Compare Cymbalta vs. Xanax
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.
Xanax (alprazolam) effectively treats occasional or short-term anxiety and panic attacks. Compared to similar drugs, it is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms and can have more interactions with some medicines.
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3.9/ 5 average rating with 1287 reviewsforXanax
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.
- Xanax (alprazolam) can be used to manage anxiety associated with depression.
- Works very quickly - in hours.
- 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.
- Use of Xanax (alprazolam) can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
- Xanax (alprazolam) can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment.
- Compared to other similar drugs, Xanax (alprazolam) is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms if you take it for a long time and then stop suddenly.
- If you have liver problems, Xanax (alprazolam) may not be the best choice since it is processed by the liver. Several drugs can also interfere with how Xanax (alprazolam) works. Talk to your doctor to see if Xanax (alprazolam) is right for you.
Used for
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic muscle pain
- Urinary incontinence (women)
- Anxiety
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety in children
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
- Extended release
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$12.69
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$14.99
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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 review1287 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
55%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Xanax (alprazolam)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
12possible side effects
- Nausea23%
- Headache14%
- Dry mouth13%
- Drowsiness10%
- Fatigue9%
- Difficulty sleeping9%
- Constipation9%
- Dizziness9%
- Diarrhea9%
- Decreased appetite7%
- Excessive sweating6%
- Abdominal pain5%
24possible side effects
- Drowsiness41%
- Lightheadedness21%
- Dry mouth15%
- Depression14%
- Headache13%
- Confusion10%
- Constipation10%
- Diarrhea10%
- Nausea/vomiting10%
- Difficulty sleeping9%
- Fast heartbeat8%
- Nasal congestion7%
- Blurry vision6%
- Low blood pressure5%
- Nervousness4%
- Increased salivation4%
- Muscle rigidity4%
- Tremor4%
- Skin irritation/allergy4%
- Fainting3%
- Weight gain3%
- Dizziness2%
- Restlessness2%
- Weight loss2%
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
- Decreased breathing from use with opioids
- Taking Xanax (alprazolam) with opioids, drugs or alcohol
- Using Xanax (alprazolam) for a longer duration and at high doses
- Dependence and withdrawal
- History of substance abuse
- Taking with alcohol or drugs
- Taking more than 4 mg/day or longer than 12 weeks
- Stopping Xanax (alprazolam) suddenly
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Severe depression
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol or drugs
- Drug interactions
- Current liver problems
- Taking medicines such as antifungals, cimetidine, or some HIV medicines