Compare Cymbalta vs. Zoloft
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.
Zoloft (sertraline) is good for treating depression and anxiety, but it can interact with many medicines.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 1472 reviewsforZoloft
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.
- One of the more effective and better tolerated antidepressants in its class.
- Causes less sleepiness than other antidepressants.
- Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
- Best choice among antidepressants if you are pregnant.
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.
- Can cause low sex drive, an inability to orgasm or ejaculate, and minor weight gain (1 to 5 pounds).
- Is more likely to cause diarrhea compared to other antidepressants.
- Interacts with lots of other medicines.
- 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)
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Anxiety
- Bulimia nervosa
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$14.83
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$8.63
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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 review1472 reviews so far
59%
saidit'sworth it
41%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Zoloft (sertraline)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
12possible side effects
- Nausea23%
- Headache14%
- Dry mouth13%
- Drowsiness10%
- Fatigue9%
- Difficulty sleeping9%
- Constipation9%
- Dizziness9%
- Diarrhea9%
- Decreased appetite7%
- Excessive sweating6%
- Abdominal pain5%
15possible side effects
- Nausea26%
- Diarrhea18%
- Dry mouth16%
- Difficulty sleeping16%
- Drowsiness13%
- Dizziness12%
- Tremor11%
- Fatigue11%
- More sweating8%
- Constipation8%
- Ejaculation failure7%
- Upset stomach6%
- Agitation6%
- Loss of appetite3%
- Stomach pain2%
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 years or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking other medicines that affect serotonin levels
- Mania
- Personal history of bipolar disorder
- Family history for bipolar disorder
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Zoloft (sertraline) suddenly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking blood thinners
- Low sodium levels in the blood
- Older people
- Taking diuretic medicines