Cymbalta vs Zoloft: side-by-side comparison
Cymbalta (Duloxetine) and Zoloft (Sertraline) both belong to the Antidepressiva class. They share clinical context but use different active ingredients. The choice between them depends on mechanism nuances, side-effect profile and individual response.
| Property | Cymbalta | Zoloft |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Duloxetine | Sertraline |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Pfizer |
| Class | Antidepressiva | Antidepressiva |
| Strengths | 20mg, 30mg, 60mg | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg |
| Forms | capsule | tablet |
What's the same
Cymbalta and Zoloft both belong to the Antidepressiva class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Duloxetine vs Sertraline — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Duloxetine vs Sertraline), strengths (20mg, 30mg, 60mg vs 25mg, 50mg, 100mg), forms (capsule vs tablet), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Cymbalta: Cymbalta hemmt die Wiederaufnahme von Serotonin und Noradrenalin an der Synapse. Zoloft: Sertralin wirkt durch selektive Blockade des Serotonintransporters und verhindert so die Wiederaufnahme von Serotonin aus dem synaptischen Spalt, wodurch die synaptische Serotoninkonzentration erhöht wird.
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 Zoloft is preferred
Zoloft ist bei Erwachsenen für Major Depression, Panikstörung mit oder ohne Agoraphobie, Zwangsstörung, posttraumatische Belastungsstörung, soziale Angststörung und prämenstruelle dysphorische Störung zugelassen.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Is Cymbalta or Zoloft better? ▾
There is no single answer. Cymbalta and Zoloft both belong to the Antidepressiva class but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life and side-effect profile. Preference depends on the patient, the prescriber and prior response to other therapies.
Can I switch from Cymbalta to Zoloft? ▾
Switching within the Antidepressiva class is done under supervision, typically using equivalent doses and a follow-up period to confirm response and tolerance. It is not a self-directed decision.
Do Cymbalta and Zoloft have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Antidepressiva class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
More Cymbalta comparisons
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