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| Pronunciation |
|
 (nor
TRIP ti
leen) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Aventyl®;
Pamelor® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Antidepressant, Tricyclic (Secondary Amine) |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to another tricyclic antidepressant,
nortriptyline, or any other part of the medicine.
- If you have had a recent heart attack.
- If you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (tranylcypromine,
isocarboxazid, phenelzine) in the past 14
days.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine is used for the treatment of depression and chronic pain
conditions.
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| How does it work? |
|
|
- Nortriptyline increases chemicals in the brain. Sleep and appetite may
improve quickly. Other depressive symptoms may take up to 4-6 weeks to
improve.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given.
- Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it
for a long time. Medicine should be slowly decreased.
- May take at bedtime if it causes too much
drowsiness.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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|
- If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects. There are
other choices if this medicine is too strong for you.
- You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities
until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines
and herbs that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives,
tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider.
- Make sure to get good dental care. You may have a higher risk for
cavities.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control
that you can trust while taking this medicine.
- Do not use if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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|
- Feeling sleepy, lightheaded, or having blurred vision. Avoid driving,
doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how
this medicine affects you.
- Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or
lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
- Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may
help.
- Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing
diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
- Unable to pass urine. Go to the bathroom before taking medicine. Talk
with healthcare provider if it becomes a
problem.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
- Too tired or sleepy.
- Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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