most popular
articles

Viewed

Commented

Drug Search

DRUGS A-Z

Find information on drug interactions, side effects, and more.

Enter a Drug Name		Pick from Common Drugs
	or

Generic Name: nortriptyline

A tricyclic antidepressant - It is used to treat depression

View All Brands

What is this medicine?

NORTRIPTYLINE (nor TRIP ti leen) is used to treat depression.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

an alcohol problem
bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
difficulty passing urine, prostate trouble
glaucoma
heart disease or recent heart attack
liver disease
over active thyroid
seizures
thoughts or plans of suicide or a previous suicide attempt or family history of suicide attempt
an unusual or allergic reaction to nortriptyline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. If you have been taking this medicine regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice. Even after you stop taking this medicine it can still affect your body for several days.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
arsenic trioxide
certain medicines used to regulate abnormal heartbeat or to treat other heart conditions
cisapride
halofantrine
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
other medicines for mental depression
phenothiazines like perphenazine, thioridazine and chlorpromazine
pimozide
probucol
procarbazine
sparfloxacin
St. John's Wort
ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with any of the following medications:

atropine and related drugs like hyoscyamine, scopolamine, tolterodine and others
barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures, such as phenobarbital
cimetidine
medicines for diabetes
reserpine
seizure or epilepsy medicine such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
thyroid medicine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

1 2

All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

Content
licensed
from:

Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

health

TOOLS

	Symptom Search Enter your symptoms in our Symptom Checker to find out possible causes of your symptoms. Go.
	Drug Interaction Checker Enter any list of prescription drugs and see how they interact with each other and with other substances. Go.
	Pill Identifier Enter its color and shape information, and this tool helps you identify it. Go.