Being in a depressed state of mind is fast turning into a common condition in many people. Those who witness persistent spells of mood-related disorders must seek medical assistance in a timely fashion. Medications that form part of a group known as serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly administered for treating mental conditions like depression. Cymbalta is a widely used drug in this category. But do you know the differences between Cymbalta and gabapentin? It is an essential thing to have more details about the differences.
Transmitters present in your brain, such as serotonin as well as norepinephrine influence your moods. Of these two chemicals, serotonin triggers a feeling of euphoria and wellbeing. It sends out signals of satisfaction, delight and good moods. These euphoric signals help you to have a proper appetite, make you sleep well and to lead to life with good mental health.
One more key brain chemical is norepinephrine. This can make you stay alert. Commonly administered SNRIs are Cymbalta (based on a generic known as duloxetine), Effexor (venlafaxine), Pristiq (desvenlafaxine), etc.
In this milieu, what is Cymbalta?
As noted, Cymbalta is a generic version of duloxetine. This med assists treating problems like musculoskeletal discomforts, mental conditions like mood-swings, depression, etc. in adults. As an added use, its key chemicals help manage pain in nerves; in clinical terms, this is labelled as neuropathy – especially in adults who live with autoimmune disorders such as diabetes mellitus.
What is gabapentin?
This medication is widely used for treating nerve problems like fits or convulsions. It is categorised under a family of medications called anti-epileptic drugs. Gabapentin is used for a range of nerve-related disorders such as neuralgia (nerve pains), seizures, etc. It is mainly used to reduce spells of pains and allied discomforts. Its main ingredients can optimise the availability of minerals like calcium in your body; studies indicate a strong link in between presence of calcium and possible risks of seizures i.e., once calcium level drops to a suboptimal level.
What are the differences between gabapentin and Cymbalta?
A major difference rests with the type of nerve pain each drug helps reduce. Cymbalta helps decrease pains linked to diabetic neuropathy (often, of the peripheral kind). On the other hand, gabapentin reduces neuralgia (nerve pains) associated with the inset of shingles. You need to know that shingles is caused by the onset of a microbial strand called herpes zoster.
Gabapentin and Cymbalta belong to two different genres; Cymbalta is a selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibiting med (in short, SNRI) and gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug (also called an antiseizure med). On the side effect front, a few unique adverse effects gabapentin is likely to cause include retention of bodily fluids (i.e., edema), memory lapses, being sleepy, etc. Cymbalta may cause a few unique, undesired effects – these are difficulties to pass stools, a marked drop in libido, insomnia (turning sleepless), etc.
Gabapentin is available in different forms viz., capsules, pills and as a liquid. Cymbalta is widely available as a pill / tablet form. Doses of gabapentin (in its capsule and pill form) may range from 100 mg to 400 mg. In case of the solution form of gabapentin, the dose is 250 mg per 5 ml. You may consume this anticonvulsant med either before or after a meal. On the other hand, the standard dose of Cymbalta hovers at 30 mg – usually taken two times per day. In some cases, a single dose of 60 mg is administered. The strength of your dosage plan depends on your medical condition, age, weight and pre-existing ailments, if any.
If you are keen to know more about the differences between Cymbalta and gabapentin, it is a good practice to talk to your treating doctor / pharmacist prior to starting your medication plan.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.