What is Pamelor: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Pamelor overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Pamelor

Generic Names:

  • Nortriptyline Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats depression. This medicine is a TCA.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antidepressant

Forms:

  • Capsule, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Pamelor used for?

What form(s) does Pamelor come in

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

What are common Pamelor doses?

  • Bottle 30 Capsules

  • Capsule 75MG

Common Pamelor prescriptions

  • Pamelor
    30 capsules bottle

  • Pamelor
    75mg capsule

How to take Pamelor

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

What to do if you miss a dose of Pamelor

Pamelor contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to nortriptyline or similar medicines, or if you had a recent heart attack.

Pamelor warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of heart attack, hearth rhythm problems, or strokeSerotonin syndrome (especially when used with certain medicines)Eye or vision problems

  • For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine may increase mental or emotional problems. This may lead to thoughts of suicide and violence. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any thoughts or behavior changes that concern you. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder or suicide attempts.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease (including Brugada syndrome), heart rhythm problems, glaucoma, depression, thyroid problems, trouble urinating, or a history of seizures or other mental problems.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

Pamelor interactions

  • Do not use this medicine and an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within 14 days of each other.

  • Tell your doctor if you are using the following: Buspirone, chlorpropamide, cimetidine, fentanyl, guanethidine, lithium, reserpine, St John's wort, tramadol, tryptophanMedicine for heart rhythm problems (including flecainide, propafenone)Phenothiazine medicine (including chlorpromazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine)Thyroid medicineTriptan medicine to treat migraine headaches

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or use pain relievers or sleeping pills.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

Pamelor side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Seizures or tremors

  • Sudden or severe headache, problems with speech or walking

  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or others, unusual behavior

  • Unexplained fainting

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, problems urinating

  • Anxiety, restlessness, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there

  • Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights

  • Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, dizziness, lightheadedness

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing