Nortriptyline (US brand name Pamelor® and generic) is a tricyclic antidepressant. Here is basic information about this medication.
FDA-approved indications
Major depressive disorder
Dosage
Recommended adult dosage: 25 mg orally, 3-4 times per day, or 100 mg once daily
Maximum: 150 mg/day
Elderly: 30–50 mg/day in divided doses or once daily
General Instructions
a) For doses above 100 mg/day, plasma levels of nortriptyline need to be monitored and maintained between 50–150 ng/mL
b) At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI and initiation of therapy with nortriptyline. Conversely, at least 14 days should be allowed after stopping nortriptyline before starting an MAOI.
Dosage forms and strengths
Capsule (Pamelor® and generic): 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg
Oral Solution (generic): 10 mg base/5 mL
Important! Please refer to the full Prescribing Information (see link below) before prescribing this medication.
Related Pages
General
Tricyclic/Tetracyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): An overview
How to choose a tricyclic antidepressant
Which TCA do I usually recommend first?
Which tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are the most effective ones for major depressive disorder (MDD)?
Tertiary amines
Doxepin (Sinequan®): Basic Information
Clomipramine versus SSRIs for OCD
When and how to check the clomipramine level
Secondary amines
How to order and interpret the serum nortriptyline level
References
Nortriptyline Prescribing Information
Copyright 2016, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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