Tricyclics are usually prescribed when antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs don\u2019t work. If you are researching tricyclic antidepressants, chances are you have tried first-line depression treatments and they haven\u2019t been effective in treating your treatment-resistant depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, there are many different tricyclic antidepressants and figuring out which one is best for you can be overwhelming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why we\u2019ll explore the major differences between two tricyclic antidepressants\u2014Pamelor and Protriptyline\u2014in this article. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ll discuss\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Klarity, you don\u2019t have to wait weeks to get professional depression treatment<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get started<\/a> and meet with a medical provider online in 48 hours or less<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both protriptyline (brand name Vivactil) and Pamelor belong to the same class of drugs, tricyclics. These medications are FDA-approved to treat the symptoms of depression. They may also be prescribed on- or off-label to treat other mental health conditions such as anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tricyclic antidepressants are drugs that get their name from their three-ring chemical structures. In general, tricyclics are used to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder and other conditions like anxiety disorders. They block the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing levels of these two neurotransmitters to relieve symptoms of depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, unlike more modern antidepressant medications, tricyclics are nonselective, meaning they affect serotonin receptors all over the body. As a result, tricyclic antidepressants are often prescribed when first-line depression treatments like SSRIs and SNRIs fail to adequately treat the depression symptoms of major depressive disorder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Depression is a common psychiatric disorder worldwide, and medications like protriptyline and Pamelor are commonly used as antidepressant treatments. These medications are frequently used to treat major depressive disorder. Most patients begin experiencing relief from depression after about a month of taking them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Along with depression, protriptyline also treats other psychiatric conditions that can be improved by increasing the concentration of certain neurotransmitters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Off-label uses may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pamelor is usually used to decrease symptoms of depression but is also effective at treating diabetic patients with nerve pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Off-label uses may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pamelor is available in two different forms\u2014capsule form and an oral solution. Pamelor capsules come in 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, and 75mg dosages. The oral solution is available in a 10mg\/5ml dose for patients with difficulty swallowing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pamelor does have several common side effects. It\u2019s not common to experience all of these at once, and many diminish or fade over time. However, if you feel uncomfortable, please inform your healthcare provider immediately to avoid serious complications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some side effects seen in Pamelor are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to inform your healthcare provider about every medication you are currently taking to avoid serious drug interactions. Some medications that cannot be mixed with Pamelor include thyroid supplements, certain high blood pressure medications, blood thinners such as warfarin, and heart medication such as quinidine. Pamelor can cause negative side effects for people with cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patients should stop taking MAO inhibitors 14 days before starting Pamelor. MAO inhibitors to avoid are Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene blue injection, Phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, and Tranylcypromine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The cost of Pamelor depends on your insurance, pharmacy, and dosage. On average, a 30-day supply of 10mg Pamelor capsules will cost around $1,200. The generic formula, nortriptyline, is much less expensive at around $21 for a month\u2019s supply. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Protriptyline is available in tablets in doses of 5mg and 10mg. Initially, a person will start with one 5mg tablet per day and increase it as needed. The maximum dose of protriptyline is 60mg and should not exceed that limit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Protriptyline has some side effects to be aware of. If you experience prolonged or severe side effects, inform your healthcare provider immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of protriptyline\u2019s most common side effects of protriptyline are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Protriptyline has many drug interactions, some of which can be life-threatening. Certain interactions can cause serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease and hypotension. It\u2019s also contraindicated for patients with seizure disorders and heart problems, such as heart block, hyper or hypotension, and recent heart attacks and palpitations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Protriptyline should not be taken with SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs to prevent serotonin syndrome\u2014a condition that can cause a hypertensive crisis, seizures, high fevers, and can be deadly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s recommended to stop taking these types of medications for 14 days before starting protriptyline, so they have time to leave your system and prevent any serious contraindications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You should not drink alcohol while taking tricyclic antidepressants, as it could cause