Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Elavil vs. Pamelor

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

Key takeaways

Amitriptyline (formerly branded as Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor) are both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) used to treat depression, but they have some differences. Amitriptyline is often used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention, while nortriptyline is also used off-label for chronic pain and diabetes-related nerve pain. Amitriptyline can cause more side effects like sleepiness and weight gain, whereas nortriptyline is generally better tolerated with fewer side effects. The typical dose for amitriptyline is 50 mg to 100 mg per day, while nortriptyline is usually taken at 25 mg three or four times daily. Both medications can cause serious side effects like suicidal thoughts and heart problems, but nortriptyline has a specific warning for serotonin syndrome. Additionally, nortriptyline is available in both capsule and liquid forms, making it easier for those who have trouble swallowing pills.

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

  • Summary of Elavil 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 Elavil vs. Pamelor

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Elavil 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 Elavil 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 Elavil 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 Elavil vs. Pamelor

    Learn more about Amitriptyline
    Learn more about Nortriptyline

Compare other Depression drugs

Elavil vs AmoxapineElavil vs AnafranilElavil vs CafergotElavil vs CymbaltaElavil vs DesipramineElavil vs DesyrelElavil vs DoxepinElavil vs EffexorElavil vs FioricetElavil vs ImitrexElavil vs LamictalElavil vs LidocaineElavil vs MaprotilineElavil vs OleptroElavil vs PamelorElavil vs PropranololElavil vs ProzacElavil vs SilenorElavil vs SurmontilElavil vs TegretolElavil vs TofranilElavil vs TopamaxElavil vs TrazodoneElavil vs VivactilLyrica vs ElavilRemeron vs ElavilWellbutrin vs ElavilZoloft vs ElavilMaprotiline vs DesipramineMaprotiline vs Doxepin
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.