Nortriptyline: Uses, Safety and Drug Interactions

Nortriptyline: uses, safety and drug interactions

Overview: Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. This summary follows the UK oral-tablet product information for major depressive episodes in adults. It is a distinct medicine from amitriptyline, although the two are pharmacologically related. An English generic name does not identify a particular brand, strength, country of supply or suitable dose.

Uses and formulation: Treatment requires an individual prescription and monitoring of response and adverse effects. Improvement is not immediate, and stopping long-term treatment abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms. The cited UK label does not establish approval for every pain condition or for insomnia. Children and adolescents under eighteen should not receive this product for depression.

Safety: Dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, tremor, sweating, palpitations and weight gain can occur. Cardiac disease, urinary retention, glaucoma, epilepsy and a history of mania matter when treatment is considered. Fainting, seizures, severe allergic symptoms, new suicidal thoughts or a combination of fever, agitation and abnormal movements require urgent assessment. Pregnancy and breastfeeding need a clinical benefit-risk discussion.

Drug interactions: MAO inhibitors must not be combined with nortriptyline. Other important interactions include tramadol, anticholinergic medicines, QT-prolonging drugs and certain enzyme inhibitors, including fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion, fluconazole and terbinafine. Some combinations require avoidance; others require blood-level, ECG or symptom monitoring. Avoid alcohol, and do not change another prescribed medicine simply to make a combination possible.

Sources

• Wockhardt UK: Nortriptyline 10mg Film-Coated Tablets — Summary of Product Characteristics
• WHO Collaborating Centre ATC/DDD Index 2026 — N06AA10
• Sun / Taro: Nortriptyline Hydrochloride Capsules — US Prescribing Information
• Clinical source document (www.medicines.org.uk)
• Clinical source document (www.medicines.org.uk)
• Clinical source document (www.medicines.org.uk)
• Clinical source document (www.gov.uk)
• Clinical source document (www.medicines.org.uk)
• Clinical source document (www.medicines.org.uk)
• Clinical source document (www.medicines.org.uk)

This page provides an English summary of the cited sources. Source check: 30 October 2026. This date records a source check, not a clinical review by a doctor or pharmacist. Follow the current leaflet for your product and seek professional advice for personal treatment.