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Nortriptyline Fact Sheet

Description of Product:
Nortriptyline, also known as Aventyl®, is generally prescribed to treat depression; however nortriptyline has been prescribed to assist with smoking cessation when the first line medications do not work. The use of nortriptyline for smoking cessation has not been approved by the FDA.
 
Dosing:
The first dose of nortriptyline is provided approximately 10–28 days before a quit attempt at a dose of 25 mg daily, increasing gradually to a target dose of 75–100 mg per day and continuing for 12 weeks.
 
Side Effects:
Side effects may include:
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Lightheadedness
  • Blurred vision
  • Urine retention
  • Tremor
 
Precautions:
This fact sheet was created to give you a general understanding of this medication. Please note that this fact sheet may not provide you with all the information you need to make a decision about using this medication. Always read the instructions on the package carefully and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a severe medical problem, talk with your doctor before starting any new medication.
 
Special Precautions:
Nortriptyline has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of nicotine addiction. Doctors sometimes prescribe this drug to help people quit smoking when the first medication they try does not help.

References: Information in the medication guide and fact sheets is from a variety of sources, such as product information guides; manufacturers' Web sites, medical Web sites, and articles in the medical literature, including Corelli RL & Hudman KS. Pharmacologic interventions for smoking cessation, Crit Care Nurs Clin N Am 2006;18, 39–51.


NCI NIH HHS USA.gov