Celexa Vs. Cymbalta: Differences, Similarities, & Which to Take

Key Differences Between Celexa & Cymbalta

The key difference between Celexa and Cymbalta is in their drug class.¹ Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), while Cymbalta is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Although they are both antidepressants, Celexa and Cymbalta cannot be interchanged.

The key differences between Celexa and Cymbalta include:

Conditions Treated

The FDA has given Celexa approval to treat depression. Treatment of anxiety, sexual dysfunction, post-stroke behavioral changes, alcohol abuse, pediatric OCD, and diabetic neuropathy are just a few examples of off-label usage.

The FDA has approved Cymbalta to treat adult depression as well as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Off-label uses of duloxetine include treating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and stress urinary incontinence.

An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may benefit someone.

Standard Dosages & Forms

The beginning dose for Celexa is typically 20 milligrams, taken either in the morning or evening. The dose can be increased to 40 mg after the first week of treatment. Cymbalta is taken at a beginning dose of either 20 or 30 milligrams twice or 60 milligrams once daily.² The maximum daily dose is 120 mg. When searching for the optimal dosage, increasing the starting dose gradually is standard practice.

Side Effects

The most frequent Celexa side effects are headache, tremors, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, increased sweating, sleepiness, and trouble falling asleep.

Nausea, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, and dizziness are the most commonly reported side effects of Cymbalta.

The table below summarizes the key differences between Celexa versus Cymbalta:

What Is Celexa?

Celexa (Citalopram) ³ is an SSRI that alters the method by which the brain reabsorbs the neurotransmitter serotonin. This makes serotonin more accessible by inhibiting the reuptake process, which usually limits the neurotransmitter’s availability.

Celexa Uses

The FDA has given Celexa approval to treat ailments including adult major depressive disorder. The FDA’s approval of a drug suggests that data on its effects have been studied and it has been determined that for the intended population, the drug’s advantages outweigh its known and potential hazards.

What Is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medication used to treat several physical and mental health conditions. ⁴ When SNRIs are used, serotonin and norepinephrine are not reabsorbed into the central nervous system. This results in an increased level of both neurotransmitters.

Cymbalta Uses

Cymbalta has been approved by the FDA as a depression medication and anxiety medication. It is also used to treat fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The data on these drugs’ effects have been analyzed by the FDA, which has determined that the benefits outweigh the known and possible risks for the people using the medication.

What Are Celexa & Cymbalta Used to Treat?

The FDA has approved Celexa as a depression treatment. Off-label treatments are also available for alcoholism, binge eating disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, hot flashes, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Cymbalta has been approved to treat a variety of conditions, including fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain. Duloxetine is used off-label for conditions like stress incontinence and peripheral neuropathy brought on by chemotherapy.

The table below compares the medical and mental health conditions Celexa and Cymbalta are used to treat:

Side Effects of Celexa & Cymbalta

It is frequent for people to have side effects when starting Celexa and Cymbalta as their bodies adjust to the medication. However, some individuals might not have any adverse effects. The antidepressants alter the brain’s chemical processes, which can have an impact on other bodily systems like digestion and cause side effects like nausea, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping.

Severe Side Effects & Allergic Reactions With Celexa Vs. Cymbalta

A severe allergic reaction to Cymbalta or Celexa is not likely. However, you should immediately seek medical assistance if you develop any severe or serious adverse effects, such as a rash, itching, or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), excessive disorientation, trouble breathing, skin blisters, or mouth sores.

Severe side effects that may occur from taking Celexa include:

• Increased risk of bleeding
• Seizures
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Hypomania or mania
• Serotonin syndrome

Severe side effects that may occur from taking Cymbalta include:

• Seizures
• Manic episodes
• Hallucinations
• Constant headaches
• Yellowing of the whites of your eyes
• Eye pain or blurred vision
• Bleeding from your gut
• Coughed up blood or have blood in your pee
• Bleeding from your gums

Warnings & Precautions for Celexa & Cymbalta

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies before taking Celexa or Cymbalta. Inactive chemicals in these products have the potential to trigger allergic reactions or other issues. Inform your doctor if you want further details.

Risks to consider when taking Celexa and Cymbalta include:

• Interactions with alcohol: Antidepressants may cause you to feel lightheaded or sleepy. Alcohol can increase your sense of fatigue or dizziness.
• Use while pregnant or breastfeeding: The mother may be at risk of bleeding at delivery if this Celexa or Cymbalta is taken in the final 30 days of pregnancy. This medication is excreted in breast milk and may harm a nursing newborn. Before breastfeeding or using this medication for depression during pregnancy, speak with your doctor.
• Antidepressant withdrawal: After taking antidepressant medication with some consistency for at least one month, patients who suddenly stop taking it or dramatically cut their dosage get antidepressant withdrawal symptoms. It happens in roughly 20% of antidepressant users, although it can be avoided if dosage and tapering are watched over and addressed with a doctor.
• Serotonin syndrome: Rare but severe medication adverse effects of serotonergic drugs like antidepressants include serotonin syndrome. Excessive serotonin in the nervous system causes numerous symptoms of serotonin syndrome.

