Norpress (other name Pamelor)

Anxiety
AntiDepressants

Norpress (other name Pamelor) 25mg

Package	Per Pill	Special Price
360 pills	$0.51	~~$216~~ -15% Only $185
270 pills	$0.53	~~$162~~ -13% Only $142
180 pills	$0.54	~~$108~~ -10% Only $98
120 pills	$0.57	~~$72~~ -6% Only $68
90 pills	$0.60	Only $54

Nortriptyline: Comprehensive Medication Guide

What is Nortriptyline?

Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant primarily used to treat depression. It helps to improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels. Nortriptyline is also sometimes prescribed for other conditions, such as chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and bedwetting in children. This medication works by affecting certain natural chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.

Important Information Before Taking Nortriptyline

Before starting Nortriptyline, it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about your medical history and current health conditions. Here’s what you need to disclose:

Alcohol Problem: History of alcohol abuse.
Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia: Presence of these mental health conditions.
Difficulty Passing Urine, Prostate Trouble: Issues related to urinary retention or prostate enlargement.
Glaucoma: Elevated pressure in the eye.
Heart Disease or Recent Heart Attack: Cardiovascular health issues.
Liver Disease: Impaired liver function.
Overactive Thyroid: Hyperthyroidism.
Seizures: History of epilepsy or convulsions.
Suicidal Thoughts or Plans: Any current or past thoughts of self-harm or family history of suicide attempts.
Allergic Reactions: Any previous allergic reactions to Nortriptyline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Pregnancy or Trying to Get Pregnant: Current pregnancy status or plans to conceive.
Breast-feeding: If you are currently breast-feeding.

How to Take Nortriptyline

Take Nortriptyline exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Here are the general guidelines:

Dosage: Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take more or less than prescribed.
Administration: Take the medicine by mouth with a glass of water.
Timing: Take your doses at regular intervals.
Stopping the Medication: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly if you have been taking it regularly for some time. Gradually reduce the dose under the guidance of your doctor to avoid severe side effects.
Pediatric Use: Consult your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

If you miss a dose of Nortriptyline:

Take it as soon as you remember.
If it is less than four hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next scheduled dose.
Do not take double or extra doses to make up for the missed one.

Potential Drug Interactions

Nortriptyline can interact with several medications. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins.

Do Not Take With These Medications:

Arsenic Trioxide
Certain medicines used to regulate abnormal heartbeat or to treat other heart conditions
Cisapride
Halofantrine
MAOIs (Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate)
Other medicines for mental depression
Phenothiazines (perphenazine, thioridazine, chlorpromazine)
Pimozide
Probucol
Procarbazine
Sparfloxacin
St. John's Wort
Ziprasidone

May Interact With These Medications:

Atropine and related drugs (hyoscyamine, scopolamine, tolterodine)
Barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (phenobarbital)
Cimetidine
Medicines for diabetes
Reserpine
Seizure or epilepsy medicine (carbamazepine, phenytoin)
Thyroid medicine

This list may not include all possible interactions. Always provide your healthcare provider with a complete list of all medications, herbs, non-prescription drugs, and dietary supplements you are using. Also, inform them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs, as these can affect how Nortriptyline works.

Precautions While Using Nortriptyline

While taking Nortriptyline, be aware of the following:

Regular Check-ups: Visit your doctor for regular check-ups to monitor your progress.
Delayed Effect: It may take several days before you feel the full effect of this medicine.
Mental Health Monitoring: Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also, be alert for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, severe restlessness, over-excitement, and hyperactivity, or an inability to sleep. If these occur, especially at the beginning of antidepressant treatment or after a change in dose, contact your healthcare professional immediately.
Drowsiness and Dizziness: Nortriptyline can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving, using machinery, or doing anything that requires mental alertness until you know how the medicine affects you.
Orthostatic Hypotension: Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient, to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Alcohol: Avoid alcoholic drinks, as they can increase dizziness and drowsiness.
Coughs, Colds, or Allergies: Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without consulting your doctor or healthcare professional, as some ingredients can increase possible side effects.
Dry Mouth: Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy, or drinking plenty of water can help alleviate dry mouth. Contact your doctor if the problem persists or is severe.
Dry Eyes and Blurred Vision: If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort. Lubricating eye drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Sun Sensitivity: Nortriptyline can make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Diabetes: If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar more often than usual, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Nortriptyline can affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor if you notice any changes in blood or urine glucose tests.

Possible Side Effects

Nortriptyline can cause side effects. Some are more common, while others are rare but serious. It's essential to know what to watch for.

Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention:

Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
Abnormal production of milk in females
Breast enlargement in both males and females
Breathing problems
Confusion, hallucinations
Fever with increased sweating
Irregular or fast, pounding heartbeat
Muscle stiffness or spasms
Pain or difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder control
Seizures
Suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
Swelling of the testicles
Tingling, pain, or numbness in the feet or hands
Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)

Common Side Effects (Report to Your Doctor If They Persist or Are Bothersome):

Change in sex drive or performance
Diarrhea
Nausea, vomiting
Weight gain or loss

Storage Instructions

Proper storage of Nortriptyline ensures its effectiveness and safety:

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F).
Keep the container tightly closed.
Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Nortriptyline: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I drink alcohol while taking Nortriptyline?

It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Nortriptyline, as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness, and may worsen the side effects of the medication.

How long does it take for Nortriptyline to start working?

It can take several days to a few weeks before you start to feel the full effects of Nortriptyline. It's important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you don't notice an immediate improvement.

What should I do if I experience suicidal thoughts while taking Nortriptyline?

If you experience suicidal thoughts or worsening depression while taking Nortriptyline, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.

Can Nortriptyline be used for conditions other than depression?

Yes, Nortriptyline is sometimes prescribed for other conditions such as chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and bedwetting in children. Your doctor will determine if it is appropriate for your specific condition.

Is it safe to stop taking Nortriptyline suddenly?

No, it is not safe to stop taking Nortriptyline suddenly, especially if you have been taking it regularly for some time. Abruptly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your dosage or stopping the medication.