Nortriptyline

Uses	Neuropathic pain, nighttime bedwetting, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome
Therapy	Anti-Depressant
Side Effects	Increased heart rate, weight gain, sudden reduction in blood pressure while standing or orthostatic hypotension, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision

100% Authentic
Medicines

Cash on delivery
available

Delivery across
19k pincodes

Molecule Description

Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that treats depression. It is also used in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis or nighttime bedwetting. It also may help relieve neuropathic pain. It acts by raising the levels of specific chemical messengers in the brain, which helps to regulate and improve mood. Nortriptyline prevents the transmission of pain signals, providing relief from neuropathic pain. However, because it might make you tired, it's best to take it before night.

Uses

Neuropathic pain
Night time bedwetting
Depression
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Contraindications

When should one not use Nortriptyline

Nortriptyline may be contraindicated in patients who have:
Mania
Hypersensitivity to any components of Nortriptyline
Recent heart attack
Taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors within 14 days
Intravenous methylene blue or Linezolid
Children under six years
Arrhythmias, specifically heart block
Severe liver disease

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Nortriptyline may have the following side effects:
Increased heart rate
Weight gain
Sudden reduction in blood pressure while standing or orthostatic hypotension
Constipation
Dry mouth
Blurred vision

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

It's possible that using Nortriptyline while pregnant is dangerous. Animal research shows adverse effects on the developing foetus. Please seek medical care before consuming it.

Breast Feeding

It's usually not the best idea to use Nortriptyline if you're nursing. It is because the medicine could transfer into breast milk and damage the newborn, according to limited human research. Seek medical consultation.

Driving

Nortriptyline may induce adverse effects that compromise your driving abilities. In addition, Nortriptyline may decrease your alertness.

Alcohol

While using Nortriptyline, stop drinking alcohol since it may worsen the sedative effect. If you're using Nortriptyline with alcohol, talk to your doctor immediately.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have behavioural changes, mood swings, or suicidal thoughts after taking this medication.
You may need regular blood tests to check your blood cell count and the levels of salt and sugar in your blood.
You may want to take this medicine at night because this medicine may produce sleepiness or drowsiness.
If you are under 24 years of age, Nortriptyline may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and conduct. Before using Nortriptyline, please consult your doctor if you have suicidal thinking or behavioural symptoms.
You should practice yoga and meditation. It helps to calm the body and relieve tension.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

The tricyclic antidepressant Nortriptyline treats depression. It works by increasing the number of signalling molecules like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps in mood regulation and depression treatment. Nortriptyline prevents the transmission of pain signals, providing relief from neuropathic pain.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Taking Nortriptyline with any of the following medicines might change how they work and create unwanted side effects. The medicines are
Diltiazem
Verapamil
Sertraline
Methyldopa
Ketoconazole
Cetirizine
Avoid MAO inhibitors

Interactions with food items

The interaction between Nortriptyline and food is mostly safe. However, consult your doctor if you have any allergic reactions.

Dosage

Overdose

If you feel you have had an overdose, call your doctor at once. Changes in pulse rates, extreme sleepiness, anxiety, vomiting, hallucinations, shocks, and fainting may be signs of an overdose. If the overdose pain is severe, medical help may be necessary right away.

Missed a Dose

As quick as you recall, take the missed dosage. When the next planned dose is approaching, then ignore the missed quantity. To compensate for a missing dosage, do not take an extra dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, Nortriptyline can treat nerve pain. The doctor may prescribe the medication along with gabapentin. Shooting, flaming or stabbing pain that might be accompanied by tingling, numbness, or a pins-and-needles sensation determines the nerve pain or neuropathic pain. If you're having issues while sleeping, go to your doctor.

The use of Nortriptyline may lead to an increase in eye pressure. If you have past glaucoma or high blood pressure, your doctor will keep a closer check on you while you're on Nortriptyline.

Nortriptyline may make your skin susceptible to sunburn. As a result, it's best to stay away from the sun and tanning beds. While going out, you can also take precautions and use sunscreen. In addition, you can wear protective masks.

In most circumstances, the typical time for this medicine to attain its peak impact is roughly one day to one week. However, because the exact length is not required for everyone, there is no specific period for the activity of this prescription. Therefore, please ask your doctor about the length of time you should take this prescription.

Articles

View All

Did you find this helpful?

References:

Nortriptyline: ECG abnormalities following intoxication: case report. React Wkly [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2026 Jun 8];1649(1):196–196. Available from:

Explore More at Pharmeasy

Why trust PharmEasy?

# ONE OF INDIA'S MOST TRUSTED HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

CODAvailable

100%Genuine Medicine

30 DAYReturn Policy

Making medicines affordable, authentic, and easily accessible across India

700+100% Genuine & verified medicines

70,000+Medicine orders everyday

70 MillionTotal customer served

70 MillionDelivery hubs & fulfillment centre

7000Trained & trusted delivery partners