Cymbalta is the brand name for duloxetine, and Effexor XR contains the active drug venlafaxine.
These are prescription drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
They are used to treat different forms ofdepressionandanxiety.
Getty Images /Bloomberg/ Contributor
Although they are in the same drug class, they are quite different.
They work to increase the amounts of serotonin andnorepinephrinein the brain that helps maintain balance.
The tables below give an insight into the key differences and similarities between Cymbalta and Effexor XR.
Effexor XRis not approved for use in children.
Which Is More Effective?
Only a few clinical studies directly compare duloxetine and venlafaxine.
Each person’s response to each medicine may vary.
Side Effects: Which Is More Tolerable?
You should also contact your prescriber, as abruptly stopping a medication like duloxetinecan be dangerous.
Cymbalta and Effexor XR may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and young adults.
The risk is higher at the start of therapy or when changing doses.
These drugs also show some other side effects.
Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, cough, or chest discomfort.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Other severe side effects related specifically to Cymbalta include liver damage andurinary retention.
Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening drug reaction.
The medicines cause too much serotonin release or accumulation in the brain area.
Serotonin syndrome is more likely to occur when you first start taking or increasing the dose of the medicine.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of taking Cymbalta or Effexor XR during pregnancy.
Cymbalta and Effexor XR pass into the breast milk.
Talk to your healthcare provider about whether alternative ways to feed your baby are necessary while taking these drugs.
Never stop taking these drugs without first talking to a healthcare provider.
Stopping suddenly can cause other symptoms.
Your healthcare provider will gradually lower the dose before stopping altogether.
Do Any Other Drugs Interact With Cymbalta or Effexor XR?
Drug-drug interactions need to be addressed before taking any prescription drug.
Like all medicines, Cymbalta and Effexor XR may interact with some other drugs.
Discuss with your healthcare prescriber all other drugs that you take before taking Cymbalta and Effexor XR.
Summary
Cymbalta and Effexor XR are antidepressant drugs called SNRIs.
Cymbalta also treats fibromyalgia and musculoskeletal or diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain).
Unlike Effexor XR, it is also approved for use in children.
They have similar side effects and drug interactions and are equally effective.
DailyMed.Label: Cymbalta- duloxetine hydrochloride capsule, delayed release.
DailyMed.Label: Effexor XR- venlafaxine hydrochloride capsule, extended-release
MedlinePlus.Venlafaxine.
