Key takeaways
Nortriptyline (Pamelor) and sertraline (Zoloft) are both used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes of medications. Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that works by adjusting the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and other chemicals in your brain, while sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that specifically increases serotonin levels. Nortriptyline is typically taken three or four times a day, whereas sertraline is taken once daily. Nortriptyline can also be used off-label for chronic pain and nerve pain, while sertraline is approved for a wider range of conditions, including various anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, but nortriptyline has a higher risk of heart problems and requires more frequent dosing. Sertraline, on the other hand, is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other SSRIs and is considered a first-choice option for certain anxiety disorders. Both medications are available in generic forms.
