Pamelor

 
Generic Name: nortriptyline

Brands: Aventyl HCl, Pamelor

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What is the most important information I should know about Pamelor?

· It may be 4 weeks or more before you start to feel better, but do not stop taking Pamelor without first talking to your doctor.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Pamelor may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

· Dizziness is likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Pamelor.

 

What is Pamelor?

· Pamelor is in a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Pamelor affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.

· Pamelor is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.

· Pamelor may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Pamelor?

· Do not take Pamelor if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the last 14 days.

· Before taking Pamelor, tell your doctor if you have     ·liver disease,     ·kidney disease,     ·asthma,     ·thyroid disease,     ·diabetes,     ·stomach or intestinal problems,     ·high blood pressure or heart disease,     ·had a heart attack in the last 6 weeks,     ·an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating, or     ·glaucoma.

· You may not be able to take Pamelor, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· It is not known whether Pamelor will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Pamelor without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· The effects of Pamelor on a nursing baby are unknown. Do not take Pamelor without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Pamelor?

· Take Pamelor exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass (8 oz) of water.

· Pamelor may be taken several times a day or in one daily dose (usually at bedtime). Follow your doctor's instructions.

· It may be 4 weeks or more before you start to feel better, but do not stop taking Pamelor without first talking to your doctor.

· Store Pamelor at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of an Pamelor overdose include seizures, confusion, drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations, and low blood pressure (dizziness, fatigue, fainting).

 

What should I avoid while taking Pamelor?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Pamelor may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

· Dizziness is likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Pamelor.

· Do not stop taking Pamelor suddenly. This could cause symptoms such as nausea, headache, and malaise.

 

What are the possible side effects of Pamelor?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);     ·seizures;     ·a fast or irregular heartbeat;     ·heart attack;     ·high blood pressure (blurred vision, severe headache);     ·difficulty urinating; or     ·fever with increased sweating, muscle stiffness, or severe muscle weakness.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Pamelor and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·mild drowsiness or dizziness;     ·dry mouth and eyes;     ·constipation;     ·mild tremor;     ·sweating;     ·mild agitation, weakness, or headache;     ·ringing in the ears;     ·nausea; or     ·loss of weight or appetite.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Pamelor?

· Do not take Pamelor if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the last 14 days.

· Pamelor may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including other antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines without first talking to your doctor.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Pamelor. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Pamelor written for health professionals that you may read.

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