Key takeaways
Nortriptyline (Pamelor) and alprazolam (Xanax) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Nortriptyline (Pamelor) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used to treat depression by adjusting serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. In contrast, alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic attacks by affecting chemicals in the brain that cause anxiety. Nortriptyline is generally taken three to four times daily and can take 6 to 8 weeks to show full effects, while alprazolam works quickly, often within 30 minutes, and is typically taken up to three times a day. Nortriptyline is not a controlled substance, but alprazolam is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for dependence and misuse. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, but alprazolam has a higher risk of addiction and misuse. Nortriptyline is available in both capsule and liquid forms, while alprazolam is available in immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and oral solution.
