Precautions
Nortriptyline is the English and French generic name of the drug and its INN, BAN, and DCF, while nortriptyline hydrochloride is its USAN, USP, BANM, and JAN. Its generic name in Spanish and Italian and its DCIT are nortriptilina, in German is nortriptylin, and in Latin is nortriptylinum.
Is nortriptyline and nortriptyline HCl the same thing?
The most common side effects of nortriptyline include: 4
- Blurred Vision
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Increased appetite, possibly with a craving for sweets
- Nausea
- Tiredness or mild weakness
- Weight gain
What are the side effects of nortriptyline?
The researchers recommended emergency treatment for anyone who’s taken a dose of desipramine, nortriptyline, or trimipramine greater than 2.5 mg per kilogram (kg) of weight.
How much Nortriptyline is too much?
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention
- Agitation
- blurred vision
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- chest pain or discomfort
- clay-colored stools
- cold sweats
- confusion about identity, place, and time false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
- continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
- decreased urination
What are the side effects of nortriptyline 10mg?
See more
What conditions does nortriptyline treat?
This medication is used to treat mental/mood problems such as depression. It may help improve mood and feelings of well-being, relieve anxiety and tension, and increase your energy level. This medication belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants.
What kind of pain does nortriptyline help with?
Nortriptyline is used to treat many types of persistent pain. It is especially good for nerve pain, such as burning, shooting or stabbing pain, and for pain that keeps you awake at night. Nortriptyline belongs to the group of medicines called tricyclic antidepressants that can also be used to treat depression.
Is nortriptyline a sleeping pill?
Your doctor prescribed nortriptyline to help relieve your pain. Although it is often used to treat depression, it is also used for pain and to improve sleep.
What are the most common side effects of nortriptyline?
Nortriptyline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:nausea.drowsiness.weakness or tiredness.excitement or anxiety.nightmares.dry mouth.changes in appetite or weight.constipation.More items...•
Does nortriptyline make you gain weight?
Amitriptyline (maximum of 150 mg/day), nortriptyline (maximum of 50 mg/day), and imipramine (maximum of 80 mg/day) were given for an average of 6 months of treatment. There was a mean weight increase of 1.3-2.9 lbs/month, which led to an average total weight gain of 3-16 lbs, depending on drug, dose and duration.
How long does it take for nortriptyline to kick in?
If you take nortriptyline for depression, you may start to feel better after a couple of weeks. It can take 4 to 6 weeks until you feel the full benefits. Do not stop taking nortriptyline after 1 to 2 weeks just because you feel it's not helping your symptoms. Give it at least 6 weeks to work.
What drugs should not be taken with nortriptyline?
Do not use nortriptyline with buspirone (Buspar®), fentanyl (Abstral®, Duragesic®), lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®), tryptophan, St. John's wort, or some pain or migraine medicines (eg, sumatriptan, tramadol, Frova®, Maxalt®, Relpax®, Zomig®).
Does nortriptyline affect memory?
Drugs with anticholinergic properties, such as nortriptyline, maprotiline and amitriptyline, might impair aspects of memory. For nortriptyline, higher plasma concentrations correlate with greater cognitive impairment.
What does 10mg of nortriptyline do?
The 10mg tablets are white, round, biconvex film-coated tablets, marked “N10”, 5.5 mm in diameter. Nortriptyline is indicated for the relief of symptoms of depression in adults. Adults: The usual adult dose is 25mg three or four times daily. Dosage should begin at a low level and be increased as required.
Is nortriptyline a muscle relaxer?
Is nortriptyline (Pamelor) a muscle relaxer? No, nortriptyline (Pamelor) is not a muscle relaxer. It is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used for people with depression.
How long does 10mg of nortriptyline stay in your system?
Elimination: The elimination half-life (t ½ ß) after oral nortriptyline administration is approximately 26 hours (25.5 ± 7.9 hours; range 16-38 hours).
What class of drug is nortriptyline?
