Pamelor
® (
nortriptyline hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat
depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
Brand-name Pamelor is made by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.
Generic Pamelor is made by several manufacturers.
Pamelor belongs to a class of medications called
tricyclic antidepressants. It is not entirely clear how the drug works. However, it does affect several chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. Pamelor 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 Pamelor 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 (Pamelor Oral Solution) is available.
- You can take Pamelor with or without food. If the medication upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Pamelor 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. 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 be taking.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Pamelor. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include:
(Click Pamelor Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about other possible side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
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 cases of severe depression, some 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, side effects can occur or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative. Some examples of substitute depression medications include:
What If I Take an Overdose?
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.
An overdose can be dangerous. If you happen to take too much of the drug, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Pamelor Be Stored?
Pamelor should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The capsules and the oral solution should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
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.
Pamelor capsules are available in the following strengths:
- Pamelor 10 mg
- Pamelor 25 mg
- Pamelor 50 mg
- Pamelor 75 mg.
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 versions of Pamelor licensed for sale
(see Generic Pamelor for more information).
