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Compare Elavil vs. Desipramine

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

Key takeaways

Amitriptyline (generic, formerly branded as Elavil) and desipramine (Norpramin) are both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) used to treat depression. Amitriptyline is often used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention, while desipramine is not. Amitriptyline can cause sleepiness and weight gain, and it has many interactions with other medications. Desipramine also causes sleepiness and weight gain but is more likely to cause confusion and anxiety. Amitriptyline is typically taken in divided doses or once at bedtime, whereas desipramine is usually taken once daily. Both medications can cause serious side effects like suicidal thoughts and heart problems, but desipramine has an additional risk of serotonin syndrome. Both are available in generic forms and are not controlled substances.

  • Amitriptyline
    Desipramine (Norpramin)
  • Amitriptyline
    Desipramine (Norpramin)

  • Summary of Elavil vs. Desipramine

    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 (TCA)
    Prescription only

    Desipramine (Norpramin) is an tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It's FDA-approved to treat depression in adults, but it's not a first-choice medication for this condition. Desipramine (Norpramin) is taken by mouth, typically once per day. Side effects of this medication include sleepiness, confusion, and weight gain. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking desipramine (Norpramin) because doing so can worsen side effects.

  • Indications of Elavil vs. Desipramine

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Elavil vs. Desipramine

    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 (TCA)
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Comes in many different strengths, which makes dose adjustments easier
    •Can be taken just once a day
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice treatment option because of side effects
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms, like headache and nausea, if you suddenly stop taking it
    •Can raise risk of suicidal thinking in children, teens, and young adults

  • Common Side Effects of Elavil vs. Desipramine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Fatigue
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Weight gain
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth
    •Blurry vision
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Confusion
    •Anxiety
    •Restlessness

  • Warnings of Elavil vs. Desipramine

    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, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Glaucoma
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Elavil vs. Desipramine

    Learn more about Amitriptyline
    Learn more about Desipramine

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