Aventyl

Nortriptyline is used to treat depression. Nortriptyline is in a group of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that are needed to maintain mental balance.

Yes

Dosage Forms & Strengths

capsule

• 10mg
• 25mg
• 50mg
• 75mg

oral solution

• 10mg/5mL

Depression

25mg PO q6-8hr

No more than 150 mg/day

Dosing considerations

• Total daily dose can be given HS
• To discontinue therapy, gradually taper dose to minimize incidence of withdrawal symptoms and allow for detection of re-emerging symptoms

Chronic Urticaria, Nocturnal Pruritus, Angioedema (Off-label)

75mg/day PO

Smoking Cessation (Off-label)

25 mg PO qDay; start 1-2 weeks before quit date; may titrate to 75-100 mg/day 10-28 days prior to selected quit date; titrate dose to 75-100 mg/day; continue therapy for 12 weeks or more after quit day

ADHD (Off-label)

25 mg PO q6-8hr

Postherpetic Neuralgia (Off-label)

10-25 mg PO qHS; may increase q3-5days in 10 mg increments qDay up to 160 mg qHS or divided q12hr if tolerated

Dosing Modifications

Hepatic impairment: Administer lower dose and titrate at a slower rate

Dosage Forms & Strengths

capsule

• 10mg
• 25mg
• 50mg
• 75mg

oral solution

• 10mg/5mL

Depression (Off-label)

<6 years: Safety and efficacy not established

6-12 years: 1-3 mg/kg/day PO divided q6-8hr, OR 10-20 mg/day PO divided q6-8hr 

>12 years: 30-50 mg PO qDay, divided or single dose

See Black Box Warning

Nocturnal Enuresis (Off-label)

6-7 years (20-25 kg): 10 mg PO qHS

8-11 years (26-35 kg): 10-20 mg PO qHS

>11 years (36-54 kg): 25-35 mg PO qHS

ADHD (Off-label)

0.5 mg/kg/day PO, titrated to maximum 2 mg/kg/day or 100 mg, whichever is less

Depression

Initial: 30-50 mg PO qDay or in divided doses

May increase to 75-100 mg/day if tolerated

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Dry mouth.
• Feeling sleepy.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Hard stools (constipation).
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Not hungry.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

LactMed Record Number

314

Last Revision Date

20170411

Disclaimer

Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.