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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)

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Duloxetine

(Cymbalta)

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Summary for Zoloft

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).

Indications for Zoloft

Pros and Cons for Zoloft

Pros

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

Common Side Effects for Zoloft

  • Nausea (26%)
  • Diarrhea (20%)
  • Difficulty sleeping (20%)
  • Dry mouth (14%)
  • Sleepiness (12%)

Warnings for Zoloft

  • 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

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 Zoloft vs. Cymbalta

Price Card Drug Icon
Sertraline30 tablets / 50mg
$9.26$33.64
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Duloxetine30 capsules / 60mg
$11.45$32.37
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