Generic Aventyl - NORTRIPTYLINE

Nortriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, is used to elevate the mood of patients with depression.

Take nortriptyline exactly as prescribed by your health care professional.

Contact your paediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children.

The most commonly encountered side effects associated with Nortriptyline include:

yellowing of the skin or eyes
weight gain/loss
urinary retention
slow or difficult speech
shuffling walk
severe skin rash
persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
low blood pressure on standing
jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
irregular heartbeat
fever
fast heart rate
dry mouth
difficulty breathing or swallowing
constipation
blurred vision

Nortriptyline also can cause elevated pressure in the eyes of some patients with glaucoma.

Do not take nortriptyline with any of the following medications:

astemizole, cisapride, probucol, terfenadine, thioridazine, MAO inhibitors,
other medicines for mental depression

Nortriptyline exaggerates the effects of other medications and drugs that slow the brain's processes, such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and narcotics.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sulfites; some preparations of nortriptyline contain sodium bisulfite.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Overdose with nortriptyline can cause life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms or seizures.

Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor when you are unable to seek treatment on your own.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how nortriptyline affects you.

Nortriptyline may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort.

Nortriptyline may make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Nortriptyline can affect blood glucose levels. If you are a diabetic, check your blood sugar more often than usual, especially during the first few weeks of nortriptyline treatment.

If you are going to in for surgery or will need an x-ray procedure that uses contrast agents, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking Nortriptyline.

Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose. Consult your health care professional about your missed dose.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Nortriptyline should be stored below 86°F / 30°C in a tight, light resistant container.