Which is Proper for You? — Talkspace

Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are each drugs within the class of medicine often called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). They’re generally prescribed to deal with main depressive dysfunction (MDD), anxiousness problems, and power ache situations. 

The medication are comparable 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 wishes, co-occurring situations, 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 anxiousness, 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 remedy selections primarily based in your wants.

Remedy focus

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

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

Effexor is an efficient remedy possibility authorised for panic dysfunction and social anxiousness dysfunction. It’s additionally typically 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 widespread uncomfortable side effects like nausea, dry mouth, headache, and insomnia. These medication additionally share an analogous danger for severe uncomfortable side effects, like elevated ideas of suicide and hypertension. 

There are key variations between Cymbalta and Effexor to concentrate on for those who’re deciding between them. For instance, potential uncomfortable side effects of Cymbalta embrace elevated fatigue and liver harm danger. Effexor is related to a larger price 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. 

Frequent uncomfortable side effects from taking Cymbalta could embrace:

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

Critical uncomfortable side effects from taking Cymbalta could embrace:

• Liver damage 
• Suicidal ideas and behaviors in kids, 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

Frequent uncomfortable side effects from taking Effexor could embrace:

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

Critical uncomfortable side effects from taking Effexor could embrace:

• 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 right dosage is important 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 the most effective final result with the least uncomfortable side effects. 

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

Effexor is mostly began at 75 mg/day, taken in 2 – 3 doses when used for anxiousness or despair. The utmost dose might 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. Customary dosing for social anxiousness dysfunction is 75 mg/day. Effexor is thought for its dosage flexibility, which many individuals profit from—it’s accessible in prolonged launch (XR) and quick 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 quick 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 exhibits that each medication are efficient for despair remedy. Nonetheless, some research counsel that Effexor can outperform Cymbalta when used to deal with extreme despair. In different research, the medication seem to have comparable efficacy when used for anxiousness problems.

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 embrace mind zaps, dizziness, irritability, and sensory disturbances. 

Cymbalta withdrawal is mostly 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 problems, 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 anxiousness dysfunction
• Have overlapping mechanisms of motion 
• Have comparable aspect impact profiles 
• Have comparable 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 medicine often called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The twin mechanism of SNRIs might be useful for individuals experiencing comorbid ache and temper problems.

Use for anxiousness and despair remedy

Cymbalta and Effexor are broadly used as first-line remedies for main depressive dysfunction (MDD) and generalized anxiousness dysfunction (GAD). Research present comparable efficacy in lowering anxiousness and despair scores, although particular person tolerability typically 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, protecting ranges larger within the mind for prolonged intervals. This permits them to deal with each emotional (anxiousness and despair) and a few bodily (fatigue and ache) signs, setting them other than different antidepressants like SSRIs.

Aspect impact overlap

A number of widespread uncomfortable side effects of Cymbalta and Effexor are shared. They’ll embrace 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 aren’t any completely different. One of the vital essential interactions to concentrate on is serotonin syndrome. This uncommon however severe — and typically life-threatening — complication can happen when drugs have an effect on serotonin ranges too drastically.  In consequence, 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 evaluate by way of efficacy, uncomfortable side effects, and the necessity for tapering. Whereas each drugs are efficient, some components — like weight achieve, withdrawal signs, or use for particular situations — can affect your determination on which to take. Addressing the next issues would possibly supply readability in your decision-making course of.

Is Cymbalta higher than Effexor?

The reality is, neither Effexor nor Cymbalta is universally superior. Cymbalta might be most popular for power ache or common anxiousness dysfunction. Effexor is extra generally used for extreme despair, panic dysfunction, or social anxiousness dysfunction. Your well being historical past, aspect impact tolerance, and comorbid situations are all vital components you and your physician will contemplate. 

Which causes extra weight achieve, 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 cut back bodily exercise. Each uncomfortable side effects can finally affect weight achieve or loss with use. 

How you can change from Effexor to Cymbalta

Transitioning from one drug to a different requires a stable taper plan and medical supervision to reduce withdrawal results. When you’re Cymbalta as a possible Effexor various, it’s widespread to cut back Effexor and progressively introduce Cymbalta over 2 to 4 weeks.

Selecting Between Effexor vs Cymbalta

Discovering the appropriate medicine to deal with and deal with your signs is usually a delicate balancing act. You will need to make scientific issues concerning well being, situations, signs, affected person preferences, and use healthcare supplier suggestions. 

Whereas Cymbalta could also be higher suited to power ache administration in some individuals in comparison with Effexor, Effexor could be a most popular choice to deal with extreme despair and a few varieties of panic problems. Working along with your physician or a psychological well being skilled is the most effective method to make sure your remedy plan aligns along 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 common well being and any comorbid situations, take a look at earlier medicine responses, and decide if the aspect impact profiles would possibly make one drug or the opposite a greater possibility for you. 

Affected person preferences and way of life

It’s essential to think about dosing frequency and remedy period, withdrawal danger, and particular person tolerance for uncomfortable side effects. You and your physician may also talk about your way of life and preferences that can assist you select the most effective drug to your signs. 

Medical issues

When you’re dealing with treatment-resistant despair, your physician would possibly counsel Effexor vs Cymbalta. In distinction, Cymbalta’s FDA-approved use for ache makes it an efficient dual-purpose possibility for those who’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, remedy targets, and way of life is vital. Seek the advice of your physician or psychiatrist to debate evidence-based choices that greatest meet your wants. 

Talkspace gives on-line psychiatry companies via assessments and prescription administration, making the method of getting assist seamless and simple. You may ask a psychiatrist if an Effexor or Cymbalta prescription could be higher to your psychological well being wants. 

Join with a supplier as we speak to get prescribed Cymbalta or Effexor on-line.