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What is nortriptyline
 Nortriptyline
is in a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Nortriptyline
affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced
and cause depression.
Nortriptyline
is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings
of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily
activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much;
insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.
Nortriptyline
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about nortriptyline
It may be 4 weeks or more before you start to feel
better, but do not stop taking nortriptyline without first
talking to your doctor.
Use caution when driving,
operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Nortriptyline may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you
experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
Dizziness is likely to occur when you rise from a
sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness
and a possible fall.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol
may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking
nortriptyline.
What you should find out before taking nortriptyline Do not take nortriptyline if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine
(Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the last 14
days.
Before taking nortriptyline, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease,
- kidney disease,
- asthma,
- thyroid disease,
- diabetes,
- stomach or intestinal problems,
- high blood
pressure or heart disease,
- had a heart attack in
the last 6 weeks,
- an enlarged prostate or difficulty
urinating, or
- glaucoma.
You may not be able
to take nortriptyline, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
It is not known whether nortriptyline
will harm an unborn baby. Do not take nortriptyline without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment.
The effects of
nortriptyline on a nursing baby are unknown. Do not take
nortriptyline without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take nortriptyline Take nortriptyline exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass (8 oz) of water.
Nortriptyline
may be taken several times a day or in one daily dose (usually
at bedtime). Follow your doctor's instructions.
It
may be 4 weeks or more before you start to feel better,
but do not stop taking nortriptyline without first talking
to your doctor.
Store nortriptyline at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If
it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose,
skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed.
Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of an nortriptyline overdose include seizures, confusion,
drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations, and low blood pressure
(dizziness, fatigue, fainting).
Avoid while taking nortriptyline Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Nortriptyline may
cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness
or dizziness, avoid these activities.
Dizziness is
likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position.
Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness
and dizziness while you are taking nortriptyline.
Do not stop taking nortriptyline suddenly. This could cause
symptoms such as nausea, headache, and malaise.
Possible side effects of nortriptyline If you experience any of the following serious side
effects contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency
medical treatment:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips,
face, or tongue; or hives);
- seizures;
-
a fast or irregular heartbeat;
- heart attack;
-
high blood pressure (blurred vision, severe headache);
-
difficulty urinating; or
- fever with increased sweating,
muscle stiffness, or severe muscle weakness.
Other,
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take nortriptyline and talk to your doctor if you experience
- mild drowsiness or dizziness;
- dry mouth
and eyes;
- constipation;
- mild tremor;
-
sweating;
- mild agitation, weakness, or headache;
- ringing in the ears;
- nausea; or
-
loss of weight or appetite.
Side effects other than
those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about
any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
What other drugs will affect nortriptyline Do not take nortriptyline if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine
(Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the last 14
days.
Nortriptyline may increase the effects of other
drugs that cause drowsiness, including other antidepressants,
alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia),
pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants.
Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking,
and do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter
medicines without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with nortriptyline.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. |
