Key takeaways
Nortriptyline (Pamelor) and lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm) are both used to manage nerve pain, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) primarily approved for treating depression, but it is also used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention. It is taken orally in capsule or liquid form. Common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and weight gain. Lidocaine 5% patch, on the other hand, is a local anesthetic specifically approved for nerve pain caused by shingles, known as postherpetic neuralgia. It is applied topically to the skin for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period, and it works by directly numbing the area. Side effects are usually mild and include skin irritation and redness. Nortriptyline can interact with medications like sedatives and MAOIs, while lidocaine patches should not be used with heat or other lidocaine products to avoid excessive absorption.
