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Compare Pamelor vs. Vivactil

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

Key takeaways

Nortriptyline (Pamelor) and protriptyline (Vivactil) are both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) used to treat depression, but they have some differences. Nortriptyline is available in both capsule and liquid forms, while protriptyline is only available as a generic tablet. Nortriptyline is generally well-tolerated and might have fewer side effects compared to other TCAs, whereas protriptyline is less commonly used today due to its many side effects, such as headache, blurry vision, and restlessness. Nortriptyline can also be used off-label for chronic pain and nerve pain, while protriptyline is not typically used for these conditions. Both medications typically need to be taken multiple times a day, up to four times daily. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and heart problems.

  • Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
    Protriptyline
  • Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
    Protriptyline

  • Summary of Pamelor vs. Vivactil

    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 Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Protriptyline is used to treat depression. It's not as commonly used today as other newer antidepressants because it needs to be taken 3 to 4 times per day. In addition, it can cause many side effects including headache, blurry vision, restlessness, and stomach-upset.

  • Indications of Pamelor vs. Vivactil

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Pamelor vs. Vivactil

    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 Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Can take with or without food
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Should be used with caution in older adults, especially if there's a history of heart problems
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Pamelor vs. Vivactil

    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
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Loss of appetite
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Blurry vision
    •Restlessness and anxiety
    •Tremors, shakiness
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Constipation
    •Change in taste
    •Trouble getting or maintaining an erection

  • Warnings of Pamelor vs. Vivactil

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Pamelor vs. Vivactil

    Learn more about Nortriptyline
    Learn more about Protriptyline

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