Voltaren vs Cymbalta: side-by-side comparison
Voltaren (Pain Relief Medications) and Cymbalta (Anti-Depressants) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Voltaren | Cymbalta |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Diclofenac | Duloxetine |
| Manufacturer | Novartis | Eli Lilly |
| Class | Pain Relief Medications | Anti-Depressants |
| Strengths | 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg | 20mg, 30mg, 60mg |
| Forms | tablet, delayed-release tablet, topical gel, suppository | capsule |
What's the same
Voltaren 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
Voltaren belongs to Pain Relief Medications while Cymbalta belongs to Anti-Depressants. 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
Voltaren: Diclofenac reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, with somewhat greater selectivity for COX-2 than ibuprofen and naproxen. Cymbalta: Cymbalta inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine at the synapse.
When Voltaren is preferred
Voltaren is approved in adults for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical pain, primary dysmenorrhoea, acute migraine and ureteric colic.
When Cymbalta is preferred
Cymbalta is approved for major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Frequently asked questions
Is Voltaren or Cymbalta better? ▾
Voltaren 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 Voltaren to Cymbalta? ▾
Switching between Voltaren 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 Voltaren 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 Voltaren comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.