Nortriptyline capsules
What do nortriptyline capsules do?
NORTRIPTYLINE (Aventyl(R)) is an antidepressant. Nortriptyline can help to lift your spirits by treating your depression. Generic nortriptyline capsules are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take nortriptyline?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• an alcohol problem
• asthma, difficulty breathing
• blood disorders or disease
• diabetes
• difficulty passing urine, prostate trouble
• glaucoma
• having intramuscular injections
• heart disease, or recent heart attack
• liver disease
• over active thyroid
• Parkinson's disease
• schizophrenia
• seizures (convulsions)
• stomach disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to nortriptyline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take nortriptyline capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients over 65 years old and adolescents may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
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 other medicines can interact with nortriptyline?
Nortriptyline can interact with many other medicines. An interaction can be very important or fairly insignificant. Make sure your prescriber or health care professional knows about all other medicines you are taking. The most important medicines are listed below:
• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• blood thinners
• cimetidine and ranitidine
• clonidine
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• linezolid
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastointestinal problems
• other medicines for mental depression
• seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine
• selegiline
• thyroid medicines
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking nortriptyline?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• abnormal production of milk in females
• blurred vision or eye pain
• breast enlargement in both males and females
• confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
• difficulty breathing
• fainting spells
• fever
• irregular or fast, pounding heartbeat, palpitations
• muscle stiffness, or spasms
• pain or difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder control
• seizures (convulsions)
• sexual difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire)
• stomach pain
• swelling of the testicles
• tingling, pain, or numbness in the feet or hands
• tremor (shaking)
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• anxiety
• constipation, or diarrhea
• drowsiness or dizziness
• dry mouth
• headache
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sun or ultraviolet light
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• skin rash or itching
• weight gain or loss