Key Similarities Between Cymbalta & Lexapro
Cymbalta and Lexapro are available through your healthcare provider by prescription and are FDA-approved to treat anxiety and depression. These drugs work by altering serotonin levels in the brain to regain balance. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that affects mood and sleep, among other things, so increasing levels can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Efficacy in treating depression and anxiety
When comparing Cymbalta vs Lexapro for depression or anxiety, both are highly effective medication options for some people. Research suggests that Lexapro might be better tolerated and more effective when treating depression on a short-term plan.
Other research supports these findings, noting that Cymbalta might not be as tolerable as Lexapro. Remember that any drug’s efficacy might be better for one person than another.
Is Cymbalta or Lexapro better for anxiety?
Whether Cymbalta or Lexapro is better for — or more effective in treating — anxiety depends on several factors. Two people can react very differently to the same drug. Factors like the severity of symptoms, genetic makeup, the presence of other medical conditions, other drugs being taken simultaneously, dosage, and more all come into play with how well a medication works.
Is Cymbalta or Lexapro better for depression?
Both drugs can be beneficial in reducing depression symptoms, but some bodies of research suggest Lexapro may have fewer side effects, making the drug more tolerable and, thus, more effective overall. Keep in mind that the path to treating depression is very individual. What works for one person may not be effective for the next.
“The chemical structure of Lexapro is very similar to Celexa. It is considered to work just as well as Celexa but with fewer side effects and possible faster results.”
Shared side effects
Similar side effects can occur when taking Cymbalta or Lexapro. Commonly shared side effects of Cymbalta and Lexapro include:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
Drug interactions
Drug interaction can happen with any drug combined with other medications, supplements, or vitamins. Your doctor or psychiatrist will go through your drug history and review other medications you’re taking before prescribing either Cymbalta or Lexapro to ensure your antidepressant medication is going to be safe and effective.
Some medications to be aware of that may have an adverse interaction with Lexapro or Cymbalta include:
- St. John’s wort
- Aspirin
- NSAIDs
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Xanax
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Buspirone
- Tramadol
- Tryptophan
- Amphetamine
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