Nortriptyline

Indications

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the relief of symptoms of depression. Endogenous depressions are more likely to be alleviated than are other depressive states.

Dosage and administration (summary)

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Nortriptyline hydrochloride is not recommended for children. Nortriptyline hydrochloride is administered orally in the form of capsules. Lower than usual dosages are recommended for elderly patients and adolescents. Lower dosages are also recommended for outpatients than for hospitalized patients who will be under close supervision. The physician should initiate dosage at a low level and increase it gradually, noting carefully the clinical response and 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.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with nortriptyline hydrochloride or within 14 days of stopping treatment with nortriptyline hydrochloride is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of nortriptyline hydrochloride within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated (see WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Warnings and precautions

WARNINGS Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide.

Storage and supply

HOW SUPPLIED Nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules USP, equivalent to 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg or 75 mg base, are available as follows: Nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules USP, 10 mg: #3 capsules with a white body and an orange cap, imprinted "TEVA" on the cap and "10mg"-"0810" on the body, in bottles of 100, and 500.

Source: Nortriptyline Hydrochloride (Nortriptyline Hydrochloride) — US FDA prescribing information, 2026-01-13, DailyMed. Summarised and shortened; the full label governs. Iranian registration, indications and labelling may differ.