Nortriptyline Hydrochloride
Generic Name: nortriptyline hydrochloride
Brand Names:
Nortriptyline Hydrochloride
DESCRIPTION Nortriptyline hydrochloride, USP is 1-propanamine, 3-(10,11-dihydro-5 H -dibenzo[ a,d ]cyclohepten-5-ylidene)- N -methyl-, hydrochloride. The structural formula is as follows: C 19 H 21 N•HCl M.W. 299.84 Nortriptyline hydrochloride, USP is a white to off-white powder, having a slight, characteristic odor. It is soluble in water and in chloroform; sparingly soluble in methanol; and practically insoluble in most organic solvents.
Overview
DESCRIPTION Nortriptyline hydrochloride, USP is 1-propanamine, 3-(10,11-dihydro-5 H -dibenzo[ a,d ]cyclohepten-5-ylidene)- N -methyl-, hydrochloride. The structural formula is as follows: C 19 H 21 N•HCl M.W. 299.84 Nortriptyline hydrochloride, USP is a white to off-white powder, having a slight, characteristic odor. It is soluble in water and in chloroform; sparingly soluble in methanol; and practically insoluble in most organic solvents.
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the relief of symptoms of depression. Endogenous depressions are more likely to be alleviated than are other depressive states.
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Nortriptyline hydrochloride is not recommended for children. Nortriptyline hydrochloride is administered orally in the form of capsules. Lower than usual dosages are recommended for elderly patients and adolescents. Lower dosages are also recommended for outpatients than for hospitalized patients who will be under close supervision. The physician should initiate dosage at a low level and increase it gradually, noting carefully the clinical response and any evidence of intolerance. Following remission, maintenance medication may be required for a longer period of time at the lowest dose that will maintain remission. If a patient develops minor side effects, the dosage should be reduced.
Side Effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS Note - Included in the following list are a few adverse reactions that have not been reported with this specific drug. However, the pharmacologic similarities among the tricyclic antidepressant drugs require that each of the reactions be considered when nortriptyline is administered. Cardiovascular - Hypotension, hypertension, tachycardia, palpitation, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, heart block, stroke. Psychiatric - Confusional states (especially in the elderly) with hallucinations, disorientation, delusions; anxiety, restlessness, agitation; insomnia, panic, nightmares; hypomania; exacerbation of psychosis.
Warnings
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of nortriptyline hydrochloride or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. WARNINGS Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. There has been a long-standing concern, however, that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment. CONTRAINDICATIONS Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with nortriptyline hydrochloride or within 14 days of stopping treatment with nortriptyline hydrochloride is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
Storage
HOW SUPPLIED Nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules, USP equivalent to 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg or 75 mg base, are available as follows: Nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules USP, 10 mg: #3 capsules with a white body and an orange cap, imprinted "TEVA" on the cap and "10mg"-"0810" on the body, in bottles of 100 (NDC 0093-0810-01), and 500 (NDC 0093-0810-05).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nortriptyline Hydrochloride used for?▼
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the relief of symptoms of depression. Endogenous depressions are more likely to be alleviated than are other depressive states.
What are the side effects of Nortriptyline Hydrochloride?▼
ADVERSE REACTIONS Note - Included in the following list are a few adverse reactions that have not been reported with this specific drug. However, the pharmacologic similarities among the tricyclic antidepressant drugs require that each of the reactions be considered when nortriptyline is administered. Cardiovascular - Hypotension, hypertension, tachycardia, palpitation, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, heart block, stroke. Psychiatric - Confusional states (especially in the elderly) with hallucinations, disorientation, delusions; anxiety, restlessness, agitation; insomnia, panic, nightmares; hypomania; exacerbation of psychosis.
What are the important warnings for Nortriptyline Hydrochloride?▼
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of nortriptyline hydrochloride or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. WARNINGS Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. There has been a long-standing concern, however, that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment. CONTRAINDICATIONS Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with nortriptyline hydrochloride or within 14 days of stopping treatment with nortriptyline hydrochloride is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
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Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.