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Compare Zoloft vs. Cymbalta

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

Key takeaways

Sertraline (Zoloft) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are both medications used to treat depression and anxiety, but they belong to different classes. Sertraline (Zoloft) is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, while duloxetine (Cymbalta) is an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) that raises both serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Sertraline (Zoloft) is also used for conditions like OCD, PTSD, and social anxiety disorder, whereas duloxetine (Cymbalta) can treat nerve pain from diabetes, fibromyalgia, and long-term pain in muscles and joints. Both medications are taken orally, but sertraline (Zoloft) is available as a tablet and liquid, while duloxetine (Cymbalta) comes in capsule form. Common side effects for sertraline (Zoloft) include nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth, whereas duloxetine (Cymbalta) can cause nausea, headache, and dry mouth. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, and they are available in generic forms.

Sertraline (Zoloft)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Summary of Zoloft vs. Cymbalta
Summary for SSRI
Prescription only
Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat different mental health conditions, including depression and certain types of anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder. It's typically taken by mouth once per day. This medication is available as both a tablet and liquid. Common side effects of sertraline (Zoloft) include nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. It's best to avoid alcohol while taking sertraline (Zoloft) because this combination can worsen side effects of sertraline (Zoloft).
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 Zoloft vs. Cymbalta
Indications for

•Major depressive disorder (MDD)

•Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

•Panic disorder (PD)

•Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

•Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

•Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

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 Zoloft vs. Cymbalta
Pros and Const for SSRI
Pros

•Taken by mouth once daily

•A possible option during pregnancy and breastfeeding

•Fewer interactions compared to other SSRIs

•Less likely to cause weight gain compared to paroxetine (Paxil)

•Available as a generic

Cons

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

•More likely to cause diarrhea compared to other SSRIs

•Might make it more difficult for you to fall asleep

•Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

•The liquid form contains alcohol

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 Zoloft vs. Cymbalta
Common Side Effects for

•Nausea (26%)

•Diarrhea (20%)

•Difficulty sleeping (20%)

•Dry mouth (14%)

•Sleepiness (12%)

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 Zoloft vs. Cymbalta
Common Side Effects for

•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior

•Serotonin syndrome

•Risk of bleeding

•Not for use alone in bipolar disorder

•Glaucoma

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

•Low blood sodium levels

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
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Compare Zoloft vs. Cymbalta

Key takeaways

Summary of Zoloft vs. Cymbalta

Indications of Zoloft vs. Cymbalta

Pros and Cons of Zoloft vs. Cymbalta

Common Side Effects of Zoloft vs. Cymbalta

Warnings of Zoloft vs. Cymbalta

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