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.
