Cymbalta is a relatively new drug from the group of antidepressants, which therapeutic effects have not yet been fully studied. Phentermine is a long-used medicine for obesity, which is known throughout the world.
In this article, we will consider the drugs Cymbalta and Phentermine and discuss their similarities, differences and therapeutic actions.
Comparison table.
| Phentermine | Cymbalta | |
| Indications | Overweight, obesity | Depression, anxiety disorders, neuropathic pain with diabetes |
| Drug class | Anorexics | SNRI antidepressants |
| Available dosage forms | Tablets, capsules | Enteric-coated capsules |
| World market launch | 1959 | 2004 |
| Status in Australia | Approved by the TGA | Approved by the TGA |
| Active ingredient | Phentermine | Duloxetine |
| Age restrictions | From 12 years | From 18 years |
Important information!
You can use any medicine for purposes not specified in this article or its package leaflet. Only a doctor must decide whether you can take prescription drugs and what dosage regimen you should follow.
Do not take these medicines together. When you combine them, too much serotonin can accumulate in the body (serotonin syndrome). Symptoms of this dangerous condition include:
- Mental fog.
- Disorientation.
- Headache.
- Tremor.
- Excessive sweat.
- Fast heartbeat.
- Anxiety.
- Irritability.
Cymbalta and Phentermine for weight loss
Why to compare these drugs if they have different indications?
The thing is that many antidepressants affect body weight. For example, tricyclic antidepressants usually cause weight gain. Those who take SNRI antidepressants, including Duloxetine, often report a reduction in body fat.
Here’s what we found out:
- According to the NPS MedicineWise, weight loss is not a clinically significant effect of Cymbalta.
- According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, short-term use of Duloxetine results in weight loss followed by moderate weight gain with longer-term treatment.
Regarding Phentermine, it is a legal obesity drug doctors officially prescribe. 62% of people on treatment report weight loss of at least 10% in 12 weeks.
So, in the battle of Cymbalta vs Phentermine, Phentermine is the undisputed winner.
Conclusion
Only a doctor can decide which medicine to use to treat your condition. Regarding the treatment of overweight or obesity, it would be better to use drugs such as Phentermine.
Cymbalta can cause weight loss of a few kilograms, but no large-scale clinical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of this treatment.
