Brand
name: Nortriptyline HCl
Pronounced: PAM-eh-lore
Generic name: Nortriptyline hydrochloride
Other brand name: Aventyl
Why is Nortriptyline HCl prescribed?
Nortriptyline HCl is prescribed for the relief of symptoms of depression. It
is one of the drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants.
Some doctors also prescribe Nortriptyline HCl to treat chronic hives, premenstrual
depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, and
bedwetting.
Most important fact about Nortriptyline HCl without prescriptions
Nortriptyline HCl must be taken regularly to be effective and it may be several
weeks before you begin to feel better. Do not skip doses, even if they
seem to make no difference.
How should you take Nortriptyline HCl ?
Take Nortriptyline HCl exactly as prescribed. Nortriptyline HCl may make your mouth dry.
Sucking on hard candy, chewing gum, or melting ice chips in your mouth
can provide relief.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
If you take Nortriptyline HCl once a day at bedtime and you miss a dose, do not
take it in the morning, since disturbing side effects could occur.
Never take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions Nortriptyline HCl 25mg
Keep Nortriptyline HCl in the container it came in, tightly closed and away
from light. Be sure to keep Nortriptyline HCl out of reach of children; an overdose
is particularly dangerous in the young. Store at room temperature.
Nortriptyline HCl side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Nortriptyline HCl .
* Side effects may include: Anxiety, blurred vision, confusion, dry
mouth, hallucinations, heart attack or vascular heart blockage, heartbeat
irregularities, high blood pressure, insomnia, loss of muscle coordination,
low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, sensitivity to sunlight, skin
rash, stroke, tremors, weight loss
* Side effects due to rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal
from Nortriptyline HCl after prolonged treatment include:
Headache, nausea, vague feeling of bodily discomfort
These side effects do not indicate addiction to Nortriptyline HCl .
Why should Nortriptyline HCl not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Nortriptyline HCl
or similar drugs, you should not take Nortriptyline HCl . Make sure your doctor
is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Do not take Nortriptyline HCl if you are taking--or have taken within the past
14 days--a drug classified as an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category
include the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate. Combining these drugs
with Nortriptyline HCl can cause fever and convulsions, and could even be fatal.
Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this
medication if you are recovering from a heart attack or are taking
any other antidepressant drugs.
If you have been taking Prozac, you may have to wait at least 5 weeks
before beginning therapy with Nortriptyline HCl . A drug interaction could result.
Special warnings about Nortriptyline HCl
In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal
thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and
other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Nortriptyline HCl
or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this
risk with the clinical need. Nortriptyline HCl is not approved for use in children.
Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with
a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or
behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking
antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Nortriptyline HCl and their caregivers
should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear
suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness,
extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report
them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning
of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.
Nortriptyline HCl may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, you
should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any
hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know
how Nortriptyline HCl affects you.
Use Nortriptyline HCl with caution if you have a history of seizures, difficulty
urinating, diabetes, or chronic eye conditions such as glaucoma. Be
careful, also, if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or an
overactive thyroid, or are receiving thyroid medication. You should
discuss all of your medical problems with your doctor before taking
Nortriptyline HCl .
If you are being treated for a severe mental disorder (schizophrenia
or manic depression), tell your doctor before taking Nortriptyline HCl .
Nortriptyline HCl may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Try to stay
out of the sun, wear protective clothing, and apply a sun block.
Before having surgery, dental treatment, or any diagnostic procedure,
tell your doctor that you are taking Nortriptyline HCl . Certain drugs used during
these procedures, such as anesthetics and muscle relaxants, may interact
with Nortriptyline HCl .
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Nortriptyline HCl
Combining Nortriptyline HCl and MAO inhibitors can be fatal.
Nortriptyline HCl may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol
while taking Nortriptyline HCl .
If Nortriptyline HCl is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Nortriptyline HCl with the following:
Airway-opening drugs such as Ventolin and Proventil
Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and Desyrel
Antidepressants that act on serotonin, such as Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft
Blood pressure medications such as Catapres and Esimil
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Chlorpropamide (Diabinese)
Drugs for heart irregularities, such as Tambocor and Rythmol
Drugs that control spasms, such as Donnatal and Bentyl
Levodopa (Larodopa)
Major tranquilizers such as Thorazine and Mellaril
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Reserpine (Diupres)
Stimulants such as Dexedrine
Thyroid medication such as Synthroid
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Nortriptyline HCl during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. Also consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Nortriptyline HCl
This medication is available in tablet and liquid form. Only tablet
dosages are listed. Consult your doctor if you cannot take the tablet
form of Nortriptyline HCl .
ADULTS
Overdosage
An overdose of this type of antidepressant can be fatal. If you suspect
an overdose, seek medical help immediately.