Potential Drug interactions With Celexa & Cymbalta

Cymbalta or Celexa should not be taken with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and the MAOI should not be taken for 14 days after stopping them.  Such mixtures could result in confusion, elevated blood pressure, trembling, and hyperactivity.

Disclaimer: Taking certain medications, herbs, or supplements alongside Celexa and Cymbalta can change how these medications work in your body or increase the risk of severe side effects. This article does not consider all the possible interactions. Please let your doctor, psychiatrists, and pharmacists know about all the products you currently use, such as prescription medication, nonprescription drugs, and herbal supplements. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Medications and substances that have harmful interactions with Celexa and Cymbalta include:

Celexa Vs. Cymbalta: Key Pros & Cons

Celexa is used to treat depression and off-label to treat illnesses, including anxiety and OCD. Nausea and increased sweating may be more frequent adverse effects of citalopram. Cymbalta has been linked to a discontinuation syndrome on withdrawal. Even when the dosage is tapered, it possesses antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving qualities.⁵

Pros & Cons of Celexa

Celexa has many benefits, including its usefulness as an approved treatment for major depressive disorder and an off-label treatment for several conditions.⁶ SSRIs generally have fewer side effect tolerance than many other antidepressant drugs, such as a lower chance of becoming drowsy

Using Celexa does have some drawbacks, however. Celexa has a higher occurrence of side effects than many other SSRIs, including having an impact on the heartbeat and rhythm. People who already have heart disease or irregularities may not be a good fit. For individuals who are predisposed to them, taking Celexa may increase the risk of developing glaucoma or convulsions.

Pros & Cons of Cymbalta

The benefits of Cymbalta include its use as a treatment for several disorders, even some beyond the scope of mental health. Using Cymbalta may help treat symptoms of major depressive disorder, anxiety, as well as pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia.

Using Cymbalta may also have negative aspects for some people. This may include side effects such as dizziness, constipation, and headaches, as well as severe skin reactions and urine retention. Using Cymbalta may trigger manic symptoms for those with undiagnosed bipolar disorder.

Which Is Right for You: Celexa or Cymbalta?

The medication best for your needs can depend on many factors; you may need to consider online psychiatry services if seeing a doctor in person is not feasible. Your symptoms, potential side effects, interactions with other medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, other conditions, cost, and health insurance coverage are all things your doctor will take into account when determining which antidepressant is best for you.

How to Get a Prescription for Celexa or Cymbalta

Antidepressants are a commonly prescribed class of prescription drugs. If you are wondering about how to get antidepressants, start by speaking with your doctor. During the appointment, inform them of your symptoms, the presentation and impact of the symptoms, and your willingness to take medicine. With this information, your prescriber assesses whether an antidepressant is appropriate for you and which may be best.

The specialists who can prescribe antidepressants may differ based on state and local regulations. It is important to discover a qualified professional who can prescribe antidepressants in your home state since, although doctors can prescribe antidepressants, other healthcare practitioners may be unable to.

Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Celexa & Cymbalta

When considering an antidepressant, talk with your doctor about the options, risks, and benefits. Come to your appointment with any questions or concerns you may have about taking medication.

Questions to ask your prescriber about Celexa & Cymbalta include:

• Is it safe to take Celexa or Cymbalta with my other medications?
• Will Celexa or Cymbalta be covered by my insurance?
• Which one has the best results as a treatment for depression?
• Does my medical history increase my risk of side effects for either?
• How long can I expect side effects to last?
• Which one is the best for my treatment of anxiety?
• How often should I see you for checkups while taking Celexa or Cymbalta?
• What should I do if I am unsure if antidepressants are right for me?
• How does Cymbalta compare to Effexor?

In My Experience

In my experience, Celexa is a commonly prescribed treatment for depression and other mental health conditions, but does require some precaution. To reduce the possibility of interactions, talk to your doctor about using Cymbalta with other medications or substances. You and your care team must decide on the severity of your symptoms, their source, and how you would benefit from antidepressants before a prescription is written for them. While they are a fantastic option, not everyone should use antidepressants. Be patient and weigh all of your choices before starting an antidepressant.