Finding the right antidepressant medication can be overwhelming. However, with the right information about how each works and their common side effects, the task becomes much more manageable. Cymbalta and Lexapro are two prescription medications popular for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), among other conditions.Even though they are used to treat many of the same conditions, Cymbalta and Lexapro are in different classes of drugs, and their distinctions are essential to understand to make an informed decision with your psychiatrist or doctor.
Finding the right antidepressant medication can be overwhelming. However, with the right information about how each works and their common side effects, the task becomes much more manageable. Cymbalta and Lexapro are two prescription medications popular for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), among other conditions.
Even though they are used to treat many of the same conditions, Cymbalta and Lexapro are in different classes of drugs, and their distinctions are essential to understand to make an informed decision with your psychiatrist or doctor.
Overview of Cymbalta
“Patients who do not respond to SSRIs or who have been on SSRIs but they no longer work, the SNRI class is often the next option.”
Overview of LexaproLexapro(escitalopram) is a prescription drug in a different class than Cymbalta. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like SNRIs, also increase serotonin levels in the brain to restore balance. They’re also thought to improve energy levels and general well-being. Lexapro is commonly used to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, among other conditions.Psychiatry and prescriptions onlineGet an evaluation and prescription online from a licensed psychiatric provider to improve your well-being.Get started“SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed class of medications because they have less side effects, no food restrictions and are much safer in overdose.”–Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Dion Metzger, MD
Overview of Lexapro
Lexapro(escitalopram) is a prescription drug in a different class than Cymbalta. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like SNRIs, also increase serotonin levels in the brain to restore balance. They’re also thought to improve energy levels and general well-being. Lexapro is commonly used to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, among other conditions.
Psychiatry and prescriptions onlineGet an evaluation and prescription online from a licensed psychiatric provider to improve your well-being.Get started
Psychiatry and prescriptions onlineGet an evaluation and prescription online from a licensed psychiatric provider to improve your well-being.
Psychiatry and prescriptions online
Get an evaluation and prescription online from a licensed psychiatric provider to improve your well-being.
“SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed class of medications because they have less side effects, no food restrictions and are much safer in overdose.”
Key Similarities Between Cymbalta & Lexapro
Efficacy in treating depression and anxiety
When comparing Cymbalta vs Lexapro for depression or anxiety, both are highly effective medication options for some people.Research suggeststhat Lexapro might be better tolerated and more effective when treating depression on a short-term plan.
Otherresearch supportsthese findings, noting that Cymbalta might not be as tolerable as Lexapro. Remember that any drug’s efficacy might be better for one person than another.
Whether Cymbalta or Lexapro is better for — or more effective in treating — anxiety depends on several factors. Two people can react very differently to the same drug. Factors like the severity of symptoms, genetic makeup, the presence of other medical conditions, other drugs being taken simultaneously, dosage, and more all come into play with how well a medication works.
Both drugs can be beneficial in reducing depression symptoms, butsome bodies of researchsuggest Lexapro may have fewer side effects, making the drug more tolerable and, thus, more effective overall. Keep in mind that the path to treating depression is very individual. What works for one person may not be effective for the next.
“The chemical structure of Lexapro is very similar to Celexa. It is considered to work just as well as Celexa but with fewer side effects and possible faster results.”
Shared side effects
Similar side effects can occur when taking Cymbalta or Lexapro. Commonly shared side effects of Cymbalta and Lexapro include:
Drug interactions
Drug interaction can happen with any drug combined with other medications, supplements, or vitamins. Your doctor or psychiatrist will go through your drug history and review other medications you’re taking before prescribing either Cymbalta or Lexapro to ensure your antidepressant medication is going to be safe and effective.
Some medications to be aware of that may have an adverse interaction with Lexapro or Cymbalta include:
Key Differences Between Cymbalta & LexaproThe most significant difference between Cymbalta and Lexapro is that they belong to different classes of drugs. Because Cymbalta is an SNRI, it’s approved to treat chronic pain associated with some medical conditions. Other features set these drugs apart as well.Mechanism of actionSNRIs work slightly differently than SSRIs. Cymbalta increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels to enhance mood, regulate anxiety, and improve attentiveness and energy while reducing pain.SSRIs, like Lexapro, impact serotonin levels but don’t alter norepinephrine levels. By blocking the reuptake of serotonin to increase levels in the brain, Lexapro can improve mood.Indications and approved usesCymbalta has a broader range of FDA-approved uses compared to Lexapro. In addition to treating major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (like Lexapro), Cymbalta can help with chronic pain related to conditions like fibromyalgia or diabetic peripheral neuropathy.Specific side effectsEvery drug can have adverse effects, but some might be more common with Cymbalta vs Lexapro. For instance, while sexual side effects like sexual dysfunction can occur with both drugs, it is less likely with short-term use of Cymbalta, according to someresearch.Unique to CymbaltaMore likelyside effects of Cymbaltainclude constipation, fatigue, and increased blood pressure.Unique to LexaproLexapro might cause side effects like agitation, blurred vision, and tremors, which may not be as likely with Cymbalta.While not a top side effect,weight gain from Cymbaltais also something to research and consider compared toweight gain on Lexapro.
Key Differences Between Cymbalta & Lexapro
The most significant difference between Cymbalta and Lexapro is that they belong to different classes of drugs. Because Cymbalta is an SNRI, it’s approved to treat chronic pain associated with some medical conditions. Other features set these drugs apart as well.
Mechanism of action
SNRIs work slightly differently than SSRIs. Cymbalta increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels to enhance mood, regulate anxiety, and improve attentiveness and energy while reducing pain.
SSRIs, like Lexapro, impact serotonin levels but don’t alter norepinephrine levels. By blocking the reuptake of serotonin to increase levels in the brain, Lexapro can improve mood.
Indications and approved uses
Cymbalta has a broader range of FDA-approved uses compared to Lexapro. In addition to treating major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (like Lexapro), Cymbalta can help with chronic pain related to conditions like fibromyalgia or diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Specific side effects
Every drug can have adverse effects, but some might be more common with Cymbalta vs Lexapro. For instance, while sexual side effects like sexual dysfunction can occur with both drugs, it is less likely with short-term use of Cymbalta, according to someresearch.
More likelyside effects of Cymbaltainclude constipation, fatigue, and increased blood pressure.
Lexapro might cause side effects like agitation, blurred vision, and tremors, which may not be as likely with Cymbalta.
While not a top side effect,weight gain from Cymbaltais also something to research and consider compared toweight gain on Lexapro.
Choosing Between Cymbalta and LexaproBoth Cymbalta and Lexapro can be used to treat depression and anxiety. Each has potential advantages that might help you choose the best one for your symptoms.Lexapro:One of the best-tolerated antidepressantsFewer drug interactions and side effectsCymbalta:Helps with painGreat option when SSRIs like Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, or Celexa aren’t effective
Choosing Between Cymbalta and Lexapro
Both Cymbalta and Lexapro can be used to treat depression and anxiety. Each has potential advantages that might help you choose the best one for your symptoms.
Lexapro:
Cymbalta:
Get a Professional Evaluation with Talkspace
Finding the most effective treatment plan can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. While Cymbalta and Lexapro are excellent options for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, only you and a qualified doctor or mental health professional can decide the best drug for you.
Talkspace psychiatry offers convenient and affordable access toonline psychiatristsfor a prescription. Talkspace mental health professionals take the time to understand your personal and unique needs. They’ll assess your symptoms, overall health, and lifestyle before suggesting medications.
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