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Compare Amitriptyline vs. Pamelor

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Amitriptyline
    Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
  • Amitriptyline
    Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

  • Summary of Amitriptyline vs. Pamelor

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    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.

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    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 of Amitriptyline vs. Pamelor

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Amitriptyline vs. Pamelor

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    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
    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    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 of Amitriptyline vs. Pamelor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Fatigue
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Weight gain
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blurred vision
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach upset
    •Loss of appetite
    •Numbness in the hands or feet
    •Rash
    •Itching
    •Changes in blood pressure

  • Warnings of Amitriptyline vs. Pamelor

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Amitriptyline vs. Pamelor

    Learn more about Amitriptyline
    Learn more about Nortriptyline

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