What is Nortriptyline?

Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. The medication affects the chemicals in the brain which can be unbalanced in people with depression. Nortriptyline tablets are used for preventing depression. The oral capsules are available in both the form generic and brand name drug which is called as Pamelor.


Nortriptyline Uses

Nortriptyline tablets are mainly used for treating depression. Nortriptyline can be taken as a combination therapy with other medications. This may help in improving the mood and feelings of well being, relieve anxiety and tension also the medication helps in increasing the energy level. Nortriptyline belongs to the class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. The medication works by affecting the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.


Nortriptyline Side effects

Some of the common side effects of Nortriptyline are:

  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Numbness or tingling in hands
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rashes
  • Itching
  • Breast swelling

Some of the serious side effects of Nortriptyline are:

  • Blurred vision
  • Tunnel vision
  • Eye pain
  • Swelling
  • Muscle movements
  • Light headed feeling
  • Seizure
  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Numbness or weakness
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Painful or difficulty in urinating

If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Nortriptyline if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.

A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Nortriptyline side effects.


Precautions

Before taking Nortriptyline talk to your doctor if you are having any allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious problems in the body. Talk to your doctor if you are some uncertain health conditions.

  • Breathing problems
  • Liver problems
  • Heart attack
  • Problems in urinating
  • Overactive Thyroid
  • Glaucoma
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Suicide
  • Seizures
  • Brain disease

Nortriptyline can also cause some effects in the heart rhythm i.e QT prolongation. QT prolongation will rarely cause some serious or irregular heartbeat and other symptoms like dizziness and fainting.

The risk of QT prolongation can increase if you are having certain medical condition or drugs that can cause QT prolongation. Low levels of potassium or magnesium in blood will increase the risk of QT prolongation. The risk will increase if a person is addicted to some drugs or is suffering from serious conditions like sweating, diarrhea and vomiting.

How to take Nortriptyline?

Nortriptyline should be taken as directed by the doctor. Follow the direction on the prescription label carefully and follow the instruction of the doctor. If you are not feeling better talk to the doctor he may increase or change the dosage.

Measure the liquid carefully with a measuring unit or use medicine dose-measuring device.


Nortriptyline Dosage

Generic: Nortriptyline (capsule - 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg)

Brand: Pamelor (capsule - 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg)


Missed Dose

Missing one or two-dose of Nortriptyline won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.


Overdose

Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Nortriptyline tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.


Warnings for some serious health conditions

  • For people with heart and other cardiovascular disorders: Taking this drug can increase your risk of stroke and heart problems, such as irregular heartbeat or heart attack. Do not take this medicine if you are recovering from a recent heart attack.
  • For people with bipolar disorder: Before starting antidepressant therapy, it is important that your doctor verify your risk of bipolar disorder. If you have bipolar disorder that is not being treated, taking nortriptyline can make your condition worse.
  • For people with glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye: Taking this medicine may increase pressure in the eyes. If you have a history of glaucoma or increased pressure in your eyes, your doctor will monitor you more closely while taking nortriptyline.
  • For people with urinary retention: Taking this drug may make urinary retention symptoms worse. If you have a history of urinary retention, your doctor will monitor you more closely while taking nortriptyline.
  • For people with hyperthyroidism or taking thyroid medicine: Taking this medicine may increase your heart rhythm irregularity.

Nortriptyline Storage

Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.

Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).

Before taking nortriptyline consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking nortriptyline rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take nortriptyline.


Nortriptyline vs Amitriptyline

Nortriptyline

Amitriptyline

Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. The medication affects the chemicals in the brain which can be unbalanced in people with depression. Nortriptyline tablets are used for preventing depression. Amitriptyline is a drug primarily used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders, marketed under the brand name Elavil, among others. These include major depressive and anxiety disorders, as well as attention deficit hyperactivity and bipolar disorder, which are less common.
Nortriptyline tablets are mainly used for treating depression. Nortriptyline can be taken as a combination therapy with other medications. This may help in improving the mood and feelings of well being, relieve anxiety and tension also the medication helps in increasing the energy level. To treat mood disorders such as depression, this drug is used. It helps to boost the feelings of well-being and mood, reduce anxiety and stress, help you sleep better, and increase your energy level. This drug belongs to a class of medicines which is known as tricyclic antidepressants.
Some of the serious side effects of Nortriptyline are:
  • Blurred vision
  • Tunnel vision
  • Eye pain
  • Swelling
  • Muscle movements
  • Light headed feeling
  • Seizure
  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeats
Some of the common side effects of Amitriptyline are:
  • Blurred vision
  • Tunnel vision
  • Eye pain
  • Swelling
  • Muscle movements
  • Light headed feeling
  • Seizure
  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeats

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the drug Nortriptyline used for?

Nortriptyline tablets are mainly used for treating depression. Nortriptyline can be taken as a combination therapy with other medications. This may help in improving the mood and feelings of well being, relieve anxiety and tension also the medication helps in increasing the energy level.

What are the most common side effects of Nortriptyline?

Some of the common side effects of Nortriptyline are:

  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Numbness or tingling in hands
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea

How to take Nortriptyline?

Nortriptyline should be taken as directed by the doctor. Follow the direction on the prescription label carefully and follow the instruction of the doctor. If you are not feeling better talk to the doctor he may increase or change the dosage.


Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.