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Pamelor

Pamelor is a drug that is prescribed to treat depression. Although it is not entirely clear how the medication works, it is believed that Pamelor causes certain chemicals in the brain (norepinephrine and serotonin) to stay in the brain longer, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression. Pamelor is available as a capsule or in a liquid form, and it is taken one to four times a day. Some potential side effects of Pamelor include dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion.

 

What Is Pamelor?

Pamelor® (nortriptyline hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that is used to treat depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
 
(Click What Is Pamelor Used For? for more information on the uses of Pamelor, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Pamelor?

Pamelor is made by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. Generic Pamelor is made by several manufacturers of generic medications.
 

How Does Pamelor Work?

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.
     
(Pamelor Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;