Cymbalta vs Wellbutrin: side-by-side comparison
Cymbalta (Duloxetine) and Wellbutrin (Bupropion) 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 | Wellbutrin |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Duloxetine | Bupropion |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Class | Antidépresseurs | Antidépresseurs |
| Strengths | 20mg, 30mg, 60mg | 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 300mg |
| Forms | capsule | tablet |
What's the same
Cymbalta and Wellbutrin both belong to the Antidépresseurs class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Duloxetine vs Bupropion — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Duloxetine vs Bupropion), strengths (20mg, 30mg, 60mg vs 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 300mg), forms (capsule vs 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. Wellbutrin: Wellbutrin inhibe la recapture de la noradrénaline et de la dopamine, avec un effet nettement plus faible sur la sérotonine.
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 Wellbutrin is preferred
Wellbutrin est autorisé, dans les pays où il dispose de cette AMM, dans la dépression caractérisée et la prévention des récidives du trouble affectif saisonnier (Wellbutrin XL).
Questions fréquentes
Is Cymbalta or Wellbutrin better? ▾
There is no single answer. Cymbalta and Wellbutrin 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 Wellbutrin? ▾
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 Wellbutrin 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
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