Nortriptyline
Generic Name: Nortriptyline (nor-TRIP-ti-leen)
Drug Class: Antidepressant, Tricyclic
Contents
Drug Uses
This medication is a tricyclic antidepressant used for short-term treatment
of various forms of depression. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for
other conditions as well.
General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect,
adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions
about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.
How it Works
This medication works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain,
a chemical that affects one’s mood. It may take 3 o 4 weeks to reach the desired
effect.
How to Take It
Take this medicine as directed. It can be taken with or without food. Do
not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting with your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
- Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:
- drowsiness or dizziness
- dry mouth
- constipation
- nausea
- blurred vision
- nervousness
- weight gain
- headache
Warnings/Precautions
- This medicine should NOT be used by those having take MAO inhibitors
in the last two weeks, by those with narrow angle glaucoma, or by those
with cardiac rhythm problems.
- Do NOT discontinue this medicine abruptly.
- Elderly patients generally should avoid it because of an increase in
dizziness and falls.
- This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Alcoholic beverages
can increase the side effects of this medicine and should be avoided.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center.
Drug Interactions
- Possible drug interactions may occur with phenobarbital causing a decrease
in the effect of the medications. Severe blood pressure problems and seizure
can occur with taken with MAO inhibitors.
- Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications.
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
For women, it should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. As with other
medications, if you suspect that you may be pregnant, talk to you physician
or pharmacist before using this medication.
More Information
This medicine may cause depletion of Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B2. Talk to your
doctor about adding these supplements to your diet.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published
March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen. |