Cymbalta vs Yasmin: side-by-side comparison
Cymbalta (Anti-Depressants) and Yasmin (Women's Sexual Health) 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 | Yasmin |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Duloxetine | Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Bayer |
| Class | Anti-Depressants | Women's Sexual Health |
| Strengths | 20mg, 30mg, 60mg | 3mg / 0.03mg |
| Forms | capsule | tablet |
What's the same
Cymbalta and Yasmin 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 Yasmin belongs to Women's Sexual Health. 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. Yasmin: Yasmin combines two complementary mechanisms.
When Cymbalta is preferred
Cymbalta is approved for major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
When Yasmin is preferred
Yasmin is approved for prevention of pregnancy in women who choose to use a combined oral contraceptive.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cymbalta or Yasmin better? ▾
Cymbalta and Yasmin 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 Yasmin? ▾
Switching between Cymbalta and Yasmin 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 Yasmin 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.