Medications
 
 

Problems With Nortriptyline

Healthcare providers often recommend
 nortriptyline hydrochloride (Pamelor®) to people who have depression (sometimes called major depression or clinical depression). This medicine is available in both capsules and a liquid, and is generally taken one to four times a day. Most people respond well to treatment with nortriptyline, and serious problems are rare.
 
However, some people do experience side effects during treatment. Commonly reported reactions include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and weight gain. Fortunately, if such problems with nortriptyline occur, they are usually mild and easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Potentially serious side effects that do require medical care include changes in heart rhythm, seizures, and allergic reactions.
 
The bottom line is that if you experience anything during treatment that just does not seem right, report it to your healthcare provider.
 
(To learn more about potential problems, click Nortriptyline Side Effects. This article provides detailed lists of both common and rare side effects, and explains how often they occurred in clinical trials.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD