Cymbalta vs Celebrex: side-by-side comparison
Cymbalta (Anti-Depressants) and Celebrex (Pain Relief Medications) 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 | Celebrex |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Duloxetine | Celecoxib |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Pfizer |
| Class | Anti-Depressants | Pain Relief Medications |
| Strengths | 20mg, 30mg, 60mg | 50mg, 100mg, 200mg, 400mg |
| Forms | capsule | capsule |
What's the same
Cymbalta and Celebrex 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 Anti-Depressants while Celebrex belongs to Pain Relief Medications. 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 inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine at the synapse. Celebrex: Celecoxib selectively inhibits COX-2, the inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase upregulated at sites of inflammation, while sparing the constitutive COX-1 that maintains gastric mucosal integrity and platelet aggregation.
When Cymbalta is preferred
Cymbalta is approved for major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
When Celebrex is preferred
Celebrex is approved in adults for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (in some markets), ankylosing spondylitis, primary dysmenorrhoea and acute pain.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cymbalta or Celebrex better? ▾
Cymbalta and Celebrex 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 Celebrex? ▾
Switching between Cymbalta and Celebrex 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 Celebrex 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
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.