Organic compoundNortriptyline / ClassificationIn chemistry, organic compounds are generally any chemical compounds that contain carbon-hydrogen or carbon-carbon bonds. Due to carbon's ability to catenate, millions of organic compounds are known. Wikipedia
Which is better for pain gabapentin or nortriptyline?
Gabapentin was, however, better tolerated as compared to nortriptyline. Conclusion: Gabapentin was shown to be equally efficacious but was better tolerated compared to nortriptyline and can be considered a suitable alternative for the treatment of PHN.
Is nortriptyline good for arthritis pain?
In patients with knee OA, a 14-week course of nortriptyline delivered in addition to usual care will lead to: A significant reduction in OA pain compared to placebo. A significant improvement in physical function greater than with placebo.
Is nortriptyline a muscle relaxer?
Is nortriptyline (Pamelor) a muscle relaxer? No, nortriptyline (Pamelor) is not a muscle relaxer. It is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used for people with depression.
What drugs should not be taken with nortriptyline?
Do not use nortriptyline with buspirone (Buspar®), fentanyl (Abstral®, Duragesic®), lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®), tryptophan, St. John's wort, or some pain or migraine medicines (eg, sumatriptan, tramadol, Frova®, Maxalt®, Relpax®, Zomig®).
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use nortriptyline if you are allergic to it, or if: 1. you have recently had a heart attack; 2. you are allergic to similar antidepr...
How Should I Take Nortriptyline?
Take nortriptyline exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your...
Nortriptyline Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Depression:25 mg orally three or four times per dayMaximum dose: 150 mg orally per dayComments:-When doses above 100 mg per da...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of nortriptyline can be fatal.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Nortriptyline?
Do not drink alcohol. Nortriptyline can increase the effects of alcohol, which could be dangerous.See also: Nortriptyline and alcohol (in more deta...
Nortriptyline Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to nortriptyline: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, ton...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Nortriptyline?
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking nortriptyline with a sleeping pill...
What is Nortriptyline used for?
Nortriptyline is a medicine used for treating nerve pain.
How many strengths does Nortriptyline come in?
Nortriptyline tablets come in 3 different strengths, 10mg, 25mg or 50mg.
How long does it take for nortriptyline to wear off?
If you take nortriptyline to treat nerve pain, it usually takes a week or so for pain to begin to wear off.
Can nortriptyline cause diabetes?
are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. have glaucoma – nortriptyline can increase the pressure in your eye. have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life. have type 1 or type 2 diabetes – if you have diabetes, nortriptyline may affect your blood sugar levels.
Is Nortriptyline safe for some people?
Nortriptyline is not suitable for some people. Check with your doctor before starting to take nortriptyline if you:
Can you take Nortriptyline for depression?
Most adults can take nortriptyline. Teenagers aged 12 to 17 years can take it for depression. Children aged 6 to 17 years old can also take it for bedwetting but other medicines are used first which have less side effects. Nortriptyline is not suitable for some people.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Nortriptyline?
Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery until this feeling passes. It's best not to drink alcohol until you see how the medicine affects you. dry mouth – chew sugar-free gum or have some sugar-free sweets. feeling sleepy – take nortriptyline in the evening.
What to do if you miss Nortriptyline?
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as EKG, liver tests, nortriptyline blood level) may be performed from time to time to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Keep all medical appointments. Consult your doctor for more details. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
What is a tricyclic antidepressant?
This medication is used to treat mental/mood problems such as depression . It may help improve mood and feelings of well-being, relieve anxiety and tension, and increase your energy level. This medication belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants.
Can Nortriptyline cause heart problems?
Nortriptyline may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.
What is the purpose of antidepressants?
Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/ mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts /attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants ...
Can you take Nortriptyline if you are allergic to it?
Before taking nortriptyline, tell your doctor or pharmaci st if you are allergic to it; or to other tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline ); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Are you currently using Nortriptyline HCL?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.
How does nortriptyline affect the body?
