Elavil vs Cymbalta: side-by-side comparison
Elavil (Amitriptyline) and Cymbalta (Duloxetine) 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 | Elavil | Cymbalta |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Amitriptyline | Duloxetine |
| Manufacturer | Various generics | Eli Lilly |
| Class | Antidépresseurs | Antidépresseurs |
| Strengths | 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg | 20mg, 30mg, 60mg |
| Forms | tablet | capsule |
What's the same
Elavil and Cymbalta both belong to the Antidépresseurs class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Amitriptyline vs Duloxetine — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Amitriptyline vs Duloxetine), strengths (10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg vs 20mg, 30mg, 60mg), forms (tablet vs capsule), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Elavil: L'amitriptyline inhibe la recapture de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline au niveau des synapses centrales. Cymbalta: Cymbalta inhibe la recapture synaptique de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline.
When Elavil is preferred
L'amitriptyline est autorisée dans la dépression caractérisée, mais son usage contemporain est dominé par les indications hors AMM à faible dose : douleurs neuropathiques, fibromyalgie, céphalées de tension chroniques, prévention de la migraine, syndrome de l'intestin irritable…
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.
Questions fréquentes
Is Elavil or Cymbalta better? ▾
There is no single answer. Elavil and Cymbalta 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 Elavil to Cymbalta? ▾
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 Elavil and Cymbalta 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 Elavil comparisons
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