Pamelor (Nortriptyline) for Fibromyalgia

Overview
Pamelor is a prescription medication originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1964 for the treatment of depression. In cases of fibromyalgia, Pamelor can help reduce pain. The drug name of Pamelor is Nortriptyline.

Pamelor should be used with caution in people with a history of depression, bipolar disorder, or glaucoma. People who are recovering from a recent myocardial infarction (heart attack) should not take Pamelor.

Pamelor is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is believed that Pamelor works in cases of fibromyalgia by changing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

How do I take it?
Pamelor is a taken orally one or more times a day as a capsule or liquid. Take Pamelor with or without food. Your doctor may initially prescribe a low dose of Pamelor and gradually increase the dosage over time.

Do not stop taking Pamelor suddenly. If you decide you want to stop taking Pamelor, consult your doctor for a plan to taper off your dosage gradually.

Be careful while driving or operating machinery while taking Pamelor, since side effects of the medication can impair alertness and reaction time.

Pamelor can cause your skin to become extra sensitive to sun exposure. Use a sunscreen and limit your exposure to daylight while taking Pamelor.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Pamelor.

Results
In a study completed in 2001, 118 people with fibromyalgia were treated with either Amitriptyline (Elavil), Nortriptyline (Pamelor), or a placebo. After eight weeks, 86.5% percent of those who took Amitriptyline, 72.2 percent of those who took Nortriptyline, and 57.6 percent of those who took the placebo reported overall improvement in their conditions.

Side effects
Common side effects of Pamelor include increased heart rate, weakness, clumsiness, weight changes, nausea, constipation, trouble urinating, low blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, and blurred vision.

Call your doctor if you experience confusion, hallucinations, speech problems, unusual bleeding, seizures, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, or muscle spasms while taking Pamelor.

Some people experience neurological symptoms including worsening depression or suicidal thoughts while taking Pamelor. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects.

Pamelor can also cause allergic or hypersensitive reactions. Get medical help immediately if you experience difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, throat, eyes, lips, or tongue.