Nortriptyline is metabolized in the liver by the hepatic enzyme CYP2D6, and genetic variations within the gene coding for this enzyme can affect its metabolism, leading to changes in the concentrations of the drug in the body. Increased concentrations of nortriptyline may increase the risk for side effects, including anticholinergic and nervous system adverse effects, while decreased concentrations may reduce the drug's efficacy.
What is the generic name for Nortriptyline?
Generic names. Nortriptyline is the English and French generic name of the drug and its INN, BAN, and DCF, while nortriptyline hydrochloride is its USAN, USP, BANM, and JAN. Its generic name in Spanish and Italian and its DCIT are nortriptilina, in German is nortriptylin, and in Latin is nortriptylinum.
What is the name of the medication that is used to treat depression?
Nortriptyline, sold under the brand name Pamelor, among others, is a medication used to treat depression, neuropathic pain, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), smoking cessation and anxiety. As with many antidepressants, its use for young people with depression and other psychiatric disorders may be limited due to increased suicidality in the 18-24 population initiating treatment. Nortriptyline is a less preferred treatment for ADHD and stopping smoking. It is taken by mouth.
What enzyme is used to metabolize nortriptyline?
Pharmacogenetics. Nortriptyline is metabolized in the liver by the hepatic enzyme CYP2D6, and genetic variations within the gene coding for this enzyme can affect its metabolism, leading to changes in the concentrations of the drug in the body.
When was Nortriptyline approved?
Nortriptyline was approved for medical use in the United States in 1964 . It is available as a generic medication. In 2018, it was the 147th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 4 million prescriptions.
Is nortriptyline a first line pain medication?
In 2010, an evidence-based guideline sponsored by the International Association for the Study of Pain recommended nortriptyline as a first-line medication for neuropathic pain. However, in a 2015 Cochrane systematic review the authors did not recommend nortriptyline as a first-line agent for neuropathic pain.
Does nortriptyline help with sleep?
Nortriptyline may also have a sleep-improving effect due to antagonism of the H 1 and 5-HT 2A receptors. In the short term, however, nortripty line may disturb sleep due to its activating effect.
What is the class of Nortriptyline?
Nortriptyline belongs to a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Does nortriptyline affect blood pressure?
For seniors: Seniors might experience more side effects from nortriptyline. Confusion, irregular heartbeat, and changes in blood pressure have been noticed more commonly in seniors. Your doctor might start you on a lower dose.
Is Nortriptyline a prescription drug?
Nortriptyline is a prescription drug. It comes as an oral capsule and an oral solution.
Does nortriptyline cause glaucoma?
Increased eye pressure warning: Nortriptyline may increase pressure in your eyes. This may cause glaucoma in people who are already at risk of glaucoma.
Is Nortriptyline an oral solution?
Nortriptyline comes as an oral capsule and an oral solution.
Can Nortriptyline cause drowsiness?
Nortriptyline oral capsule may cause drowsiness. It may also cause other side effects.
Is nortriptyline safe for pregnant women?
For pregnant women: It’s unclear if nortriptyline is safe in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
What is the pharmacological category of nortriptyline?
Nortriptyline is an antidepressant that falls under the pharmacological category of tricyclics (secondary amine), more commonly known as TCAs.
How many ng/ml is Nortriptyline?
As an antidepressant, the therapeutic range for nortriptyline is between 50 to 150 ng/mL (190 to 570 nmol/L).
How much nortriptyline is in a capsule?
Nortriptyline is usually taken orally as a capsule or an oral solution. Capsule form comes in the following dosages 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg. The oral solution form is usually of the following composition 10 mg/5 mL (473 mL).
Can nortriptyline cause pupillary dilation?
Nortriptyline can cause pupillary dilation, potentially resulting in an angle-closure attack in an individual with anatomically narrow angles.
Can you take nortriptyline with Brugada?
For this reason, patients with confirmed or suspected Brugada syndrome should generally avoid nortriptyline as it can result in ECG abnormalities, syncope, and even sudden cardiac death.
Can nortriptyline be used with other drugs?
Concurrent usage of nortriptyline with drugs that can inhibit cytochrome CYP2D6 may require lower doses than usually prescribed for either nortriptyline or the other medication.
