Drug Name

Pamelor (Nortriptyline)

Drug Uses

Pamelor is used for treating depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Pamelor as directed by your doctor.

• Pamelor may be taken by mouth with or without food.
• Swallow Pamelor whole. Do not crush or chew before swallowing.
• Continue to take Pamelor even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Taking Pamelor at the same time each day will help you to remember to take it.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Pamelor.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Pamelor is a tricyclic antidepressant. It works by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that help elevate mood.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Pamelor, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Pamelor between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Pamelor out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Pamelor if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Pamelor;
• you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine) within the last 14 days, or you are taking astemizole, droperidol, or terfenadine;
• you are recovering from a recent heart attack.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
• Children and teenagers who take Pamelor may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Adults may also be affected. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. The risk may also be greater in patients who have had bipolar (manic-depressive) illness, or if their family members have had it. Watch patients who take Pamelor closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
• Pamelor may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Pamelor .Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Pamelor before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Lab tests, including blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Pamelor . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Pamelor with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially confusion, blood pressure changes, and irregular heartbeat.
• Pamelor should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is not known if Pamelor can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Pamelor while you are pregnant. It is not known if Pamelor is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Pamelor.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; excitement; headache; impotence; nausea; nightmares; pupil dilation; sensitivity to sunlight; sweating; tiredness; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness; weight loss or gain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision changes; changes in sex drive; chest pain; confusion; constipation; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; frequent or difficult urination; hallucinations; impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior; jaw, neck, or muscle spasms; mental or mood changes (e.g., increased anxiety, mood swings, agitation, irritability, nervousness, restlessness); panic attacks; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; sore throat; stomach pain; suicidal thinking or behavior; swelling of the testicles; tremor; trouble sleeping; trouble walking or keeping your balance; twitching of the face or tongue; uncontrolled movements of arms and legs or stiffness; unusual bleeding or bruising; worsening of depression; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Pamelor is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.