Key takeaways
Maprotiline and nortriptyline are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes. Maprotiline was a tetracyclic antidepressant, but is no longer available in the U.S. Nortriptyline, sold under the brand name Pamelor, is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Nortriptyline is sometimes used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention, although it is not FDA-approved for these uses. Nortriptyline is available in both capsule and liquid forms, while maprotiline was only available in oral form before its discontinuation. Common side effects of nortriptyline include dry mouth, dizziness, and weight gain. Nortriptyline can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, and it has several drug interactions, including with sedatives and MAOIs.
