Nortriptyline Hydrochloride (Nortriptyline Hydrochloride Capsules) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 27, 2012

Nortriptyline Hydrochloride

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Migraine is a serious, potentially life-threatening neurological disease that affects nearly 32 million Americans, the majority of whom are women. The hallmark symptom of migraine is an escalating, often unbearable, debilitating headache that is commonly described as intense throbbing or pulsating pain in one area of the head. The pain may be accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. In some people, migraines are preceded by visual disturbances known as auras that may include flashing lights, zigzag lines, or temporary blindness.

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Nortriptyline Hydrochloride

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Nortriptyline Hydrochloride
(nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules) capsules) capsules) ) Capsules

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 (nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules) capsules) capsules) or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 an older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Nortriptyline hydrochloride is not approved for use in pediatric patients. (See WARNINGS: Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk, PRECAUTIONS: INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS, and PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules) capsules) capsules) is 1-Propanamine, 3-(10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-ylidene)-N-methyl-, hydrochloride. The structural formula is represented below:

Nortriptyline Hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Nortriptyline Hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride (nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules) capsules) capsules) Capsules USP (equivalent to 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg and 75 mg Nortriptyline), for oral administration, contain the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch and sodium lauryl sulfate. The 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg and 75 mg capsule shells contain: gelatin, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium lauryl sulfate and titanium dioxide. They may also contain: benzyl alcohol, butylparaben, edetate calcium disodium, silicon dioxide or sodium propionate.

The 10 mg, 25 mg and 75 mg capsule shells also contain D&C Yellow No. 10 and FD&C Blue No. 1.

What are the precautions when taking nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules (Nortriptyline Hydrochloride )?

Before using insulin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other types of insulins; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Do not use this medication when you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: adrenal/pituitary gland problems, infection (especially with diarrhea or vomiting), kidney disease, liver disease, nerve problems (e.g., diabetic neuropathy), thyroid problems.

You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels. Do not drive, use machinery,...

Read All Potential Precautions of Nortriptyline Hydrochloride »

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/17/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.