Nortriptyline

Description

Drug Uses

Nortriptyline is used for treatment of depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Nortriptyline as directed by your doctor. To avoid stomach upset take Nortriptyline with a meal.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Nortriptyline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Nortriptyline, if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or behavior, bipolar disorder, or any other mental disorders, you are undergoing electroshock therapy, or you are scheduled to have any surgery, if you drink alcohol–containing beverages daily or you have a history of alcohol abuse, if you take thyroid medicine or you have a history of overactive thyroid, glaucoma, heart problems, kidney or liver problems, diabetes, seizures, the blood disease porphyria, or difficulty urinating, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. It is unknown if Nortriptyline can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant while taking Nortriptyline, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Nortriptyline during pregnancy. It is unknown if Nortriptyline is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Nortriptyline. Some medicines may interact with Nortriptyline. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Nortriptyline if you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (e.g. phenelzine) within the last 14 days, or you are taking astemizole, dofetilide, droperidol, terfenadine, or cisapride or if you are recovering from a recent heart attack. Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities, heatstroke may occur. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase dizziness. To prevent dizziness or fainting, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some children and teenagers. This risk may be higher in individuals with bipolar illness (also called manic–depressive illness), a family history of bipolar illness, or a history of attempting suicide. Pay close attention to changes in moods or actions, especially if changes occur suddenly. Contact your doctor right away if any of the following effects occur or worsen– depression, anxiety, restlessness or irritability, panic attacks, thoughts or attempts of suicide, or other unusual changes in behavior or mood. Nortriptyline may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Nortriptyline. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Nortriptyline. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Nortriptyline and might require a lower dose. Use Nortriptyline with extreme caution in children Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the Possible Side Effects are– Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excitement, headache, impotence, nausea, nightmares, pupil dilation, and sensitivity to sunlight, sweating, tiredness, upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, weight loss or gain. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately– allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blurred vision or other vision changes, changes in sex drive, chest pain, confusion, constipation, fainting, fever, frequent or difficult urination, hallucinations, impulsive behaviour or other unusual changes in behaviour, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, jaw, neck, or muscle spasms, mental or mood changes (e.g. increased anxiety, mood swings, agitation, irritability, nervousness, restlessness), panic attacks, ringing in the ears, seizures, severe dizziness or drowsiness, sore throat, stomach pain, suicidal thinking or behaviour, swelling of the testicles, tremor, trouble sleeping, trouble walking or keeping your balance, twitching of the face or tongue, uncontrolled movements of arms and legs or stiffness, unusual bleeding or bruising, worsening of depression, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Storage

Store Nortriptyline at 68 –77 °F (20 –25 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Nortriptyline out of the reach of children.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of Nortriptyline overdose are– agitation, bluish skin or mucous membranes, breathing problems, chest pain, coma, confusion, dry mouth, enlarged pupils, excess sweating, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, flushing, incoordination, involuntary movements, loss of consciousness, restlessness, rigid muscles, seizures, severe drowsiness, shock, stupor, trouble breathing, vomiting.

More Information

Nortriptyline may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may worsen if Nortriptyline is taken with alcohol or certain other medications. Use Nortriptyline with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Nortriptyline should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer

This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.