Cymbalta vs Prozac: side-by-side comparison
Cymbalta (Duloxetine) and Prozac (Fluoxetine) both belong to the Antidépresseurs 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 | Prozac |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Duloxetine | Fluoxetine |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Eli Lilly |
| Class | Antidépresseurs | Antidépresseurs |
| Strengths | 20mg, 30mg, 60mg | 10mg, 20mg, 40mg |
| Forms | capsule | capsule, tablet |
What's the same
Cymbalta and Prozac both belong to the Antidépresseurs class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Duloxetine vs Fluoxetine — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Duloxetine vs Fluoxetine), strengths (20mg, 30mg, 60mg vs 10mg, 20mg, 40mg), forms (capsule vs capsule, tablet), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Cymbalta: Cymbalta inhibe la recapture synaptique de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline. Prozac: La fluoxétine inhibe sélectivement le transporteur de recapture de la sérotonine, augmentant sa disponibilité synaptique.
When Cymbalta is preferred
Cymbalta est autorisé dans la dépression caractérisée, le trouble anxieux généralisé, les douleurs neuropathiques périphériques diabétiques, la fibromyalgie et les douleurs musculosquelettiques chroniques.
When Prozac is preferred
Prozac est autorisé dans la dépression caractérisée (adulte et enfant à partir de 8 ans), le trouble obsessionnel compulsif (enfant à partir de 7 ans), la boulimie nerveuse, le trouble panique et le trouble dysphorique prémenstruel.
Questions fréquentes
Is Cymbalta or Prozac better? ▾
There is no single answer. Cymbalta and Prozac both belong to the Antidépresseurs 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 Prozac? ▾
Switching within the Antidépresseurs 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 Prozac have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Antidépresseurs class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
More Cymbalta comparisons
Les informations publiées sur ce site sont fournies à titre documentaire et pédagogique. Elles ne remplacent pas l'avis d'un professionnel de santé qualifié.