Generic Nortriptyline

Common use

Nortriptyline is a medication used to treat depression. It's a tricyclic antidepressant. It increases the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that help elevate mood. Also it can be used for other purposes.



Dosage and directions

Take it by mouth with or without food.



Precautions

Before using the medicine discuss with your doctor: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances if you drink alcohol-containing beverages daily or you have a history of alcohol abuse; if you take thyroid medicine or you have a history of overactive thyroid, glaucoma, heart problems, kidney or liver problems, diabetes, seizures, the blood disease porphyria, or difficulty urinating; a history of suicidal thoughts or behavior, bipolar disorder, or any other mental disorders; you are undergoing electroshock therapy; or you are scheduled to have any surgery.



Contraidications

Do not use Nortriptyline if you have allergy to any of its components, you have had a heart atack recently, you've taken furazolidone ormonoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (phenelzine) within the last 14 days, or you are taking astemizole, droperidol, or terfenadine.



Possible side effects

The most common side effects include: dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; excitement; headache; impotence; nausea; nightmares; pupil dilation; sensitivity to sunlight; sweating; tiredness; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness; weight loss or gain.

Seek medical help immediately if you have such serious side effects:allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision changes; changes in sex drive; chest pain; confusion; constipation; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; frequent or difficult urination; hallucinations; impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior; jaw, neck, or muscle spasms; mental or mood changes (increased anxiety, mood swings, agitation, irritability, nervousness, restlessness); panic attacks; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; sore throat; stomach pain; suicidal thinking or behavior; swelling of the testicles; tremor; trouble sleeping; trouble walking or keeping your balance; twitching of the face or tongue; uncontrolled movements of arms and legs or stiffness; unusual bleeding or bruising; worsening of depression; yellowing of the skin or eyes.



Drug interactions

The following medications can interact with Nortriptyline: barbiturates (phenobarbital) or phenytoin , anticholinergics (benztropine), carbamazepine, chlorpropamide, or sympathomimetics (phenylephrine), azole antifungals (fluconazole), cimetidine, duloxetine, flecainide, methylphenidate, mibefradil, phenothiazines (chlorpromazine), propafenone, quinidine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (fluoxetine), or terbinafine, arsenic, astemizole, droperidol, furazolidone, MAOIs (phenelzine), pimozide, quinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), streptogramins (dalfopristin), terfenadine, or tramadol, clonidine, guanethidine, or guanfacine,anticholinergics (benztropine), carbamazepine, chlorpropamide, or sympathomimetics (phenylephrine).



Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Nortriptyline, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you take 1 dose daily at bedtime, do not take the missed dose the next morning.



Overdose

Symptoms of overdose are agitation; bluish skin or mucous membranes; breathing problems; chest pain; coma; confusion; dry mouth; loss of consciousness; restlessness;severe drowsiness;enlarged pupils; rigid muscles; seizures; excess sweating; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; flushing; in-coordination; involuntary movements; shock; stupor; trouble breathing; vomiting.



Storage

Store at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep it out of the reach of children and away from pets.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)