Amitriptyline vs. Pamelor for Depression: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Amitriptyline

Nortriptyline

(Pamelor)

Summary for Amitriptyline

Prescription only

Amitriptyline is also known by the old brand name Elavil. It's a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that's approved to treat depression. But it's not used as often today for depression because it can cause a lot of side effects, like sleepiness and weight gain. It also has many drug interactions. Even so, amitriptyline is often used off label for other reasons, like nerve pain from diabetes and to help prevent migraines. Amitriptyline comes as a generic tablet that you take by mouth. The brand name Elavil is no longer available.

Indications for Amitriptyline

Depression

Pros and Cons for Amitriptyline

Pros

Can start to work within 2 to 4 weeks
Can take with or without food

Cons

Has many unpleasant side effects, like dry mouth and sleepiness, and drug interactions
Not the best choice for people with heart problems, trouble urinating, or glaucoma or older adults

Common Side Effects for Amitriptyline

Sleepiness
Dizziness
Weakness
Fatigue
Headache
Dry mouth
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Weight gain

Warnings for Amitriptyline

Worsening depression or suicidal thoughts and behavior
Serotonin syndrome
Not for use alone for bipolar disorder
Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
Low sodium levels
Risk of seizure
Angle-closure glaucoma in certain people

Summary for Pamelor

Prescription only

Nortriptyline (Pamelor) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It's approved to treat depression in adults. This medication is also often prescribed off-label to treat certain types of nerve pain. Nortriptyline (Pamelor) is available as a capsule and liquid that are taken by mouth. Side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and possible weight gain. This medication is available under the brand name Pamelor and as a generic.

Indications for Pamelor

Depression

Pros and Cons for Pamelor

Pros

Available as a capsule and liquid
Taken by mouth once per day, or split into smaller doses throughout the day

Cons

Not a first-choice option for depression because of side effects
Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it after long-term use
Not recommended for children

Common Side Effects for Pamelor

Blurred vision
Dry mouth
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach upset
Loss of appetite
Numbness in the hands or feet
Rash
Itching
Changes in blood pressure

Warnings for Pamelor

Worsening depression and risk for suicidal thoughts and unusual behavior
Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
Dizziness and drowsiness
Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
Glaucoma

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Amitriptyline30 tablets / 25mg

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Nortriptyline30 capsules / 10mg

$4.00$4.00

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Amitriptyline vs. Pamelor

Amitriptyline

Nortriptyline

Summary for Amitriptyline

Indications for Amitriptyline

Pros and Cons for Amitriptyline

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Amitriptyline

Warnings for Amitriptyline

Summary for Pamelor

Indications for Pamelor

Pros and Cons for Pamelor

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Pamelor

Warnings for Pamelor

Prices with our coupons for Amitriptyline vs. Pamelor

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Amitriptyline

Nortriptyline

Summary for Amitriptyline

Indications for Amitriptyline

Pros and Cons for Amitriptyline

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Amitriptyline

Warnings for Amitriptyline

Summary for Pamelor

Indications for Pamelor

Pros and Cons for Pamelor

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Pamelor

Warnings for Pamelor