years and younger.

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
    Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
    Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

  • Summary of Prozac vs. Cymbalta

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat several mental health conditions, including depression and panic disorder. The immediate-release pill and liquid are taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. The delayed-release capsule is taken weekly, but it's approved only for depression. Some common side effects of fluoxetine (Prozac) include headaches, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness. Don't suddenly stop this medication if you've been taking it for a while; doing so can lead to symptoms of withdrawal.

    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 Prozac vs. Cymbalta

    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD)
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    •Bulimia
    •Panic disorder
    •Depression from bipolar 1 disorder
    •Treatment resistant 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 Prozac vs. Cymbalta

    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •Good choice for treating depression, OCD, and panic disorder
    •Less likely to make you sleepy compared to some other antidepressants, such as paroxetine (Paxil)
    •Taken by mouth, typically once daily (IR capsules and liquid) or once weekly (DR capsules, for depression only)
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months for you to feel the full effects of the medication
    •Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in those age 24 or younger
    •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
    •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 Prozac vs. Cymbalta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Difficulty falling asleep (up to 33%)
    •Nausea (up to 29%)
    •Headache (21%)
    •Weakness (up to 21%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 18%)
    •Low appetite (up to 17%)
    •Drowsiness (up to 17%)
    •Anxiety (up to 15%)
    •Nervousness (up to 14%)
    •Tremor (up to 13%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 12%)
    •Throat pain (up to 11%)
    •Yawning (up to 11%)
    •Low sex drive (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 Prozac vs. Cymbalta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Anxiety and trouble sleeping
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Glaucoma
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    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 Prozac vs. Cymbalta

    Learn more about Fluoxetine
    Learn more about Duloxetine

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