Compare Pamelor vs. Effexor
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves mood.
Pamelor (nortriptyline) is a good option for treating depression, especially for people who also have problems with persistent nerve pain, but may take 6 to 8 weeks to feel the full effects on your mood.
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4.0/ 5 average rating with 19 reviewsforPamelor
Improves mood and helps you relax.
Effexor (venlafaxine) is good for treating depression and anxiety, but it can cause more withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly compared to other antidepressants.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 577 reviewsforEffexor
Upsides
- Helpful with treating certain types of pain, like migraines or nerve-related pain.
- Generally well tolerated and has fewer side effects than other medicines in the same class of drugs.
- Available as a generic in 2 different forms: capsule and liquid.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) effectively treats depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) causes more sleepiness than other antidepressants, so it's beneficial for people who have trouble sleeping.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) might work when other antidepressants haven't worked since it affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) has several uses, which may be good for people with multiple conditions.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) is available in generic, which is cheaper.
Downsides
- Side effects are usually manageable, but can be annoying.
- There's an increased chance of it causing heart problems, especially in people with a history of heart problems.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) can cause side effects such as decreased libido and increased blood pressure.
- Like most antidepressants, it can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people aged 24 years or younger.
- Compared to other antidepressants, it's more likely to cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it and can causes more sleepiness.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
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$10.40
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Reviews
19 reviews so far
79%
saidit'sworth it
79%
saiditworked well
21%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Pamelor (nortriptyline)?
Leave a review577 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Effexor (venlafaxine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Pamelor (nortriptyline) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
39possible side effects
- Nausea37%
- Headache25%
- Drowsiness23%
- Dry mouth22%
- Dizziness19%
- Difficulty sleeping18%
- Constipation15%
- Nervousness13%
- Weakness12%
- Sweating12%
- Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm12%
- Loss of appetite11%
- Diarrhea8%
- Infection6%
- Vomiting6%
- Anxiety6%
- Blurred vision6%
- Impotence6%
- Indigestion5%
- Tremor5%
- Abnormal dreams4%
- Chills3%
- Rash3%
- Gas3%
- Stiff muscles3%
- Prickling/burning sensation3%
- Yawn3%
- Increased urination3%
- Chest pain2%
- Trauma2%
- Increased blood pressure2%
- Increased heart rate2%
- Decreased libido2%
- Agitation2%
- Confusion2%
- Thinking abnormal2%
- Changes in taste2%
- Ringing in the ears2%
- Dilation of pupils2%
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Changing the dose
- Dizziness and falls
- Age 65 years or older
- Other blood pressure lowering medications
- Eye problems
- Glaucoma
- Rare, life-threatening
- Antidepressants
- Lithium
- Triptans
- St. John's wort
- Fentanyl
- Tramadol
- MAO inhibitors
- Heart problems
- History of heart disease
- Older age
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, fentanyl, amphetamines, certain headache medications (triptans), St. John's Wort
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Effexor (venlafaxine) suddenly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking other blood-thinning drugs (including aspirin, NSAIDs such as Advil, warfarin)
- Increased blood pressure
- Bipolar disorder
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder