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What Is Nortriptyline Prescribed For?
As an antidepressant, nortriptyline hydrochloride (Pamelor®) is prescribed for treating depression symptoms in adults (age 18 and older). However, on occasion, healthcare providers may prescribe nortriptyline for other, unapproved uses (or "off-label" uses). Some of these off-label uses include the treatment of:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety disorders
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It's important to be patient when first starting treatment with this medication, as it can take several weeks for nortriptyline to start working.
(For a more in-depth look at what nortriptyline is prescribed for, click What Is Nortriptyline Used For? This article also includes information on how it works to help relieve the symptoms of depression and possibly other various conditions.)

Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD