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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Cymbalta vs. Lexapro: Comparing medications If you struggle with generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder, you might be considering medications that can help you feel better. Two examples that doctors commonly prescribe for anxiety and depression are Cymbalta (the brand name for duloxetine) and Lexapro (the brand name for escitalopram). Both of these drugs are antidepressants that work similarly. Read on to learn more about what Cymbalta and Lexapro treat, how they work to relieve symptoms, their side effects, drug interactions, and whether one is more effective than the other. Ready to speak with a psychiatrist?Get matched todayWhat do they treat? Cymbalta and Lexapro are frequently used medications for treating mental health conditions. Although these medications are similar, they have different FDA-approved indications. Cymbalta is FDA-approved to treat: Generalized anxiety disorder (in adults and children over 7) Major depressive disorder (in adults) Chronic musculoskeletal pain (in adults) Fibromyalgia (in adults and adolescents over 13) Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (in adults) Lexapro is FDA-approved to treat: Generalized anxiety disorder (in adults) Major depressive disorder (in adults and adolescents over 12) Off label uses These prescription drugs also have off-label uses, meaning uses that aren’t FDA-approved. Despite this, doctors may prescribe the drug if they think it could be a good fit for the patient based on existing research surrounding the medication and the off-label use in question. Cymbalta is used off-label for: Stress urinary incontinence Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy Lexapro is used off-label for Panic disorder Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Social anxiety disorder Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) Vasomotor symptoms linked to menopause How do they work? SSRIs and SNRIs work similarly in the brain, but there’s one key difference. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Lexapro affect serotonin, a chemical messenger (AKA neurotransmitter) in the brain. SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, meaning they block the reabsorption of serotonin. This makes more serotonin available in the brain, helping to lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like Cymbalta also affect serotonin, but they also impact norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter in the brain. SNRIs block the reabsorption of both of these neurotransmitters, making more serotonin and norepinephrine available, also helping to lessen depression and anxiety symptoms. What are their side effects? As with any other drugs, Cymbalta and Lexapro do come along with the risk of side effects. Since they work similarly, they share many similar adverse effects and risks. Lexapro side effects Common side effects of Lexapro include: Drowsiness Dizziness Nausea Constipation Insomnia Sweating Feeling weak Shaking Loss of appetite Dry mouth Yawning Sexual dysfunction Anxiety Serious, more rare Lexapro side effects are: Allergic reaction Abnormal bleeding Seizures Manic episodes Low sodium levels Cymbalta side effects Common side effects of Cymbalta include: Drowsiness Dizziness Nausea Constipation Sweating Loss of appetite Dry mouth Serious, more rare Cymbalta side effects are: Liver damage Changes in blood pressure Abnormal bleeding Skin reactions (blisters, rash, or hives) Changes to vision Manic episodes Seizures Low sodium
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