This medication is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat depression.
It is also sometimes prescribed for anxiety and bipolar disorder.
As with all prescription drugs, nortriptyline comes with the risk of certain side effects.
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Here’s a guide to what you better watch out for when taking this medication.
Not everyone will experience all these side effects and the severity can vary from one person to the next.
Generally, these side effects are mild.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Discontinuing Nortriptyline
Stopping nortriptyline suddenly or greatly reducing its dosage can lead to certain effects as well.
Never stop taking a medication without first consulting the prescribing physician.
Nortriptyline Overdose
It is possible tooverdose on nortriptyline.
You should also be aware of its contraindications and the risk of interaction with other drugs.
Contraindications
You should not take nortriptyline if:
Interactions
Nortriptyline can interact with other medications.
Such interactions can affect how each medication works or lead to unwanted side effects.
Alcohol amplifies the sedative effects of nortriptyline.
It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking nortriptyline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nortriptyline can cause feelings of drowsiness or excitement.
This means that nortriptyline can remain in the body for around five to six days.
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