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Nortriptyline |
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What is Nortriptyline and why is it prescribed? Nortriptyline is prescribed for the relief of symptoms of depression. Nortriptyline is one of the drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. Some doctors also prescribe Nortriptyline to treat chronic hives, premenstrual depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, and bedwetting. Nortriptyline 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? Follow your doctors directions for taking Nortriptyline. Nortriptyline 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 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 two doses at once. Keep Nortriptyline in the container it came in, tightly closed and away from light. Be sure to keep this drug out of reach of children; an overdose is particularly dangerous in the young. Store Nortriptyline at room temperature. Are there any Nortriptyline side effects? Nortriptyline side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Nortriptyline side effects may include abdominal cramps, agitation, anxiety, black tongue, blurred vision, breast development in males, breast enlargement, confusion, constipation, delusions, diarrhea, dilation of pupils, disorientation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive or spontaneous flow of milk, excessive urination at night, fatigue, fever, fluid retention, flushing, frequent urination, hair loss, hallucinations, headache, heart attack, high or low blood pressure, high or low blood sugar, hives, impotence, inability to sleep, inability to urinate, increased or decreased sex drive, inflammation of the mouth, intestinal blockage, itching, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, nausea, nightmares, numbness, panic, perspiration, pins and needles in the arms and legs, rapid, fluttery, or irregular heartbeat, rash, reddish or purplish spots on skin, restlessness, ringing in the ears, seizures, sensitivity to light, stomach upset, strange taste, stroke, swelling of the testicles, swollen glands, tingling, tremors, vision problems, vomiting, weakness, weight gain or loss, and yellow eyes and skin. Side effects due to rapid decrease or abrupt withdrawal from Nortriptyline after a long term of treatment include headache, nausea, and a vague feeling of bodily discomfort. These side effects do not indicate addiction to this drug. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Nortriptyline? If Nortriptyline is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Combining Nortriptyline and MAO inhibitors can be fatal. Nortriptyline may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Nortriptyline. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nortriptyline with 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), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Nortriptyline? Nortriptyline may cause you to become drowsy or less alert. Use Nortriptyline 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. If you are being treated for a severe mental disorder, tell your doctor before taking Nortriptyline. Nortriptyline 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. Certain drugs used during these procedures, such as anesthetics and muscle relaxants, may interact with Nortriptyline. |
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