Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Trintellix (vortioxetine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different drug classes. Trintellix is an atypical antidepressant, while Cymbalta is an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). Trintellix is taken once daily and is not available in a generic form, whereas Cymbalta can be taken once or twice daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. Trintellix primarily affects serotonin levels, while Cymbalta affects both serotonin and norepinephrine, making it useful for treating anxiety and various types of long-term pain, including diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Both medications can cause nausea and have a risk of withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, but Cymbalta also has a higher risk of liver damage and can affect blood pressure. Trintellix might be less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antidepressants, while Cymbalta can cause either weight gain and weight loss.
Trintellix (vortioxetine)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Trintellix (vortioxetine)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Summary of Trintellix vs. Cymbalta
Summary for Atypical antidepressant
Prescription only
Trintellix, the brand name for vortioxetine, belongs to a drug class called atypical antidepressants. It's used to treat depression in adults. This medication comes as a tablet that you take by mouth once a day. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. Sexual side effects can also happen, but it's usually less likely than with some other antidepressants. As of 2025, there's no generic version of Trintellix (vortioxetine) available yet.
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.