increased drowsiness, agitation, and\u2014in extreme cases\u2014coma or death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Protriptyline\u2019s cost depends on factors like which pharmacy you use, insurance coverage, and dosage. On average, protriptyline costs around $55 for 30 5mg tablets. Patients usually need to take several doses a day, meaning a month\u2019s supply could cost $110 or more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, you need a prescription to take protriptyline, Pamelor, and other medications used to treat depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To learn more about whether Pamelor or protriptyline is right for you, book an online appointment on Klarity today. The healthcare providers on Klarity are certified and licensed in diagnosing and treating depression and coinciding conditions. If needed, they can write a prescription to be filled the same day. Simply pick it up at your local pharmacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\n\n
\n\t \n<\/th> Pamelor<\/th> Protriptyline<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\t Drug Class<\/strong><\/td> Tricyclic antidepressant<\/td> Tricyclic antidepressant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td> Brand name for nortriptyline<\/td> Generic (Brand name: Vivactil)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td> \u2022 Immediate-release capsules
\n\u2022 Clear, cherry-flavored liquid suspension
\n<\/td>Immediate-release tablets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td> Capsules:
\n\u2022 10mg
\n\u2022 25mg
\n\u2022 50mg
\n\u2022 75mg
\n
\nLiquid suspension:
\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\n<\/td>Tablets:
\n\u2022 5mg
\n\u2022 10mg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td> FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Major depressive disorder
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Diabetic neuropathy
\n\u2022 Migraines
\n\u2022 Postherpetic neuralgia or post-shingles skin pain
\n\u2022 Neurogenic cough
\n\u2022 Chronic pain
\n\u2022 Persistent myofascial pain
\n\u2022 rigeminal neuralgia or painful shock sensations on the face
\n<\/td>FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Major depressive disorder
\n
\nOff-label uses
\n\u2022 Anxiety disorders
\n\u2022 Narcolepsy
\n\u2022 Sleep apnea
\n\u2022 Attention deficit disorder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Cost<\/strong><\/td> Generic form (nortriptyline):
\n\u2022 $13 for a 30-day supply
\n
\nBrand name:
\n\u2022 $1250 for a 30-day supply (no insurance)
\n\u2022 $10 for a 30-day supply (with insurance)
\n<\/td>Generic form (protriptyline):
\r\n\u2022 $86 to $100 for a 30-day supply
\r\n\u2022 $50 for a 30-day supply with insurance or coupon code
\r\n
\r\nBrand name:
\r\n\u2022 Not available for Rx<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td> Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Blurred vision
\n\u2022 Impaired coordination
\n\u2022 Physical weakness
\n\u2022 Constipation
\n\u2022 Nausea and vomiting
\n\u2022 Sensitivity to sunlight
\n\u2022 Xerostomia or dry mouth
\n\u2022 Dizziness
\n\u2022 Excessive sweating
\n\u2022 Breast gland tissue growth
\n\u2022 Insomnia
\n\u2022 Drowsiness
\n\u2022 Increased need to urinate
\n\u2022 Abnormal sensations
\n\u2022 Agitation
\n\u2022 Urinary retention
\n\u2022 Tremoring
\n\u2022 Disorientation
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n\u2022 Changes in blood sugar levels
\n\u2022 Confusion
\n\u2022 Galactorrhea or nipple discharge
\n\u2022 Skin rash
\n\u2022 Itchy skin
\n\u2022 Restlessness
\n<\/td>Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Increased anxiety or agitation
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Abdominal pain
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Constipation
\n\u2022 Headache
\n\u2022 Insomnia
\n\u2022 Dizziness or lightheadedness
\n\u2022 Blurred vision
\n\u2022 Rash
\n\u2022 Peripheral neuropathy: tingling sensation in extremities
\n\u2022 Confusion or altered mental status
\n\u2022 Sexual dysfunction: decreased libido, inability to orgasm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td> Drug interactions:
\n\u2022 Arbutamine
\n\u2022 Blood thinning medications like Warfarin
\n\u2022 Disulfiram
\n\u2022 Thyroid Supplements
\n\u2022 Anticholinergic drugs
\n\u2022 Clonidine<\/a>
\n\u2022 Guanabenz
\n\u2022 MAOIs
\n<\/td>Drug interactions:
\n\u2022 Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
\n\u2022 Thyroid supplements
\n\u2022 Certain high blood pressure medications, including clonidine
\n\u2022 MAO inhibitors
\n\u2022 Antiarrhythmic medications: quinidine, flecainide
\n\u2022 SSRI antidepressants <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\nProtriptyline and Pamelor are the Same Class of Drugs (Tricyclics)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Are Tricyclics?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Protriptyline and Pamelor are Both Used To Treat Major Depressive Disorder<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Else Does Protriptyline Treat?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Off-label Uses for Protriptyline <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
What Else Does Pamelor Treat?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Off-label Uses for Pamelor <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Doses, Dosage Form, and Side Effects of Pamelor <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common Pamelor Doses and Forms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Common Pamelor Side Effects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Common Pamelor Drug Interactions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Much Does Pamelor Cost?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Doses, Dosage Form, and Side Effects of Protriptyline <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common Protriptyline Doses and Forms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Common Protriptyline Side Effects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Common Protriptyline Drug Interactions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Much Does Protriptyline Cost?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do I Need A Prescription for Protriptyline or Pamelor?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n