Nortriptyline HCL: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Nortriptyline HCL is indicated for the treatment of mental problems such as depression, anxiety, ... to help patients improve mood and happiness, reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, and increase patient's energy level.

1. Uses of Nortriptyline HCL

Nortriptyline HCL is indicated in the treatment of mental problems such as depression, helping to improve mood and happiness, reduce anxiety and stress. At the same time, Nortriptyline increases the patient's energy levels. Nortriptyline works by affecting the balance of certain natural chemicals such as neurotransmitters in the brain. Nortriptyline HCL belongs to the group of tricyclic antidepressants.

2. How to use Nortriptyline HCL

The drug nortriptyline HCL is in the form of a capsule, so it is used orally. However, if using the liquid form, measure the dose carefully with a special measuring device or spoon. Do not use household spoons as this may distort the dosage.
Dosage and duration of medication are based on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment. Usually 1-4 doses per day. To reduce the risk of side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, etc., your doctor may prescribe a low dose at the start of the medication and gradually increase the dose. Use it regularly to get the most benefit. Do not arbitrarily increase or decrease the dose or abuse the drug excessively to prevent side effects from occurring. In addition, the drug may not work immediately, but it takes up to 4 weeks for the patient to feel the effect of the drug.

3. Nortriptyline HCL side effects

Some unwanted effects when using Nortriptyline HCL include:
Dizziness Drowsiness Dry mouth Blurred vision Constipation Difficulty urinating Weight gain In addition, side effects are rare but can lead to serious conditions such as:
Ợ persistent sourness Tremors Muscle spasms Stomach pain, severe abdominal pain Decreased sex drive Enlarged breasts, pain Serotonin toxicity syndrome : because the drug can increase serotonin, the risk is increased if the patient is also taking other similar medications that increase serotonin. Fast, irregular heartbeat Fainting Convulsions Painful eyes red, swollen, pupils dilated, vision changes, such as seeing rainbows around lights at night. Allergic reactions: rash, itching, dizziness, difficulty breathing, ...

4. Precautions when using Nortriptyline HCL

Some notes when using Nortriptyline HCL include:
Use Nortriptyline HCL at the correct dose as prescribed by your doctor Do not stop the drug suddenly without indications: because stopping the drug can cause some symptoms symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, sleep changes, etc. Therefore, when the health is stable, it is still advisable to continue using the drug as prescribed. The drug can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, to reduce that risk patients need to get up slowly when changing from a sitting or lying position to standing. Reduce dry mouth: suck on sugar-free hard candy or shaved ice, chew sugar-free gum, drink water often. Prevent constipation: eat enough fiber, drink enough water and exercise. You may need to take a laxative as prescribed by your doctor. Also, if the patient misses a dose, take it as soon as you remember. In case it is almost time for the next dose, you can skip the missed dose and continue taking your usual dose. Never double the dose or quit completely.

5. Drug interactions

Certain medicines when used with Nortriptyline HCL can cause drug interactions, change the way the medicine works and increase the risk of serious side effects. Some drugs that interact with Nortriptyline HCL include:
Arbutamine Warfarin Disulfiram Thyroid supplements Anticholinergics: belladonna alkaloids High blood pressure medications : clonidine, guanabenz MAO inhibitors: isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene zan, moclobemide , phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine,... When using MAO inhibitors with Nortriptyline can cause serious drug interactions, even leading to death. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medicine. Drugs that increase serotonin: increase the risk of serotonin syndrome including some antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine, paroxetine, duloxetine, venlafaxine), narcotics,... Medicines to treat irregular heartbeats: quinidine, propafenone, flecainidem... Drugs that affect heart rhythm: amiodarone, cisapride, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others. Cimetidine, terbinafine Stimulants: alcohol, beer, marijuana,... Antihistamines: cetirizine, diphenhydramine Sleeping pills, tranquilizers: alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem Muscle relaxants Opioid analgesics: codeine Drugs containing amitriptyline: because nortriptyline is very similar to amitriptyline. In addition, Nortriptyline drug can erroneous test results such as electrocardiogram, liver test, blood clotting level, ... Therefore, to prevent multiple unwanted effects caused by Nortriptyline drug. Patients need to save all prescriptions they are using and inform the doctor about their allergy history as well as existing medical history, so that the doctor can prescribe the appropriate medicine.

6. How to store medicine

It is necessary to store Nortriptyline at room temperature, away from sunlight and moisture. In particular, it should be kept out of reach of small children and household pets. When disposing of old or expired medicine, do not flush the medicine down the toilet or into the domestic wastewater source unless instructed to do so. Dispose of medicinal products properly to protect the environment, or consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
In summary, nortriptyline HCL is a drug indicated in the treatment of mental problems such as depression, helping to improve mood and happiness, reduce anxiety and stress. At the same time, Nortriptyline increases the patient's energy levels. When using nortriptyline medicine can cause some unwanted effects. Therefore, it is necessary to take the drug as prescribed by the doctor, do not arbitrarily increase or decrease the dose or stop the drug, when there are any abnormal symptoms, it is necessary to immediately notify the medical staff for timely treatment.

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REFERENCES: webmd.com