Cymbalta (duloxetine)and Lexapro (escitalopram) are antidepressant medications.
Though these two medications have some similarities, there are a few key differences.
Both are commonly taken to treat depression and anxiety disorders.
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But Cymbalta is approved to treat other conditions as well.
Lexaprois a brand-name drug also known by its generic name: escitalopram.
It belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Cymbalta, on the other hand, is a brand-name medication also known as duloxetine.
It belongs to theserotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)drug class.
The table below compares key facts about the two medications.
What Are Cymbalta and Lexapro’s Uses?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lexapro and Cymbalta to treat depression and anxiety.
However, Cymbalta has been approved for other uses as well.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help neurons (nerve cells) communicate.
Theseneurotransmittersperform key roles in regulating mood, behavior, sleep, and more.
When someone has depression, it may be due to a chemical imbalance in their brain.
This helps to enhance serotonin levels and improve communication between brain cells, which can positively affect mood.
This helps to improve communication between nerve cells and may help to ease symptoms of depression or anxiety.
All SNRIs work this way.
However, same as it is with SSRIs, some people may respond better to one SNRI than another.
Its important to follow up with your prescriber to discuss any changes in your symptoms or dosage.
Which Is More Effective for Depression?
This question can be tricky to answer because each person may respond differently to each medication.
What Is a Symptom Rating Scale?
A symptom rating scale is an assessment measurement system for rating symptoms before treatment begins.
Its repeated after the participants have taken medication (or placebo) for a certain length of time.
One suchmeasurement toolis the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD).
A head-to-head clinical trial is a better way to measure the relative effectiveness of two medications.
A few trials have compared Cymbalta and Lexapro for MDD.
A 2018 meta-analysis reviewed various studies of Cymbalta and Lexapro to compare the two medications.
Overall, the results suggest that Cymbalta and Lexapro are similarly effective in reducing depression symptoms.
Recap
Ultimately, Lexapro and Cymbalta are similarly effective for treating depression.
However, individual results can vary.
If one of these medications does not work well, trying the other remains an option.
Side Effects of Cymbalta vs. Lexapro: Which Is More Tolerable?
Because these medications work similarly in the body, they share many of the same potential side effects.
Taking Cymbalta may also result indry mouth,constipation, and decreased appetite.Those taking Lexapro may experienceinsomniaor fatigue.
Based on comparative studies, Lexapro is generally a better-tolerated medication and causes fewer side effects than Cymbalta.
You should also contact your prescriber, as abruptly stopping a medication like duloxetinecan be dangerous.
Warnings
Though rare, taking either Cymbalta or Lexapro may result in severe side effects.
Examples include:
Taking Cymbalta may result in additional potentially severe side effects.
Withdrawal Symptoms: Which Drug Has Less Side Effects from Stopping Suddenly?
Before discontinuing any antidepressant, it is important to consult with your medical provider.
They can provide an appropriate and safe tapering schedule to decrease the symptoms.
Drug Interactions
Lexapro and Cymbalta interact with many other medications.
These interactions may limit the medications' effectiveness or raise the risk of side effects.
MAOIs include Marplan (isocarboxazid), Zyvox (linezolid), and methylene blue.
Taking MAOIs with antidepressants may dangerously increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Examples include:
This is not a complete list of medications that may interact with Cymbalta or Lexapro.
Before combining medications, check with a healthcare professional or pharmacist.
Choosing Between Cymbalta and Lexapro
Several factors are important to consider when deciding between Cymbalta and Lexapro.
Though both are similarly effective for treating depression in some people, others may not find the same success.
If one of these drugs does not offer improvement, trying the other medication may work.
Another important consideration is side effects.
Some studies suggest that Lexapro provides effective treatment with more tolerable side effects.
Therefore, considering potential side effects is essential when selecting one of these medications.
Talking with a healthcare provider will work best when selecting one of these medications.
Summary
Lexapro and Cymbalta are two antidepressants commonly taken to manage depression and anxiety.
Lexapro belongs to the SSRI drug class, while Cymbalta is part of the SNRI class of medications.
Clinical trials suggest these medications are similarly effective, but individual responses may vary.
Both medications can interact with various medications, but Cymbalta’s interactions may more significantly interfere with its effectiveness.
National Institutes of Health DailyMed.Label: Lexapro- escitalopram tablet, film coated.
National Institutes of Health DailyMed.Label: Cymbalta- duloxetine hydrochloride capsule, delayed release.
New Frontiers Psychiatric & TMS.Neurotransmitters involved in depression.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness.Escitalopram (Lexapro).
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Duloxetine (cymbalta).
Zwiebel SJ, Viguera AC.Discontinuing antidepressants: pearls and pitfalls.Cleve Clin J Med.
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Published 2022 Jan 4. doi:10.3949/ccjm.89a.21020
