Nortriptyline: An Overview
Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that is used to treat depression. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1964 and has been in clinical use since then. Nortriptyline works by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain. It is thought to work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps to regulate mood. Nortriptyline is usually prescribed when other antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have not been effective in treating depression.
Nortriptyline is generally well tolerated and has fewer side effects than other TCAs. Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, and blurred vision. Less common side effects include confusion, difficulty urinating, and increased heart rate. Nortriptyline can also interact with other medications, such as certain antibiotics, psychotropic drugs, and MAO inhibitors. It is important to talk to a doctor before taking nortriptyline, as it may not be suitable for everyone.
Nortriptyline is effective in treating depression in both adults and children. It has been found to be particularly effective in treating atypical depression, which is characterized by feelings of heaviness, lethargy, and increased appetite or weight gain. Nortriptyline has also been found to be effective in treating chronic pain, such as neuropathy and fibromyalgia.
Nortriptyline is a safe and effective treatment for depression, but it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and interactions. It is also important to talk to a doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking nortriptyline.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Gorman, J. M., & Liebowitz, M. R. (2006). Antidepressant medications. In Principles and practice of psychopharmacotherapy (pp. 59–83). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Higgins, A., & Birkett, M. A. (2010). Tricyclic antidepressants. In Drug discovery and development (pp. 397–406). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer.
Shelton, R. C., & Trivedi, M. H. (2010). Atypical depression. In Current treatment options in psychiatry (pp. 4–11). New York, NY: Humana Press.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Nortriptyline hydrochloride. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/021867s010lbl.pdf.