Cymbalta vs Neurontin: side-by-side comparison
Cymbalta (Antidepressiva) and Neurontin (Neurologische Arzneimittel) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Cymbalta | Neurontin |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Duloxetine | Gabapentin |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Pfizer |
| Class | Antidepressiva | Neurologische Arzneimittel |
| Strengths | 20mg, 30mg, 60mg | 100mg, 300mg, 400mg, 600mg, 800mg |
| Forms | capsule | capsule, tablet, oral solution |
What's the same
Cymbalta and Neurontin are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Cymbalta belongs to Antidepressiva while Neurontin belongs to Neurologische Arzneimittel. Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Cymbalta: Cymbalta hemmt die Wiederaufnahme von Serotonin und Noradrenalin an der Synapse. Neurontin: Gabapentin bindet an die Alpha-2-Delta-Hilfsuntereinheit spannungsabhängiger Calciumkanäle im zentralen Nervensystem und reduziert dadurch den präsynaptischen Calciumeinstrom sowie die Freisetzung exzitatorischer Neurotr…
When Cymbalta is preferred
Cymbalta ist zur Behandlung der Major Depression, der generalisierten Angststörung, diabetischer peripherer neuropathischer Schmerzen, Fibromyalgie und chronischer muskuloskelettaler Schmerzen zugelassen.
When Neurontin is preferred
Neurontin ist bei Erwachsenen und Kindern ab drei Jahren zur Zusatztherapie fokaler Anfälle und bei Erwachsenen zur Behandlung der postherpetischen Neuralgie zugelassen.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Is Cymbalta or Neurontin better? ▾
Cymbalta and Neurontin are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Cymbalta to Neurontin? ▾
Switching between Cymbalta and Neurontin is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Cymbalta and Neurontin have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Cymbalta comparisons
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