1. Does nortriptyline help you sleep?
Yes. Apart from depression, nortriptyline is effective in improving sleep. Take a single tablet (25 mg) each night for one week an hour before bedtime. If there is no change in the pain at this low dosage, increase the intake by one tablet to a total of 50 mg at bedtime.
2. Can nortriptyline cause kidney problems?
No studies have indicated if nortriptyline causes kidney damage. However, this medication is not recommended for the age group of 18-60. If you have an existing history of liver or kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and seizures, refrain from taking this drug. Consult your doctor regarding the correct dosage and possible alternatives.
3. How to stop taking nortriptyline?
You may experience severe withdrawal symptoms if you stop nortriptyline suddenly. Reduce the dosage gradually. Your doctor will taper it over weeks to months to prohibit painful side effects from occurring. For deteriorating mood symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, sleep troubles, serotonin syndrome, eye pain, or vision problems, seek immediate help.
4. Why avoid alcohol with nortriptyline?
Consuming alcohol with nortriptyline, especially during the initial stages of treatment, can trigger severe side effects or even cause death. It can result in drowsiness, memory issues, concentration troubles, and put you at risk of physical danger like falls and other accidents. It can also trigger agitation, aggression, anxiety, panic, and forgetfulness.
5. Can nortriptyline cause weight gain?
Yes. As per a study, antidepressants such as nortriptyline are associated with moderate weight gain. Few patients witnessed an increase of 1.3-2.9 lbs/month for 6 months, depending on their dosage and duration. This can also intervene with your ability to keep up with maintenance therapy in the long term.
6. Does nortriptyline cause hair loss?
Not all the side effects listed above in this article will occur. However, you may experience some rare side effects like hair thinning and hair loss temporarily as your body adjusts to the medication. Some antidepressants – like nortriptyline – can diminish your vitamin B and hemoglobin levels, which hampers hair growth.
7. Is nortriptyline used for anxiety?
Yes. Nortriptyline belongs to the family of tricyclic antidepressants. Its chief uses lie in treating and lowering symptoms of mental and mood disorders such as depression. Additionally, it may also enhance feelings of well-being and boost your energy levels, thus reducing anxiety and panic. It has a calming effect on the brain.
8. Is nortriptyline a muscle relaxer?
Yes. Nortriptyline is prescribed to relieve one from pain. As per a study, nortriptyline can effectively relax the vascular smooth muscles of precontracted arteries due to noradrenaline or KCl. Nortriptyline is an effective inhibitor of contractions resulting from the nervous system. However, overdose can lead to muscle tremors and stiffness.
9. Who should not take nortriptyline?
Avoid taking nortriptyline if you:
- Have a recent history of heart attack
- Have used MAO inhibitors in the past 14 days (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, and tranylcypromine)
- Are below 18 years
- Are breastfeeding, have had recent surgeries, or have allergies
Consult your doctor before proceeding to take nortriptyline.
10. Does nortriptyline affect memory?
Antidepressants can often temporarily cause memory troubles during the treatment. As per a study, many participants experienced delayed recognition, lower performance levels, inability to retrieve recently learned information, and poor recall. Discontinuation of the medication led to superior and enhanced memory for many individuals.
Reach out to our team of experts at Yashoda Hospitals with your queries on dosage and precautions, side effects, and all uses of nortriptyline. We will be able to provide you with the most suitable treatment and assist you with all your medical needs.
