What Is Pamelor Used For?

Some people may wonder, "What is Pamelor used for?" Although Pamelor is approved for use in treating adults with depression, it also has several off-label uses, such as preventing migraine headaches, treating ADHD, and helping people to quit smoking. Although it is not entirely clear how the medication works, it is known that Pamelor affects several chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. The medication has not been approved for use in children younger than 18 years of age.

Pamelor Medication

What Is Pamelor Used For?

Pamelor^® (nortriptyline hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).

Depression is more than just "feeling sad." Common symptoms of depression include:

Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or not enough)
Eating too much or too little (and weight gain or weight loss)
Having little interest in things that you used to enjoy
Physical pain
Feeling hopeless or worthless
Suicidal thoughts.

Pamelor has been proven in large clinical trials to help adults with depression. However, keep in mind that many antidepressants (including Pamelor) take several weeks to begin working. Sometimes, other people will notice an improvement in your depression symptoms before you do. Often, the physical symptoms of depression (such as pain or changes in sleep) will improve first, sometimes very quickly. It usually takes a few weeks before significant changes in mood occur. It is important to give Pamelor a chance to work before becoming discouraged.

Counseling and therapy (see Psychotherapy for Depression) are often used along with antidepressant medication to treat depression. Ask your healthcare provider if counseling or therapy would be good options for you (see Depression Treatment).

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