Compare Cymbalta vs. Prozac
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
Improves mood and helps you relax.
Prozac (fluoxetine) is good for treating depression and anxiety. It's more energizing than other antidepressants, so it may not be the best choice for people who have trouble sleeping.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 1319 reviewsforProzac
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.
- Effectively treats a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, OCD, and panic disorder.
- It's more energizing than other antidepressants, so it's good for people who have low energy.
- Might be a good option for treating children with depression and/or OCD.
- Doesn't have effects on the heart unlike other antidepressants so it may be a better treatment choice for older people.
- Can cause a significant amount of weight loss which is an added benefit for those who are overweight or obese.
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.
- Takes at least 1 to 2 weeks to kick in and can take up to 12 weeks for maximum effect. Prozac (fluoxetine) tends to take more time to start working compared to similar alternatives.
- Can lower your sex drive.
- Can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in those age 24 or younger.
- You may need to try out several different antidepressants before you find the one that works for you.
Used for
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic muscle pain
- Urinary incontinence (women)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
- Delayed-release pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$10.70
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$595.21
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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 review1319 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Prozac (fluoxetine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
12possible side effects
- Nausea23%
- Headache14%
- Dry mouth13%
- Drowsiness10%
- Fatigue9%
- Difficulty sleeping9%
- Constipation9%
- Dizziness9%
- Diarrhea9%
- Decreased appetite7%
- Excessive sweating6%
- Abdominal pain5%
22possible side effects
- Inability to sleep33%
- Nausea28%
- Lack of energy21%
- Anxiety15%
- Sleepiness13%
- Tremor13%
- Nervousness11%
- Yawn11%
- Indigestion10%
- Sore throat10%
- Dry mouth9%
- Flu syndrome8%
- Diarrhea8%
- Loss of appetite8%
- Sweating8%
- Impotence7%
- Abnormal ejaculation7%
- Sinus infection6%
- Lower sex drive5%
- Abnormal dreams5%
- Rash4%
- Widening of blood vessels2%
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
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Antidepressants
- Lithium
- Ultram
- Imitrex
- Remeron
- Lexapro
- Dilaudid
- St. John's Wort
- Skin rash
- Weight loss
- People with an eating disorder
- Increased bleeding risk
- Taking NSAIDS or blood-thinning drugs
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- People with heart rhythm problems or a family history of them
- Low potassium level
- Low magnesium level
- Recent heart attack
- Using other drugs that affect heart rhythm
- Overdose
- People with liver problems