Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Pamelor vs. Effexor XR

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

Key takeaways

Nortriptyline (Pamelor) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are both used to treat depression, but they belong to different medication classes. Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that adjusts levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, while Venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that also raises serotonin and norepinephrine activity. Nortriptyline is typically taken multiple times a day, whereas Venlafaxine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, with the extended-release form taken once daily. Venlafaxine is also approved to treat anxiety, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, unlike Nortriptyline. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly, but Venlafaxine is known to cause more severe withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, both medications carry a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people aged 24 years or younger.

  • Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
    Venlafaxine
  • Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
    Venlafaxine

  • Summary of Pamelor vs. Effexor XR

    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.

    Summary for SNRI
    Prescription only

    Venlafaxine is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It comes in two forms: extended-release, which is taken once a day, and immediate-release, which is taken in split doses throughout the day. This medication can interact with many things, including other medications and alcohol. Possible side effects can include nausea, weight changes, and sexual problems. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.

  • Indications of Pamelor vs. Effexor XR

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Generalized anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules only
    •Social anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules and tablets only
    •Panic disorder - extended-release capsules only

  • Pros and Cons of Pamelor vs. Effexor XR

    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
    Pros and Const for SNRI
    Pros
    •Can treat multiple mental health conditions
    •Affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood
    •Lower risk of weight gain compared to other antidepressants
    •Comes in both immediate-release and extended-release versions
    Cons
    •Might raise your blood pressure, especially at higher doses
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Can take up to 4 to 8 weeks before you feel the full effect
    •High risk of causing withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped

  • Common Side Effects of Pamelor vs. Effexor XR

    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
    Common Side Effects for

    Extended-release:

    •Nausea (29-31%)
    •Trouble sleeping (17-23%)
    •Dizziness (16-20%)
    •Loss of appetite (10-20%)
    •Drowsiness (15-17%)
    •Dry mouth (12-17%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (10-16%)
    •Sweating (11-14%)
    •Weakness (8-13%)

    Immediate-release:

    •Nausea (37%)
    •Headache (25%)
    •Drowsiness (23%)
    •Dry mouth (22%)
    •Dizziness (19%)
    •Trouble sleeping (18%)
    •Constipation (15%)
    •Nervousness (13%)
    •Weakness (12%)
    •Sweating (12%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (12%)
    •Loss of appetite (11%)

  • Warnings of Pamelor vs. Effexor XR

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •High blood pressure
    •Higher bleeding risk
    •Mania
    •Glaucoma
    •Withdrawal
    •Seizures
    •Low sodium levels
    •Lung problems and pneumonia
    •Sexual problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Pamelor vs. Effexor XR

    Learn more about Nortriptyline
    Learn more about Venlafaxine

Compare other Depression drugs

Elavil vs PamelorLyrica vs PamelorMaprotiline vs PamelorPamelor vs CymbaltaPamelor vs DesipraminePamelor vs EffexorPamelor vs LidocainePamelor vs NeurontinPamelor vs OleptroPamelor vs PaxilPamelor vs VivactilPamelor vs XanaxPamelor vs ZoloftSilenor vs PamelorCymbalta vs LyricaEffexor vs LyricaElavil vs OleptroLexapro vs OleptroLunesta vs OleptroNefazodone vs OleptroOleptro vs RestorilOleptro vs ValiumPaxil vs OleptroPristiq vs OleptroProzac vs OleptroRemeron vs OleptroRozerem vs OleptroSonata vs OleptroTriazolam vs OleptroViibryd vs Oleptro
View More

Browse medications

View All

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