What is Aventyl/Nortriptyline used for?

This medicine is used to treat depression. This medicine may be prescribed to treat chronic hives, premenstrual depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, and bedwetting.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Aventyl/Nortriptyline be stored?

Store below 86 degrees F. Keep container tightly closed.

General drug information:

When should Aventyl/Nortriptyline not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications you are recovering from a recent heart attack you are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor within the last 14 days

What precautions should I follow when taking Aventyl/Nortriptyline?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine (eg, quinidine), nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have heart disease if you have glaucoma if you have difficulty urinating if you have diabetes if you have a history of seizures if you consume large amounts of alcohol if you have an overactive thyroid or you are taking thyroid medication if you have a history of emotional disturbances or thoughts of suicide if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Aventyl/Nortriptyline?

This medicine must be taken regularly to be effective and it may be several weeks before you begin to feel better. Do not skip doses, even if they seem to make no difference. This medicine may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.

What are the side effects of Aventyl/Nortriptyline?

Most severe:  Pounding in the chest; increased heartbeat; chest pain; irregular heartbeat; seizures; confusion with hallucinations and disorientation; delusions; panic; bizarre behavior; tremor; yellowing of the skin or eyes; hostility; swelling of the face and tongue; stroke.

Most common:  Anxiety; restlessness; agitation; nightmares; nausea; vomiting; dry mouth; weight loss or gain; loss of appetite; upset stomach; diarrhea; mouth sores; stomach cramps; numbness; tingling; ringing in the ears; rash; small red spots under the skin; hives; itching; sensitivity to sunlight; abnormal skin sensations; incoordination; weakness; sleeplessness; flushing; movement disorder; drowsiness; tiredness; headache; changes in sex drive; impotence; swelling of the testicles; swelling near the ear; sleeplessness; frequent urination; frequent urination at night.

Other:  Difficulty urinating; pupil dilation; constipation; bad taste in mouth; black tongue; hair loss; sweating; dizziness; breast enlargement; blurred vision.

How should I take Aventyl/Nortriptyline?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the patient leaflet provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Your health care provider will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it. Once the depression has stopped, your health care provider may tell you to continue to take this medication to keep the depression from returning. Contact your health care provider at once if you experience any side effects while taking this medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. Stopping this medicine suddenly after taking it long-term may cause nausea, headache, and general body discomfort. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. This medicine may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other ultraviolet light. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined. Diabetes patients -- This medicine may affect your blood sugar level. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of diabetes medicine you are taking. Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 2 weeks. If you are uncertain whether your other medicines contain an MAO inhibitor, check with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medication without checking with your health care provider. Continue to take it even though you feel better. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medication. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. Do not take more medication than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken too much of this medicine. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.