I don't know why you would need to take either one of these meds if you have not been diagnosed with depression, fibromyalgia, post-herpatic neuralgia, or diabetic nerve pain. Sometimes if you are depressed, you will also experience body aches and pains that are unexplained. Cymbalta has been advertised to help not only with depression, but also for the pain that sometimes goes with it. Lyrica is a scheduled drug, and can become habit forming if abused. With both of these medications you should never discontinue them without talking to your physician, and tapering off the dose. I know this from having been prescribed both. I no longer take the cymbalta, but I still take Lyrica, and it has been a wonderful medication for me. I have post-herpatic neuralgia, and it really helps. But the most wonderful thing about it, was I had suffered for years with unexplained body aches, and tenderness. After being on the Lyrica for about 3 weeks, I noticed that I could get out of bed in the morning without feeling like I was 90 yrs. old. Also the body aches were almost totally alieviated. My doctor has helped me find a dose that keeps me pain free. I know it is a new medicine, but I think that it is great. One side effect that I suffered was an increased appetite. I gained almost 40 pds. in 6 months, everything tasted so good. My doctor has given me another medication to help decrease my appetite, and I have lost 25 pds. It has made it possible for me to keep taking the Lyrica. I wonder if they have ever thought about giving this medication to people with Anorexia, or those suffering from Chemo. Oh well, that is my expericence with Lyrica. I hope it helps.