Which is Proper for You? — Talkspace

Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are each drugs within the class of medication generally known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). They’re generally prescribed to deal with main depressive dysfunction (MDD), nervousness issues, and persistent ache circumstances. 

The medication are related in how they improve temper by rising serotonin and norepinephrine ranges within the mind. Nonetheless, they differ in FDA-approved makes use of and uncomfortable side effects. 

Earlier than deciding between these drugs, you and your physician ought to rigorously consider signs and desires, co-occurring circumstances, and potential uncomfortable side effects. Preserve studying to study whether or not Effexor or Cymbalta​ is best for you. 

Variations Between Cymbalta and Effexor

Cymbalta and Effexor are each SNRIs that deal with despair and nervousness, however their FDA-approved makes use of and uncomfortable side effects range in some instances. By understanding the distinctions, you and your physician could make knowledgeable therapy choices primarily based in your wants.

Remedy focus

Whereas Cymbalta and Effexor are prescribed to focus on related psychological well being circumstances like despair and generalized nervousness dysfunction (GAD), there are completely different purposes past that for every.

Cymbalta’s twin mechanism targets central and peripheral nerves. It’s permitted for persistent ache circumstances like fibromyalgia, persistent musculoskeletal ache, and diabetic neuropathy. It’s additionally used off-label for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and stress urinary incontinence.

Effexor is an efficient therapy possibility permitted for panic dysfunction and social nervousness dysfunction. It’s additionally generally used off-label for premenstrual dysphoric dysfunction (PMDD), migraine prevention, post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive dysfunction (OCD).

Aspect impact profile

SNRIs are recognized to trigger frequent uncomfortable side effects like nausea, dry mouth, headache, and insomnia. These medication additionally share the same danger for severe uncomfortable side effects, like elevated ideas of suicide and hypertension. 

There are key variations between Cymbalta and Effexor to pay attention to should you’re deciding between them. For instance, potential uncomfortable side effects of Cymbalta embody elevated fatigue and liver harm danger. Effexor is related to a increased fee of sexual dysfunction in comparison with Cymbalta. It additionally has a shorter half-life, which can trigger extra intense withdrawal signs, like mind zaps, in some individuals after they discontinue use. 

Widespread uncomfortable side effects from taking Cymbalta could embody:

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Insomnia

Severe uncomfortable side effects from taking Cymbalta could embody:

• Liver damage 
• Suicidal ideas and behaviors in youngsters, adolescents, and younger adults
• Low sodium ranges within the blood
• Low blood strain when switching to an upright place
• Elevated danger of bleeding
• Serotonin syndrome
• Extreme pores and skin reactions

Widespread uncomfortable side effects from taking Effexor could embody:

• Nausea
• Feeling sleepy
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Irregular ejaculation
• Decreased sexual drive
• Constipation

Severe uncomfortable side effects from taking Effexor could embody:

• Interstitial lung illness
• Low sodium ranges within the blood
• Suicidal ideas and conduct in adolescents and younger adults
• Extreme allergic response
• Elevated danger of bleeding
• Serotonin syndrome
• Seizures
• Angle-closure glaucoma

Dosage

Discovering the proper dosage is crucial when taking any drug like Effexor or Cymbalta. It’s essential to be ready for the potential studying curve whereas your supplier adjusts the dose to get one of the best consequence with the least uncomfortable side effects. 

Cymbalta is usually began between 20 and 30 mg/day however will be elevated to a most dose of 60 – 120 mg/day. 

Effexor is usually began at 75 mg/day, taken in 2 – 3 doses when used for nervousness or despair. The utmost dose will be elevated to 350 – 375 mg/day when taken for extreme despair. Effexor dosage can begin at 37.5 mg/day and go as much as 225 mg/day to deal with panic dysfunction. Normal dosing for social nervousness dysfunction is 75 mg/day. Effexor is understood for its dosage flexibility, which many individuals profit from—it’s obtainable in prolonged launch (XR) and instant launch (IR) formulation.

Half-life

Cymbalta’s half-life is round 12 hours, which suggests once-daily dosing is simpler. Effexor has a shorter half-life — the instant launch system is about 5 hours, and the extended-release is about 11 hours. Both formulation ought to be strictly adhered to to keep away from withdrawal signs.

Effectiveness

Analysis reveals that each medication are efficient for despair therapy. Nonetheless, some research counsel that Effexor can outperform Cymbalta when used to deal with extreme despair. In different research, the medication seem to have related efficacy when used for nervousness issues.

Withdrawal signs

As a result of Effexor has a shorter half-life, it’s related to extra extreme discontinuation and withdrawal signs. Effexor withdrawal signs can embody mind zaps, dizziness, irritability, and sensory disturbances. 

Cymbalta withdrawal is usually milder for most individuals, however your physician will nonetheless create a gradual tapering plan to keep away from undesirable or disagreeable uncomfortable side effects as your physique adjusts to not having the drug in your system. 

Similarities Between Cymbalta and Effexor

Regardless of the variations between Cymbalta and Effexor, these medication share many similarities. These shared traits make them helpful and efficient choices for treating temper issues, although particular person responses could range.

