nortriptyline

Nortriptyline is a second-generation tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) marketed as the hydrochloride salt under the trade names Sensoval, Aventyl, Pamelor, Norpress, Allegron, Noritren and Nortrilen. Nortriptyline is used in the treatment of depression and childhood nocturnal enuresis. Its off-label uses include treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, angioedema and smoking Cessation, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in some neurological disorders. It is believed that nortriptyline either inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin at the neuronal membrane or acts at beta-adrenergic receptors. Nortriptyline is US FDA-approved for the treatment of major depression. In the United Kingdom, it may also be used for treating nocturnal enuresis, with courses of treatment lasting no more than three months. The most common side effects include dry mouth, sedation, constipation, and increased appetite, mild blurred vision, tinnitus, occasionally hypomania or mania. An occasional side effect is a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Alcohol may exacerbate some of its side effects. However, fewer and milder side effects occur with nortriptyline than tertiary tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine and amitriptyline. For this reason, nortriptyline is preferred to other tricyclic antidepressants, particularly with older adults, which also improves compliance. — NCATS