What are the side effects of tricyclic antidepressants?
The hallmark side effect of tricyclic antidepressants, such as nortriptyline, is cardiotoxicity. In the case of TCA toxicity, fast cardiac sodium channels are inhibited, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. A widened QRS complex is often noted on electrocardiography.
What is the purpose of nortriptyline?
Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. This class of medications works on the central nervous system by increasing the level of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin drops when a migraine attack strikes.
How many milligrams of nortriptyline are there?
The drug is available in 10 milligrams (mg), 25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg formulations.
What antidepressants work well?
Other classes of antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (S NRIs), worked well, too. Your doctor will consider your specific health history and tolerance of these medications when choosing the right therapy for you.
What is the best medication for migraines?
Medications aimed at stopping migraine attacks or treating migraine pain include: ketorolac (Toradol) dihydroergotamine (DHE-45, Migranal) ergotamine (Ergomar)
How to help migraines?
Below are some diet, situational, and complementary changes you can make to your lifestyle to help manage migraine: Avoid eating food high in nitrates, like processed meats . Keep a journal of foods or activities that trigger migraine attacks. Use herbs like lavender, feverfew, peppermint oil, and ginger in home remedies.
Is Nortriptyline a generic?
It comes in pill or liquid form. It’s available as a brand-name medication (Pamelor) or as a generic medication. If you routinely get migraine attacks, make an appointment with your doctor.
Does nortriptyline cause depression?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Black Box warning — the agency’s strongest warning — for nortriptyline. The warning notes that taking this medication can actually increase depression in children, teens, and young adults, resulting in episodes of major depressive disorder (MDD) and even a risk for suicide.
What is Nortriptyline Hydrochloride used for?
Nortriptyline Hydrochloride is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Nortriptyline Hydrochloride may be used alone or with other medications.
How many short term trials of antidepressants were there?
Pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with MDD, obsessive compulsive disorder ( OCD ), or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 24 short-term trials of 9 antidepressant drugs in over 4400 patients. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in adults with MDD or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 295 short-term trials ( median duration of 2 months) of 11 antidepressant drugs in over 77,000 patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidality among drugs, but a tendency toward an increase in the younger patients for almost all drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidality across the different indications, with the highest incidence in MDD. The risk differences (drug vs placebo) however, were relatively stable within age strata and across indications. These risk differences (drug-placebo difference in the number of cases of suicidality per 1000 patients treated) are provided in Table 1.
Can nortriptyline be taken in elderly?
Cardiovascular function, particularly arrhythmias and fluctuations in blood pressure, should be monitored. There have also been reports of confusional states following tricyclic antidepressant administration in the elderly. Higher plasma concentrations of the active nortriptyline metabolite, 10-hydroxynortriptyline, have also been reported in elderly patients. As with other tricyclic antidepressants, dose selection for an elderly patient should usually be limited to the smallest effective total daily dose (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).
Is nortriptyline safe for children?
Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established (see BOX WARNING and WARNINGS - Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk ). Anyone considering the use of nortriptyline hydrochloride in a child or adolescent must balance the potential risks with the clinical need.
Can nortriptyline cause psychosis?
The use of nortriptyline hydrochloride ( nortriptyline hydrochloride ( nortriptyline hydroch loride (nortriptyline hydroch loride capsules) capsules) capsules) in schizophrenic patients may result in an exacerbation of the psychosis or may activate latent schizophrenic symptoms. If the drug is given to overactive or agitated patients, increased anxiety and agitation may occur. In manic-depressive patients, nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules) capsules) capsules) may cause symptoms of the manic phase to emerge.
Can you take nortriptyline while pregnant?
Safe use of nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules) capsules) capsules) during pregnancy and lactation has not been established; therefore, when the drug is administered to pregnant patients, nursing mothers, or women of childbearing potential, the potential benefits must be weighed against the possible hazards. Animal reproduction studies have yielded inconclusive results.
Is nortriptyline hydrochloride safe for children?
Nortriptyline hydrochloride is not recommended for children.
