Pamelor

Pamelor

     * Generic Name: nortriptyline hcl
     * Brand Name: Pamelor


     * What is nortriptyline (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?
     * What are the possible side effects of nortriptyline (Aventyl
       HCl, Pamelor)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       nortriptyline (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       nortriptyline (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?
     * How should I take nortriptyline (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?
     * What should I avoid while taking nortriptyline (Aventyl HCl,
       Pamelor)?
     * What other drugs will affect nortriptyline (Aventyl HCl,
       Pamelor)?
     * Where can I get more information (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?

What is nortriptyline (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?

   Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. Nortriptyline
   affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with
   depression.

   Nortriptyline is used to treat symptoms of depression.

   Nortriptyline may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of nortriptyline (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or
   behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if
   you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless,
   hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts
   about suicide or hurting yourself.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or
       seeing halos around lights;
     * restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * seizure (convulsions);
     * new or worsening chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in
       your chest;
     * sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision, speech, or
       balance;
     * fever, sore throat, easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
     * jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * painful or difficult urination; or
     * high levels of serotonin in the body--agitation,
       hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes,
       nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.

   Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this
   medication.

   Common side effects may include:
     * nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
     * anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia);
     * dry mouth, unusual taste;
     * little or no urinating;
     * constipation;
     * vision changes;
     * breast swelling (in men or women); or
     * decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an
       orgasm.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about nortriptyline
(Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?

   You should not use nortriptyline if you have recently had a heart
   attack, or if you are allergic to certain medicines.

   Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past
   14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue
   injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

   Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an
   antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report
   any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

   Pamelor Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Depression Overview:What is Depression?

   Understanding Depression Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Depression Quiz
   Depression:Tips for Exercise Diet and Stress Reduction

   Depression Tips Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nortriptyline
(Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?

   You should not use nortriptyline if you are allergic to it, or if:
     * you have recently had a heart attack;
     * you are allergic to similar antidepressants (amitriptyline,
       amoxapine, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin,
       imipramine, protriptyline, trimipramine); or
     * you are allergic to certain seizure medications
       (carbamazepine, eslicarbazepine, oxcarbazepine,
       rufinamide).

   Do not use nortriptyline if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past
   14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors
   include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine,
   rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

   To make sure nortriptyline is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have:
     * heart disease, or a history of heart attack, stroke, or
       seizures;
     * bipolar disorder (manic-depression);
     * schizophrenia or other mental illness;
     * liver disease;
     * a thyroid disorder;
     * diabetes (nortriptyline may raise or lower blood sugar);
     * narrow-angle glaucoma; or
     * problems with urination.

   Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an
   antidepressant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular
   visits while you are using nortriptyline. Your family or other
   caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

   It is not known whether nortriptyline will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using
   this medication.

   It is not known whether nortriptyline passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
   baby.

   Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
   Nortriptyline is not approved for use in children.

How should I take nortriptyline (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
   recommended.

   If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are
   using nortriptyline. You may need to stop using the medicine for a
   short time.

   Do not stop using nortriptyline suddenly, or you could have unpleasant
   withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using
   nortriptyline.

   It may take a few weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the
   medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not
   improve.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Pamelor Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Depression Overview:What is Depression?

   Understanding Depression Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Depression Quiz
   Depression:Tips for Exercise Diet and Stress Reduction

   Depression Tips Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222. An overdose of nortriptyline can be fatal.

What should I avoid while taking nortriptyline (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?

   Do not drink alcohol. Nortriptyline can increase the effects of
   alcohol, which could be dangerous.

   This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
   you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

   Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Nortriptyline can make you
   sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen
   (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect nortriptyline (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?

   Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen
   this effect. Ask your doctor before taking nortriptyline with a
   sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine
   for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

   Before taking nortriptyline, tell your doctor if you have used an
   "SSRI" antidepressant in the past 5 weeks, such as citalopram,
   escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, or
   sertraline. You must wait at least 5 weeks after stopping
   fluoxetine (Prozac) before you can take nortriptyline.

   Many drugs can interact with nortriptyline, which may cause unwanted or
   dangerous effects. This includes prescription and over-the-counter
   medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions
   are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all
   medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your
   treatment with nortriptyline. Give a list of all your medicines to any
   healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about nortriptyline.
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