Posted by 4WD on May 3, 2008, at 20:51:20
In reply to Effexor Versus Cymbalta Experience?, posted by bleauberry on May 3, 2008, at 19:33:58
> I'm wondering if you have tried both effexor and cymbalta if one was much more preferred than the other? Did one work, the other didn't? Did one help, the other made you worse? Both worked the same? Side effects different from one to the other?
>
> While they appear to be similar on paper, I have a gut feeling there are significant differences. For example, Effexor affects serotonin versus norepinephrine at a ratio of 30:1, where cymbalta is 9:1. Cymbalta is more potent on norepinephrine and more potent overall. But effexor has interplay with the opioid system, which I have seen no evidence on for cymbalta. I have often wondered if the unique opioid effect of effexor might be a major player in the viscious withdrawals from it. Another difference is the molecular structure of effexor is very similar to tramadol and also it is a substituted phenlethylamine? Whatever that means, I don't know.
>
> Anyway, if you have tried both, would love to hear from you.I did very well on Effexor for 4-5 years till it pooped out. It helped with anxiety and depression both. But when it gave out, I was just depressed, not anxious. No side effects.
When it gave out, I tried Cymbalta. Cymbalta helped less with anxiety, in fact not at all. But I was already starting to experience increased anxiety when I went on it. I only stayed on it 4-5 months because it wasn't helping enough. But I was really sick at the time and I don't think anything would have totally brought me out of depression. The only side effect I had was severe heartburn. One plus to Cymbalta was that it completely took away my lifetime battle with insomnia. When I started Cymbalta, my insomnia went away. And what is weird is that even after I stopped taking it the insomnia stayed gone.
Hope this helps a bit.
Marsha
poster:4WD
thread:827047
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080430/msgs/827069.html