Compare Cymbalta vs. nefazodone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Cymbalta (duloxetine)

Prescription only

Serzone (nefazodone)

Prescription only
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.

●●●●●
3.6/ 5 average rating with 496 reviewsforCymbalta
Treats depression.

Serzone (nefazodone) is usually used with other medicines to treat depression, but it is more likely to cause liver damage.

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.
  • Serzone (nefazodone) is a good choice to take with other medicines for depression if they haven't worked by themselves.
  • Serzone (nefazodone) is available in generic.
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.
  • While Serzone (nefazodone) is available as a generic, it's not considered a first or second choice medicine for depression because it is more likely to cause liver damage than other similar medicines.
  • Serzone (nefazodone) is usually taken 2 times a day; the first choice medicines are only taken 1 time a day.
  • It can take up to 3 months before you notice the full effects of Serzone (nefazodone).
  • Compared to other similar medicines, Serzone (nefazodone) has a lot of interactions with other drugs, so your doctor might have to adjust the doses of your other medicines.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$12.48
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Lowest price
$73.90
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Reviews
496 reviews so far
58%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
24%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
12possible side effects
  • Nausea
    23%
  • Headache
    14%
  • Dry mouth
    13%
  • Drowsiness
    10%
  • Fatigue
    9%
  • Difficulty sleeping
    9%
  • Constipation
    9%
  • Dizziness
    9%
  • Diarrhea
    9%
  • Decreased appetite
    7%
  • Excessive sweating
    6%
  • Abdominal pain
    5%
See more detailed side effects
42possible side effects
  • Headache
    36%
  • Dry mouth
    25%
  • Sleepiness
    25%
  • Nausea
    22%
  • Dizziness
    17%
  • Constipation
    14%
  • Weakness
    11%
  • Trouble sleeping
    11%
  • Lightheadedness
    10%
  • Indigestion
    9%
  • Blurry vision
    9%
  • Infection
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    8%
  • Confusion
    7%
  • Blind spots in vision
    7%
  • Sore throat
    6%
  • Increased appetite
    5%
  • Changes in blood pressure
    4%
  • Memory problems
    4%
  • Tingling or prickling sensation
    4%
  • Flushing
    4%
  • Flu
    3%
  • Swelling in the arms and legs
    3%
  • Abnormal dreams
    3%
  • Decreased concentration
    3%
  • Increased cough
    3%
  • Chills
    2%
  • Fever
    2%
  • Low blood pressure
    2%
  • Itching
    2%
  • Skin rashes
    2%
  • Nausea and vomiting
    2%
  • Trouble controlling movements
    2%
  • Coordination problems
    2%
  • Slowing of movement or speech
    2%
  • Tremor
    2%
  • Ringing in the ears
    2%
  • Changes in taste
    2%
  • Frequent urination
    2%
  • Urinary tract infection
    2%
  • Problems emptying bladder
    2%
  • Vaginal discharge, itching, and pain
    2%
See more detailed side effects
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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Higher risk of suicide
    • People under age 24
  • Liver failure
  • Low blood pressure
    • Taking medicine for high blood pressure
  • Possible bipolar disorder
  • Seizures
    • History of seizures
  • Lower heart rate
    • History of heart attack or heart disease
    • Medicines that slow the heartbeat
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Cymbalta (duloxetine)
Learn more about Serzone (nefazodone)