Nortriptyline oral capsule dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes nortriptyline oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for nortriptyline. If you want to know more about nortriptyline oral capsule, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Nortriptyline oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Pamelor. Nortriptyline also comes in an oral solution, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about the oral solution, talk with your doctor.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Nortriptyline has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the end of this article for more information about this warning.

Form and strengths of nortriptyline

Nortriptyline oral capsule comes as follows:

• Forms: oral capsule, which you’ll take by swallowing
• Strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg

Dosage of nortriptyline

This article describes the recommended dosages for nortriptyline oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of nortriptyline oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of nortriptyline in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of nortriptyline oral capsule. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of nortriptyline oral capsule that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for depression

The maximum dosage is 150 mg per day.

For older adults (ages 65 years and older), the recommended dosage is:

• Dose: 30–50 mg
• Frequency: in divided doses, or once per day

Dosage adjustments for nortriptyline

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of nortriptyline oral capsule based on several factors. These include:

• the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
• your age
• other health conditions you may have

Missed dose of nortriptyline

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of nortriptyline oral capsule. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of nortriptyline oral capsule and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about nortriptyline oral capsule and its dosage.

Can nortriptyline be used for sleep, pain, or anxiety? If so, what’s the dosage?

Nortriptyline isn’t approved for sleep, pain, or anxiety. It’s approved to treat depression.

However, in some cases, doctors may prescribe nortriptyline off label for trouble sleeping, pain, or anxiety. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

If you have questions about treatment options for trouble sleeping, pain, or anxiety, talk with your doctor.

Is nortriptyline taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe nortriptyline oral capsule as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take nortriptyline oral capsule, talk with your doctor.

How nortriptyline is taken

You’ll swallow nortriptyline oral capsule one to four times per day. You can take it with or without food. If you take it once a day, you’ll typically take it at bedtime.

You’ll swallow nortriptyline oral capsule whole. Do not chew, split, or crush the capsule. If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time or times each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

Nortriptyline coupon

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Overdose of nortriptyline

It’s important that you do not take more nortriptyline oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of nortriptyline overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• drowsiness
• rigid muscles
• confusion
• hallucinations
• vomiting
• restlessness
• twitching or overreactive reflexes
• dilated pupils
• very low blood pressure
• very high fever
• irregular heart rate
• low body temperature
• heart failure
• seizures
• unresponsive to conversation
• pulmonary edema
• shock

What to do if you take too much nortriptyline

If you think you’ve taken too much nortriptyline, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for nortriptyline oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of nortriptyline oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take nortriptyline oral capsule exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• If I have liver problems, will my dosage of nortriptyline oral capsule be adjusted?
• How does the dosage of nortriptyline oral capsule compare with Pamelor?
• How often will my dosage of nortriptyline oral capsule be adjusted?

Boxed warning for nortriptyline

Nortriptyline has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

People younger than 24 years old have an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors while taking nortriptyline. This risk is greater in those with depression and psychiatric problems. (Nortriptyline isn’t approved for use in children ages 17 years and younger.)

If you have thoughts of suicide while taking nortriptyline, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Or tell your doctor right away. You can also refer to this article for ways to get help or support.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.