Pamelor
® (
nortriptyline hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that is used to treat
depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
Pamelor is made by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.
Generic Pamelor is made by several manufacturers of generic medications.
Pamelor belongs to a class of medications called
tricyclic antidepressants. It is not entirely clear how Pamelor works. However, Pamelor does affect several chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. It is thought that Pamelor may allow these chemicals to stay in the brain longer, which can help with
symptoms of depression.
When and How to Take Pamelor
Some considerations for when and how to take Pamelor include:
- Pamelor 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 (Pamelor Oral Solution) is also available.
- It does not matter if you take Pamelor with or without food. If Pamelor upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Pamelor should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood.
- For Pamelor to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Pamelor will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Pamelor your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As with any medication, do not adjust your Pamelor dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Pamelor. However, not everyone who takes Pamelor will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When Pamelor side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by your healthcare provider. Serious side effects of Pamelor are less common.
Common side effects of Pamelor include:
(Click Pamelor Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of Pamelor, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to:
Drug Interactions With Pamelor
Pamelor can potentially interact with a number of medications.
Pamelor: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Pamelor if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting
depression treatment early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (
antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). In some cases of severe depression, healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression
(see Natural Remedies for Depression).
For most people, Pamelor is quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well-tolerated. However,
Pamelor side effects can occur or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Pamelor. Some examples of substitute depression medications include:
- Other tricyclic antidepressants
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
People who take too much Pamelor may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Very low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Congestive heart failure
- Lung problems
- Seizures
- Sleepiness or fainting
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Seeing things that are not really there (hallucinations)
- Dilated (wide open) pupils
- Agitation
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Loss of life.
Overdose with Pamelor can be very dangerous. If you happen to overdose on Pamelor, seek medical attention immediately.
Pamelor should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Pamelor capsules and the oral solution should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Pamelor and all medications out of the reach of children.
Pamelor: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Pamelor as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if you usually take your dose at night, you may not want to make up the missed dose during the day because of the risk of drowsiness. Also, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Pamelor.
Pamelor capsules are available in the following strengths:
- Pamelor 10 mg capsules
- Pamelor 25 mg capsules
- Pamelor 50 mg capsules
- Pamelor 75 mg capsules.
The liquid form is available in one strength -- Pamelor Oral Solution 10 mg per 5 mL (10 mg per teaspoonful).
There are currently both brand-name and generic Pamelor licensed for sale.
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