Pamelor
Nortriptyline
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Pamelor
Pamelor is a tricyclic antidepressant group of medicine. It acts by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain thereby is helps in elevating mood.
Therapeutic Uses of Pamelor
Pamelor is used in the treatment of depression. It can also be used in other medical conditions as directed by your doctor.
Direction of use of Pamelor
Take Pamelor as directed by your doctor. If you have any question about the direction of use of Pamelor, you should ask your doctor or other health care provider:
- Pamelor should be taken orally with food or without food.
- Do not crush it or chew it. It should be swallowed as a whole.
- Keep taking Pamelor even if you feel better, if you stop your depression may return. You should take it at the same time everyday to help you to remember. Do not miss a dose of Pamelor.
If You Miss a Dose of Pamelor
If you miss a dose of Pamelor, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Never take two doses to make up the missed dose. If you take 1 dose daily at bedtime, you should not take the missed dose in the next morning.
How to Store Pamelor
Pamelor should be stored between 59 to 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C). Do not store it in your bathroom. Store it in a dry, cool and dark place or dark container. Keep Pamelor out of reach of children.
More Information About Pamelor
Pamelor is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not shared with other people. If you have any doubt about it you should ask your doctor or other health care provider.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Pamelor
Do not take Pamelor if you have any of the medical problems listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you have allergy to any of the ingredients of Pamelor.
- If you had recent heart attack and recovering from it.
- If you have taken furazolidone, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like phenelzine within the last 2 weeks, or you are taking astemizole, droperidol, or terfenadine at present.
Some medical conditions may interact with Pamelor. You should inform your doctor or other health care provider if you have any of the medical conditions listed below that might interact with Pamelor:
- If you are woman and pregnant or planning to get pregnant, or if you are breast feeding.
- If you have allergies to any medicine, food, or any other substance.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription or over the counter medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplements.
- If you are addicted to alcohol or have history of alcohol abuse.
- If you are taking any medicine for thyroid problem or if you have history of hyperthyroidism.
- If you have history of glaucoma, heart problems, kidney problems, liver problems, diabetes, seizures, the blood diseases like porphyria, or difficulty in urination.
- If you have a history of any psychiatric problem like suicidal thoughts or behavior; bipolar disorder, or any other mental disorders or if you are undergoing electroshocks therapy; or you are scheduled to have any surgery.
Some medicines may interact with Pamelor. You should inform your doctor or other health care provider if you are taking any medicines that are listed below:
- If you are taking clonidine, guanethidine, or guanfacine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Pamelor.
- If you are taking anticholinergics like benztropine, sympathomimetics like phenylephrine; carbamazepine, chlorpropamide because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Pamelor.
- If you are taking barbiturates like Phenobarbital; phenytoin (anti seizure) because they may decrease Pamelor's effectiveness.
- If you are taking azole antifungals like fluconazole, phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine; cimetidine, duloxetine, flecainide, methylphenidate, mibefradil, propafenone, quinidine, or terbinafine because they may increase the risk of Pamelor 's side effects
- If you are taking MAOIs (mono amine oxidase inhibitor) like phenelzine, quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, streptogramins like dalfopristin; arsenic, astemizole, droperidol, furazolidone, pimozide, terfenadine, or tramadol because the risk of high blood pressure, serious heart problems like irregular heartbeat or seizures may be increased.
Possible Adverse Effects of Pamelor
Consult your doctor if you have any common and minor side effects of Pamelor and they become troublesome or persistent. The common side effects of Pamelor are:
- Nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach upset, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excitement, impotence, nightmares, sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity), sweating, tiredness, weakness, weight loss or gain etc.
If you suffer from any serious side effects of Pamelor, consult your doctor immediately:
- Allergic reaction to Pamelor manifested by rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; changes in sex drive, mental or mood changes manifested by increased anxiety, mood swings, agitation, irritability, nervousness, restlessness; panic attacks, suicidal thinking, suicidal attempt, impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior, seizures, severe dizziness or drowsiness, ringing in the ears, sore throat, fever, stomach pain, chest pain, confusion, hallucinations, worsening of depression; severe constipation, fainting; fast or slow or irregular heartbeat; tremor, trouble sleeping (sleeplessness), trouble walking or keeping your balance; unusual bleeding and/or bruising, yellowing of the skin or eyes; twitching of the face or tongue, uncontrolled movements of arms and legs; stiffness; blurring of vision or other vision changes; jaw or neck, or muscle spasm; difficult urination, swelling of the testicles etc.