LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Nortriptyline: Nortriptyline Hydrochloride
built 632 days ago
Nortriptyline hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant. The mechanism of mood elevation by such tricyclic antidepressants is at present unknown. Nortriptyline hydrochloride is not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). It inhibits the activity of such diverse agents as histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and acetylcholine. It increases the pressor response of noradrenaline but blocks the pressor response of phenethylamine. Studies suggest that nortriptyline hydrochloride interferes with the transport, release, and storage of catecholamines.
Source:
Nortriptyline is a second generation tricyclic antidepressant marketed as the hydrochloride under the trade names Aventyl®, Pamelor® and Nortrilen®. It is used in the treatment of depression and childhood nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting). In addition it is sometimes used for chronic pain modification, migraine, and labile affect in some neurological conditions.
Source:
Nortriptyline hydrochloride is administered orally in the form of tablets. Lower than usual dosages are recommended for elderly patients. The use of lower dosages for outpatients is more important than for hospitalised patients who will be treated under close supervision. The physician should initiate dosage at a low level and increase it gradually, checking the clinical response carefully and noting any evidence of intolerance. Given the propensity of nortriptyline to induce SVT or ECG conduction defects, it is recommended physicians perform pre-treatment ECG's to establish a patient's cardiovascular health status. Following remission, maintenance medication may be required for a longer period of time at the lowest dose that will maintain remission.
Source:
Nortriptyline hydrochloride stops the uptake of serotonin in the nerve endings... increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine available in the brain. This decreases the feeling of depression. Nortriptyline hydrochloride also may increase pain relief when given with opioid analgesics.
Source:
Nortriptyline hydrochloride is not recommended for pediatric patients. Nortriptyline hydrochloride is administered orally in the form of an oral solution. Lower than usual dosages are recommended for elderly patients. The use of lower dosages for outpatients is more important than for hospitalized patients who will be treated under close supervision. The physician should initiate dosage at a low level and increase it gradually, checking the clinical response carefully and noting any evidence of intolerance. Following remission, maintenance medication may be required for a longer period of time at the lowest dose that will maintain remission.
Source:
Nortriptyline may be used to help people quit smoking if they have not been able to quit by using the first-choice medications (nicotine replacement therapy and bupropion hydrochloride). It is not a first-choice medication because it is more likely to cause side effects than bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Nortriptyline Hydrochloride