Pamelor
(nortriptyline)
Improves mood.
Our bottom line
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.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (nortriptyline)
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.
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What to expect from Pamelor, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
19Downsides
- 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.
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What to expect from Pamelor, on one page
Download Fact SheetPamelor (nortriptyline) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It helps improve your mood by adjusting the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and other similar neurotransmitters in your brain.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (nortriptyline)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$7.50
- CostcoGet free coupon$7.62
What to expect when you take Pamelor (nortriptyline) for Depression
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty urinating
- Low blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety
Side effect rates for Pamelor (nortriptyline)
Risks and Warnings for Pamelor (nortriptyline)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Age 24 years or younger
- › Changing the dose
Pamelor (nortriptyline) may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Watch for worsening depression or any unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment or when the dose changes. Report anything concerning to a doctor right away. Pamelor (nortriptyline) is not approved for use in children.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Pamelor (nortriptyline)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Pameloron 8/28/2017Take at night, give it time. Don't drink with alcohol.27WomanA few months
- Take it with food and/or at bedtime to decrease the potential side effects.
- Not sureLow hassleReviewed Pameloron 8/21/2017It is a nerve blocker for nerve pain. I suppose so, I don't know if it works or not. I take one at night before bed and if it works I don't know cause I am still the same me in the morning. I don't feel any differently than usual. Although I also take gabapentin for nerve pain.64WomanA few monthsDepression