Lyrica vs Cymbalta: side-by-side comparison
Lyrica (Schmerzmedikamente) and Cymbalta (Antidepressiva) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Lyrica | Cymbalta |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Pregabalin | Duloxetine |
| Manufacturer | Pfizer | Eli Lilly |
| Class | Schmerzmedikamente | Antidepressiva |
| Strengths | 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 225mg, 300mg | 20mg, 30mg, 60mg |
| Forms | capsule, oral solution, extended-release tablet | capsule |
What's the same
Lyrica and Cymbalta 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
Lyrica belongs to Schmerzmedikamente while Cymbalta belongs to Antidepressiva. 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
Lyrica: Pregabalin bindet an die Alpha-2-Delta-Untereinheit spannungsabhängiger Calciumkanäle im Zentralnervensystem, wodurch der präsynaptische Calciumeinstrom und die Freisetzung exzitatorischer Neurotransmitter wie Glutamat… Cymbalta: Cymbalta hemmt die Wiederaufnahme von Serotonin und Noradrenalin an der Synapse.
When Lyrica is preferred
Lyrica ist bei Erwachsenen zugelassen zur Behandlung neuropathischer Schmerzen bei diabetischer peripherer Neuropathie, postherpetischer Neuralgie, Rückenmarkverletzungen und anderen Formen zentraler neuropathischer Schmerzen (in einigen Ländern), zur Behandlung der generalisiert…
When Cymbalta is preferred
Cymbalta ist zur Behandlung der Major Depression, der generalisierten Angststörung, diabetischer peripherer neuropathischer Schmerzen, Fibromyalgie und chronischer muskuloskelettaler Schmerzen zugelassen.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Is Lyrica or Cymbalta better? ▾
Lyrica and Cymbalta 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 Lyrica to Cymbalta? ▾
Switching between Lyrica and Cymbalta 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 Lyrica and Cymbalta 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 Lyrica comparisons
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