Nortriptyline hydrochloride (
Pamelor®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat
depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
Nortriptyline is made by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. It is sold under the brand name Pamelor. Generic nortriptyline is made by several different manufacturers.
How Does Nortriptyline Work?
Nortriptyline belongs to a class of medications called
tricyclic antidepressants. It is not entirely clear how the medication works. However, it does affect several chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. The medication may allow these chemicals to stay in the brain longer, which can help with
symptoms of depression.
Some considerations for when and how to take nortriptyline include the following:
- The medication comes in capsule form. When used for depression, it is usually taken by mouth one to four times daily.
- For people with trouble swallowing capsules, a liquid form is also available.
- You can take nortriptyline with or without food. If the medication upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Nortriptyline should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Nortriptyline will not work if you stop taking it.
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