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Compare Silenor vs. Pamelor

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

Key takeaways

Doxepin (Silenor) and nortriptyline (Pamelor) are both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), but they have some important differences. Doxepin is FDA-approved for insomnia, specifically to help you stay asleep, while nortriptyline is approved for treating depression and is also used off-label for nerve pain. Doxepin is typically taken as a tablet once a day before bedtime, whereas nortriptyline can be taken as a capsule or liquid, either once a day or split into smaller doses throughout the day. Doxepin is available as a lower-cost generic, while nortriptyline is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. Common side effects of doxepin include sleepiness and tiredness, while nortriptyline can cause blurred vision, dry mouth, and an upset stomach. Both medications can increase the risk of developing or worsening glaucoma. They may also increase the risk of heart problems.

  • Doxepin (Silenor)
    Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
  • Doxepin (Silenor)
    Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

  • Summary of Silenor vs. Pamelor

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Doxepin (Silenor) is a tricyclic antidepressant that's used to help adults who have insomnia (trouble sleeping) stay asleep. Doxepin (Silenor) is a tablet that you take by mouth 30 minutes before bedtime. As expected, the most common side effects are sleepiness and tiredness, so only take the medication when you're ready to fall asleep for the night. Unlike some other sleep medications, doxepin (Silenor) isn't considered a controlled substance. Doxepin (Silenor) is available as brand-name and generic versions.

    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.

  • Indications of Silenor vs. Pamelor

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (specifically trouble staying asleep)
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Silenor vs. Pamelor

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken once a day close to bedtime
    •Few side effects (other than sleepiness)
    •Non-addictive sleep medication
    Cons
    •Shouldn't take with food (must take at least 3 hours before or after food)
    •Risk of doing activities while you're not fully awake and not remembering that you did them the next day
    •Not approved for people younger than 18 years of age
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Silenor vs. Pamelor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness or tiredness (up to 9%)
    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

  • Warnings of Silenor vs. Pamelor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Check for other causes of insomnia
    •Behavior changes
    •Worsened depression and risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Sleepiness and tiredness
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Silenor vs. Pamelor

    Learn more about Doxepin
    Learn more about Nortriptyline

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