Cymbalta is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI. This type of antidepressant affects the levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine by inhibiting their re-absorption in the brain. Many other drugs treat depression as well. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors, and the older antidepressants: MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants. A psychiatrist can evaluate which type of antidepressant will best treat a particular set of symptoms and lifestyle circumstances. These include many alternatives to Cymbalta. All drugs pose a risk of adverse effects, and the risks and benefits of any antidepressant drug should be explored with a psychiatrist.
Effexor and Pristiq
Effexor and Pristiq are the only other SNRIs, sometimes called dual reuptake inhibitors, on the U.S. market. While Cymbalta, Pristiq and Effexor are the same type of drug, individuals may have different experiences taking each of them. According to MayoClinic.com, Effexor does carry an additional caution regarding high blood pressure. Effexor and Pristiq work similarly to Cymbalta. They prevent nerve cells from absorbing excess norepinephrine and serotonin too quickly, thus making more of these chemicals available in the brain. MayoClinc.com reports that increased availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain has a positive impact on depression and anxiety.
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are another alternative to Cymbalta. This class of drugs includes Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil and Celexa.
SSRIs are the most common drug treatment for depression. While imbalances in at least three neurotransmitters in the brain are linked to depression and anxiety, SSRIs affects only serotonin levels. In the same manner as SNRIs, these drugs inhibit the re-absorption of serotonin by certain nerve cells, thus increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Patients usually tolerate this class of drugs fairly well, though many do experience side effects.
NDRIs
Wellbutrin is the only norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, NDRI, on the market. It is an antidepressant of the aminoketone class, explains the RxList website, chemically unrelated to SSRIs or any other type of antidepressant drug. While Wellbutrin causes a low instance of sexual side effects, it may cause insomnia or other agitated symptoms in some patients. Wellbutrin also carries a risk of seizures for individuals with particular medical histories.
