How and when to take nortriptyline

Dosage and how to take nortriptyline

Always follow the instructions that come with your medicine and follow the instructions from your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage and strength

Nortriptyline tablets come in 3 different strengths of 10mg, 25mg or 50mg. Nortriptyline liquid comes in 2 different strengths, containing 10mg or 25mg in a 5ml spoonful.

For nerve pain in adults, the usual starting dose is 10mg once a day. The dose can be gradually increased if you need more pain relief. The maximum dose of nortriptyline for treating pain is 75mg a day, but this is only under the supervision of a pain specialist.

For depression in adults, the dose is increased gradually to between 75mg and 100mg a day. It can be increased to a maximum dose of 150mg a day if a specialist prescribes it.

In older people, the dose is usually increased gradually to between 30mg and 50mg a day. This is because they are more likely to have side effects.

For depression in teenagers, aged 12 to 17 years old, the dose is usually increased gradually to 30mg to 50mg a day. It can be increased to a maximum dose of 150mg a day if a specialist prescribes it.

How to take it

For nerve pain you'll usually take nortriptyline once a day.

For depression you'll usually take it 3 to 4 times a day, but sometimes your doctor will advise taking it once a day.

If you take it once a day, it's best to take it before you go to bed as it can make you feel sleepy. If you find that it's affecting your sleep, you could try taking it earlier in the evening.

This medicine does not usually upset your stomach. You can take it with or without food.

Swallow the tablets whole, with a drink of water. If you chew them, they taste bitter.

Nortriptyline liquid comes with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

How long to take it for

If you take nortriptyline for pain, once your pain is under control you'll probably continue to take it for as long as it's working for you. Some people take it for many months and even for years.

If you take nortriptyline for depression, it's likely you'll take it for several more months once you're feeling better.

Most doctors recommend that you take antidepressants for 6 months to a year after you've stopped feeling depressed. Stopping before then can make depression come back.

Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of continuing to take nortriptyline for more than a few months.

If you forget to take it

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

Stopping nortriptyline

If you stop taking nortriptyline suddenly, you may get withdrawal side effects.

These side effects are a physical reaction as the medicine leaves your body. This may include sweating, feeling or being sick, feeling anxious, headache, feeling weak and difficulty falling asleep.

To help stop this, your doctor may recommend reducing your dose gradually over several weeks, or longer if you have been taking nortriptyline for a long time.

If you take too much

It's important to get medical advice if you take more than your prescribed dose of Nortriptyline.