{"id":628595,"date":"2024-06-13T14:05:41","date_gmt":"2024-06-13T18:05:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628595"},"modified":"2026-03-23T19:58:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T23:58:30","slug":"nortriptyline-vs-amitriptyline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/nortriptyline-vs-amitriptyline\/","title":{"rendered":"Nortriptyline vs. amitriptyline: Uses, dosages, cost, and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nortriptyline and amitriptyline are generic medications used to treat depression and other conditions. They are part of a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants, or TCAs. They work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) called serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These <\/span>neurotransmitters<\/span><\/a> are associated with mood, memory, energy, appetite, attention, focus, and many other functions. Both medicines are known as TCAs and are similar; the body converts amitriptyline into nortriptyline. However, they do have some differences. Continue reading to learn more about nortriptyline and amitriptyline.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>What is amitriptyline<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between nortriptyline and amitriptyline?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both nortriptyline and amitriptyline are generic <\/span>tricyclic antidepressants<\/span><\/a> that are taken by mouth. Nortriptyline is available as a capsule and liquid, and amitriptyline is available in tablet form.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Main differences between nortriptyline and amitriptyline<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nTricyclic antidepressant<\/span><\/td>\nTricyclic antidepressant<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nGeneric\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGeneric\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the brand name?<\/b><\/td>\nPamelor\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nElavil (the brand-name drug is no longer available)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral capsule (brand and generic): <\/span>10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral solution (generic only): 10 mg per 5 mL<\/span><\/td>\n

Oral tablet: <\/span>10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries; an example dose is 25 mg by mouth 3 or 4 times daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Older adults will be prescribed lower dos.es<\/span><\/td>\n

Varies<\/span><\/a>; an example dose is 75 mg by mouth in divided doses such as 25 mg 3 times daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Older adults will be prescribed lower doses<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nVaries\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAdults; sometimes prescribed in pediatric patients 12 years and older<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by nortriptyline and amitriptyline<\/span><\/h2>\n

Nortriptyline and amitriptyline are approved by the FDA to treat depression. However, healthcare providers sometimes prescribe tricyclic antidepressants <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a>. Both nortriptyline and amitriptyline have various off-label uses; some examples can be found in the table below.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/b><\/td>\nNortriptyline\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nAmitriptyline\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Depression\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chronic pain\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diabetic neuropathic pain<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Persistent myofascial pain<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trigeminal neuralgia<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Postherpetic neuralgia\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Smoking cessation<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Migraine prevention<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Neurogenic cough<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Anxiety disorders<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fibromyalgia<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insomnia<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is nortriptyline or amitriptyline more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Because nortriptyline and amitriptyline are very similar in efficacy. Results of clinical studies confirm this, such as a <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> that found both drugs were equally effective in treating depression.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to note that medication is generally used in combination with <\/span>therapy<\/span><\/a> for depression. Also, <\/span>clinical guidelines<\/span><\/a> do not recommend TCAs as a first choice for treatment in older adults because of their side effects and risks in this age group. TCAs are generally used in individuals who have not responded well to other antidepressants, such as an <\/span>SSRI or SNRI<\/span><\/a>, which have fewer side effects and are safer in older adults.<\/span><\/p>\n

Only your healthcare provider can determine the best treatment for you. Consult your healthcare provider for more information about the best treatment for your condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of nortriptyline vs. amitriptyline<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most commercial insurance and <\/span>Medicare prescription plans<\/span><\/a> cover generic nortriptyline and amitriptyline. Out-of-pocket costs will vary by plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For those without insurance, a one-month prescription of nortriptyline costs about $30. However, using a <\/span>SingleCare card or coupon<\/span><\/a>, you could pay as low as $4.<\/span><\/p>\n

A one-month supply of amitriptyline costs about $26 for uninsured patients, but if you use a <\/span>SingleCare card or coupon<\/span><\/a>, you can pay as little as $4.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Nortriptyline vs. amitriptyline costs<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nNortriptyline\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nAmitriptyline\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n30, 25 mg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n30, 25 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/b><\/td>\n$0-20<\/span><\/td>\n$0-10<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$4<\/span><\/td>\n$4<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of nortriptyline vs. amitriptyline<\/span><\/h2>\n

The most common side effects of both drugs include:<\/span><\/p>\n