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CHEMICAL NAME
NORTRIPTYLINE.
INDICATIONS
Pamelor(Nortriptyline) is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression. It may also be used to treat chronic pain and other conditions as determined by your doctor.
DIRECTIONS
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using this drug and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Use this as prescribed. Try to use each dose at the same time(s) each day so you remember to routinely use it. It may take 2 to 3 weeks before the full benefit of this medication becomes apparent. Do not stop using this medication without your doctor's approval. Nausea, headache or fatigue can occur if the drug is suddenly stopped.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose and are taking more than 1 daily: do not take it if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. If you take it once daily at bedtime, do not take it the following morning. Call your doctor. Do not double the dose to catch up.
SIDE EFFECTS
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, increased sun sensitivity or blurred vision. May initially cause dizziness and lightheadedness when rising too quickly from a sitting or lying position. Other side effects include heartburn, loss of appetite, dry mouth, strange taste in mouth, anxiety, restlessness or sweating. If any side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty urinating, nightmares, ringing in the ears, excessive drowsiness, uncoordinated movements, fainting. Taking this medication at bedtime may help minimize side effects. Talk to your doctor about this. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Before using Nortriptyline tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: history or family history of psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), history or family history of suicide attempts, glaucoma, prostate problems, decreased urine output, thyroid disease, breathing problems, seizure problems, alcohol use, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, any drug allergies. Use caution when engaging in tasks requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery. Limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the drowsiness and dizziness effects of this drug. Limit exposure to hot weather as it may lead to heat stroke. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug (e.g., confusion may occur or worsen). This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. The effects on the infant are not known at this time. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include agitation, confusion, hallucinations, fever, irregular movement of the eyes, seizures, change in amount of urine, dry mouth or nose, constipation, large pupils, drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, dizziness, unconsciousness, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, or flushing.
INFORMATION
If your symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine for 4 weeks, inform your doctor. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Inform your doctor about the medicines you take, especially if you take: clonidine, guanadrel, guanethidine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), cimetidine, SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), warfarin, carbamazepine, certain diet pills (e.g., phentermine, fenfluramine), adrenaline-type drugs (e.g., dopamine, ephedrine, epinephrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, isoproterenol- some of which may be found in cough-and-cold or asthma products), narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine), cisapride, St John's wort, heart rhythm drugs (e.g., quinidine, flecainide, propafenone), phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), any other prescription or nonprescription drugs you take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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