For instance, Cymbalta and Effexor each: 

• Are serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Are drugs efficient for managing despair and generalized nervousness dysfunction
• Have overlapping mechanisms of motion 
• Have related facet impact profiles 
• Have related drug interactions

Treatment class

SNRIs work by enhancing serotonin and norepinephrine exercise within the mind. The twin motion (that impacts norepinephrine along with serotonin) distinguishes them from antidepressants within the class of medication generally known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The twin mechanism of SNRIs will be useful for individuals experiencing comorbid ache and temper issues.

Use for nervousness and despair therapy

Cymbalta and Effexor are broadly used as first-line therapies for main depressive dysfunction (MDD) and generalized nervousness dysfunction (GAD). Research present comparable efficacy in lowering nervousness and despair scores, although particular person tolerability usually guides choice. Some analysis suggests Effexor could also be a greater short-term resolution when treating main despair.

Twin motion

SNRIs inhibit reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, preserving ranges increased within the mind for prolonged intervals. This enables them to deal with each emotional (nervousness and despair) and a few bodily (fatigue and ache) signs, setting them other than different antidepressants like SSRIs.

Aspect impact overlap

A number of frequent uncomfortable side effects of Cymbalta and Effexor are shared. They’ll embody nausea, insomnia, and a danger of serotonin syndrome. 

It’s additionally essential to notice that each medication have FDA black field warnings (probably the most severe warning degree issued by the FDA), indicating the potential for suicidal ideation (particularly in adolescents).

Drug interactions

All medication have a danger of interplay with different drugs, and Cymbalta and Effexor are not any completely different. Some of the essential interactions to pay attention to is serotonin syndrome. This uncommon however severe — and generally life-threatening — complication can happen when drugs have an effect on serotonin ranges too drastically.  Because of this, these medication ought to by no means be utilized in mixture with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). 

There are additionally recognized interactions when Cymbalta or Effexor are taken with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) like ibruprofen or naproxen.. 

FAQs About Effexor vs Cymbalta

It’s regular to have questions on how Cymbalta and Effexor work and the way they examine by way of efficacy, uncomfortable side effects, and the necessity for tapering. Whereas each drugs are efficient, some elements — like weight acquire, withdrawal signs, or use for particular circumstances — can affect your resolution on which to take. Addressing the next issues may supply readability in your decision-making course of.

Is Cymbalta higher than Effexor?

The reality is, neither Effexor nor Cymbalta is universally superior. Cymbalta will be most popular for persistent ache or normal nervousness dysfunction. Effexor is extra generally used for extreme despair, panic dysfunction, or social nervousness dysfunction. Your well being historical past, facet impact tolerance, and comorbid circumstances are all vital elements you and your physician will contemplate. 

Which causes extra weight acquire, Cymbalta or Effexor?

Cymbalta and Effexor are weight-neutral SNRIs for most individuals. Nonetheless, Effexor is related to urge for food loss, and fatigue brought on by Cymbalta can scale back bodily exercise. Each uncomfortable side effects can finally influence weight acquire or loss with use. 

The way to change from Effexor to Cymbalta

Transitioning from one drug to a different requires a strong taper plan and medical supervision to reduce withdrawal results. Should you’re Cymbalta as a possible Effexor various, it’s frequent to scale back Effexor and step by step introduce Cymbalta over 2 to 4 weeks.

Selecting Between Effexor vs Cymbalta

Discovering the fitting remedy to deal with and deal with your signs is usually a delicate balancing act. You have to make medical concerns concerning well being, circumstances, signs, affected person preferences, and use healthcare supplier suggestions. 

Whereas Cymbalta could also be higher suited to persistent ache administration in some individuals in comparison with Effexor, Effexor is likely to be a most popular choice to deal with extreme despair and a few varieties of panic issues. Working together with your physician or a psychological well being skilled is one of the best strategy to make sure your therapy plan aligns together with your well being historical past, targets, and way of life wants.

Physician’s suggestions

It’s vital to seek the advice of a medical skilled when deciding to take or change a medicine. Your physician or psychological well being care supplier will assess your normal well being and any comorbid circumstances, take a look at earlier remedy responses, and decide if the facet impact profiles may make one drug or the opposite a greater possibility for you. 

Affected person preferences and way of life

It’s essential to contemplate dosing frequency and therapy period, withdrawal danger, and particular person tolerance for uncomfortable side effects. You and your physician can even talk about your way of life and preferences that will help you select one of the best drug to your signs. 

Medical concerns

Should you’re dealing with treatment-resistant despair, your physician may counsel Effexor vs Cymbalta. In distinction, Cymbalta’s FDA-approved use for ache makes it an efficient dual-purpose possibility should you’re coping with bodily comorbidities.

Get Skilled Steerage with a Prescription

Selecting between Cymbalta and Effexor isn’t a choice that may be made on a whim. Evaluating medical historical past, symptom severity, therapy targets, and way of life is vital. Seek the advice of your physician or psychiatrist to debate evidence-based choices that finest meet your wants. 

Talkspace provides on-line psychiatry companies by assessments and prescription administration, making the method of getting assist seamless and easy. You possibly can ask a psychiatrist if an Effexor or Cymbalta prescription is likely to be higher to your psychological well being wants. 

Join with a supplier immediately to get prescribed Cymbalta or Effexor on-line.