Nortriptyline (HCl)
Nortriptyline (HCl) Information

About Nortriptyline (HCl)

Nortriptyline (HCl) is a tricyclic antidepressant of the dibenzocycloheptene type and is the active metabolite of amitriptyline. Nortriptyline is similar to protriptyline.Nortriptyline (HCl) is used to treat depression and for the management of chronic, severe neurogenic pain. Some efficacy has been reported with nortriptyline in phobic disorder and panic disorder. Nortriptyline was approved as an antidepressant by the FDA in 1964. The concise action of tricyclic antidepressants is not fully understood, but Nortriptyline (HCl) is believed that the most important effect is the enhancement of the actions of norepinephrine and serotonin caused by blocking the reuptake of various neurotransmitters at the neuronal membrane. Nortriptyline is more likely to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin than norepinephrine

Indications

Nortriptyline (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Depression, Enuresis, Nausea and vomiting, Pain, Urticaria, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Cancer.

Contraindication

Nortriptyline (HCl) is contraindicated in conditions like Epilepsy,Mania,Myocardial infarction,Prostatic hypertrophy,Heart block,Close-angle glaucoma.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Nortriptyline (HCl), which give rise to further complications include Postural hypotension, Cholestatic jaundice, Peripheral neuropathy.Nortriptyline (HCl) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Agranulocytosis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Nortriptyline (HCl) therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Nortriptyline (HCl) include Cardiac arrhythmias, Blurred vision, Constipation, Dry mouth, Urinary retention, Sinus tachycardia, Hypoxia.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Nortriptyline (HCl) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Constipation, Dry mouth, Blurred vision, Confusion, Urinary hesitancy.

Warnings

Nortriptyline should be used with caution (if it contains tartrazine) in patients with aspirin hypersensitivity, because it may produce allergic reaction (including bronchial asthma). Monitor ECG before initiating large doses. Avoid concurrent administration with electric shock therapy because may increase the hazards of therapy. Perform periodic leukocytes (white blood cells) counts and liver function tests. Photosensitization may occur so caution patients to take protective measures, sunscreens e.t.c, against exposure to UV light or sun light.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.