nortriptyline

What is this medicine?

NORTRIPTYLINE (nor TRIP ti leen) is used to treat depression.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an alcohol problem
• bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
• difficulty passing urine, prostate trouble
• glaucoma
• heart disease or recent heart attack
• liver disease
• over active thyroid
• seizures
• thoughts or plans of suicide or a previous suicide attempt or family history of suicide attempt
• an unusual or allergic reaction to nortriptyline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. If you have been taking this medicine regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice. Even after you stop taking this medicine it can still affect your body for several days.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
• arsenic trioxide
• certain medicines used to regulate abnormal heartbeat or to treat other heart conditions
• cisapride
• halofantrine
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• other medicines for mental depression
• phenothiazines like perphenazine, thioridazine and chlorpromazine
• pimozide
• probucol
• procarbazine
• sparfloxacin
• St. John's Wort
• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with any of the following medications:

• atropine and related drugs like hyoscyamine, scopolamine, tolterodine and others
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures, such as phenobarbital
• cimetidine
• medicines for diabetes
• reserpine
• seizure or epilepsy medicine such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
• thyroid medicine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.