Nortriptyline (By Mouth)

Nortriptyline (nor-TRIP-ti-leen)

Treats depression. It is also used to treat various types of pain. Belongs to a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants.

Brand Name(s):

Pamelor, Aventyl HCl
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nortriptyline or other tricyclic antidepressants (such as Elavil®, Sinequan®, or Tofranil®), maprotiline (Ludiomil®), or trazodone (Desyrel®). You should not use this medicine if you have used a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (such as Nardil®, Marplan®, Parnate®) within the past 14 days. You should also not use this medicine if you have just had a heart attack.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often.
• May be taken with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

• If more than one dose a day is used, use the missed dose as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.
• If only one dose at bedtime is used, you should not use the missed dose in the morning.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from excess heat, light, and moisture. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using Tagamet®, Antabuse®, or thyroid medicine.
• Do not drink alcohol with this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other medicines that make you sleepy such as sleeping pills, cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, tranquilizers, or narcotic pain killers.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Talk to your doctor before using if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of heart disease, glaucoma, epilepsy, or stomach problems.
• If you are using this drug for depression, it may take 2 or 3 weeks of treatment before you start to feel better.
• Nortriptyline may increase or decrease blood sugar levels.
• Do not stop using nortriptyline suddenly. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping. Check with your doctor.
• This medicine may cause drowsiness, especially during the first few weeks you are using it. Be careful when driving a car or operating machinery.
• The oral solution (liquid) has alcohol in it.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Severe confusion
• Hallucinations
• Hives, or swelling of face, lips, or tongue
• Trouble going to the bathroom (urinating)
• Unexplained or sore throat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to sunlight

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.