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Compare Remeron vs. Cymbalta

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

Key takeaways

Mirtazapine (Remeron) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are both used to treat major depressive disorder, but they belong to different classes of medications. Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant, while duloxetine is an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). Mirtazapine is typically taken once daily at night and is known to cause sleepiness and weight gain. In contrast, duloxetine can be taken once or twice daily and is used to treat a wider range of conditions, including anxiety, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. Duloxetine may cause side effects like nausea, headache, and dry mouth, and it can also affect your liver health, especially if you drink alcohol. Both medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly, so it's important to follow your prescriber's instructions when discontinuing them.

Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Summary of Remeron vs. Cymbalta
Summary for Atypical antidepressant
Prescription only
Mirtazapine (Remeron) is an atypical antidepressant (or more specifically, tetracyclic antidepressant). It's used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Mirtazapine (Remeron) is available as an oral tablet and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that's taken once daily, typically at night. Some common side effects of this medication include sleepiness and dry mouth. Mirtazapine (Remeron) can also raise your appetite and put you at risk for weight gain.
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 Remeron vs. Cymbalta
Indications for

•Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults

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 Remeron vs. Cymbalta
Pros and Const for Atypical antidepressant
Pros

•Taken by mouth once daily

•Available as a dissolvable tablet for those who can't swallow pills

•Less likely to cause sexual side effects compared SSRIs

•Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

•Can take up to 2 months before you feel the the full benefits

•More likely than other antidepressants to cause weight gain

•Can cause sleepiness

•Risk of 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 Remeron vs. Cymbalta
Common Side Effects for

•Sleepiness (54%)

•Dry mouth (25%)

•Feeling more hungry (17%)

•Constipation (13%)

•Weight gain (12%)

•Weakness (8%)

•Dizziness (7%)

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 Remeron vs. Cymbalta
Common Side Effects for

•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior

•Higher risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)

•Serotonin syndrome

•Withdrawal

•Risk factors: Stopping mirtazapine (Remeron) suddenly

•Not for bipolar disorder

•Glaucoma

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

•Severe allergic and skin reactions

•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness

•Seizures

•Low blood sodium levels

•Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

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
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Compare Remeron vs. Cymbalta

Key takeaways

Summary of Remeron vs. Cymbalta

Indications of Remeron vs. Cymbalta

Pros and Cons of Remeron vs. Cymbalta

Common Side Effects of Remeron vs. Cymbalta

Warnings of Remeron vs. Cymbalta

Prices with our coupons for Remeron vs. Cymbalta

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