Medications
 
 

Nortriptyline Risks

 Nortriptyline hydrochloride (Pamelor®) is a medicine prescribed for the treatment of depression in adults (this condition is also called major depression or clinical depression). It likely works to relieve symptoms by affecting the levels of certain chemicals in the brain so that more remains. Although no medication is free from risk, nortriptyline is generally safe and well tolerated.
 
There are certain situations, however, when the medication may cause problems or a substitute for nortriptyline should be considered. For example, people with certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma, diabetes, or heart problems, might need to take a different antidepressant because there is a greater risk of side effects. Nortriptyline should also be used with caution in teenagers and the elderly.
 
Significant side effects to be aware of during treatment with nortriptyline include hallucinations, seizures, breast changes, and allergic reactions. If you experience these or any other problems, contact your healthcare provider right away.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Nortriptyline and Nortriptyline Side Effects to learn more about risks associated with nortriptyline use.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD