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Compare Vivactil vs. Desipramine

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

Key takeaways

Vivactil (protriptyline) and Norpramin (desipramine) are both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) used to treat depression, but they have some differences. Vivactil (protriptyline) needs to be taken 3 to 4 times a day, while Norpramin (desipramine) is typically taken once a day. Vivactil can cause side effects like headache, blurry vision, and restlessness, whereas Norpramin can cause sleepiness, confusion, and weight gain. Both medications can cause dizziness and should be used with caution in older adults. Vivactil is not commonly used today due to its side effects and the need for multiple daily doses, while Norpramin is also not a first-choice treatment because of its many side effects. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics and can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.

  • Protriptyline
    Desipramine (Norpramin)
  • Protriptyline
    Desipramine (Norpramin)

  • Summary of Vivactil vs. Desipramine

    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.

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
    Prescription only

    Desipramine (Norpramin) is an tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It's FDA-approved to treat depression in adults, but it's not a first-choice medication for this condition. Desipramine (Norpramin) is taken by mouth, typically once per day. Side effects of this medication include sleepiness, confusion, and weight gain. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking desipramine (Norpramin) because doing so can worsen side effects.

  • Indications of Vivactil vs. Desipramine

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Vivactil vs. Desipramine

    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
    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Comes in many different strengths, which makes dose adjustments easier
    •Can be taken just once a day
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice treatment option because of side effects
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms, like headache and nausea, if you suddenly stop taking it
    •Can raise risk of suicidal thinking in children, teens, and young adults

  • Common Side Effects of Vivactil vs. Desipramine

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth
    •Blurry vision
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Confusion
    •Anxiety
    •Restlessness

  • Warnings of Vivactil vs. Desipramine

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Vivactil vs. Desipramine

    Learn more about Protriptyline
    Learn more about Desipramine

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