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Trintellix vs. Cymbalta

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)

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Duloxetine

(Cymbalta)

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Summary for Trintellix

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.

Indications for Trintellix

Pros and Cons for Trintellix

Pros

Cons

  • Can take up to a month or more before you feel the full effects
  • Not approved for use in children
  • Not approved to treat anxiety

Common Side Effects for Trintellix

  • Nausea (21-32%)
  • Diarrhea (7-10%)
  • Dizziness (6-9%)
  • Dry mouth (6-8%)
  • Vomiting (3-6%)
  • Constipation (3-6%)

Warnings for Trintellix

  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Higher risk of bleeding
  • Not for use alone for bipolar disorder
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Worsening of glaucoma in certain people
  • Low sodium levels
  • Sexual side effects

Summary for Cymbalta

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 for Cymbalta

Pros and Cons for Cymbalta

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 for Cymbalta

  • 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 for Cymbalta

  • 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 Trintellix vs. Cymbalta

Price Card Drug Icon
Trintellix30 tablets / 10mg
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Duloxetine30 capsules / 60mg
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