Compare Cymbalta vs. Ativan
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves mood and relieves certain types of pain.
Cymbalta (duloxetine) is good for treating depression, anxiety, and some forms of chronic pain, but it is more likely than other antidepressants to cause problems if you drink alcohol or have high blood pressure.
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3.6/ 5 average rating with 496 reviewsforCymbalta
Helps you relax.
Ativan (lorazepam) is an effective medicine for occasional or short-term anxiety. It's less likely to have drug interactions, but more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms compared to similar drugs.
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 642 reviewsforAtivan
Upsides
- Cymbalta (duloxetine) may help relieve nerve pain from diabetes and other forms of chronic pain.
- Cymbalta (duloxetine) has several uses, which may be good for people with multiple conditions.
- Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
- Effective at relieving short-term anxiety.
- Can be used together with antidepressants to manage anxiety disorders. Especially helpful for anxiety symptoms while you wait for an antidepressant to kick in.
- Less likely to have drug interactions compared to other drugs like it, so it might be a better option if you're taking multiple medications.
Downsides
- Cymbalta (duloxetine) may not be a good option if you're a heavy drinker, or have liver or kidney problems.
- Cymbalta (duloxetine) can increase high blood pressure.
- Like most antidepressants, Cymbalta (duloxetine) can cause higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people aged 24 and younger.
- Can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
- Can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment or for people who've had problems with drug or alcohol abuse.
- Compared to other similar medicines, Ativan (lorazepam) is more likely to cause withdrawal if you take it for a long time and then suddenly stop.
- Most people find that Ativan (lorazepam) gets less effective over time.
Used for
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic muscle pain
- Urinary incontinence (women)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
- Liquid
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$13.38
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$8.33
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Reviews
496 reviews so far
58%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
24%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Cymbalta (duloxetine)?
Leave a review642 reviews so far
71%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ativan (lorazepam)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
12possible side effects
- Nausea23%
- Headache14%
- Dry mouth13%
- Drowsiness10%
- Fatigue9%
- Difficulty sleeping9%
- Constipation9%
- Dizziness9%
- Diarrhea9%
- Decreased appetite7%
- Excessive sweating6%
- Abdominal pain5%
4possible side effects
- Sleepiness16%
- Dizziness7%
- Weakness4%
- Unsteadiness3%
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, fentanyl, amphetamines, certain headache medications (triptans), St. John's Wort
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Cymbalta (duloxetine) abruptly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking other blood-thinning drugs (including aspirin, NSAIDs such as Advil, warfarin)
- Changes in blood pressure and risk of falls
- Elderly patients
- History of gait disturbances
- Taking more than 60 mg of Cymbalta (duloxetine) daily
- Taking other medicines that lower blood pressure
- History of high blood pressure
- Bipolar disorder
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder
- Severe sedation with opioid use
- Taking with opioids
- Tolerance and dependence
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Taking Ativan (lorazepam) for longer than 4 weeks
- History of drug abuse
- Withdrawal
- Long-term use
- Driving impairment
- Alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Memory problems