Anyone taking Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

addessa · #1 (**permalink**) 09-29-2007, 09:47 PM

Eddie G
I was put on Pamelor about 15 years ago for neck and shoulder pain and I worked miracles, I am still on it and if I miss a dose my pain returnes.

As I said it worked for my upper back, but it didn't work for my lower back. Just had major surgery for decompression and fusion on my lower back and I was taking Pamelor, I don't know what the difference was, but it definitely helped my other pain.

I will not be out of it because if I do I get in awful pain.

I hope this helps.

JudyW · #2 (**permalink**) 09-30-2007, 08:35 AM

I was prescribed nortryptyline for migraines a couple of years ago by a neurologist. I was leary because I looked it up and saw it was an anti-depressant. It helped with the migraines but I eventually weaned myself off because I was tired of taking so much medication. If you go on it and decide to go off be careful to wean off or have the doctor wean you off. He said there could be bad side effects. Good luck.

Eddie G · #3 (**permalink**) 10-18-2007, 04:21 PM

Thanks everyone. 3 weeks and so far no effects yet.

My new pain management dr. wants to implant a spine stimulator now.

paindoc · #4 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 12:43 AM

Nortryptilline at lower doses than are administered to a pt for depression have been shown to aid sleep. It is a fact that pt's with better sleep require substantially less narcotic medication. It sounds like the L5/S1 disc and the scar tissue present are you biggest problems. Endoscopic discectomy/ decompression would be my advice prior to a SCS assuming you have reasonalble disc height. A new herniation usually responds well. As for the scar tissue, a Racz procedure would be my next rec. to one of my patients. With both of these procedures, you need to find a well trained physician in these procedures or you won't get the best results. A SCS is ultimately a good thing in that we are having a lot more success covering axial LBP. It just sounds like there are other options for you prior to a Stim trial. Also, watch that combination of Oxycontin and Valium-both are HORRIBLE drugs in my opinion and work synergistically and not just additively. Good luck-I hope this helps.