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Aventyl

(nortriptyline)

In this factsheet:
• How does Aventyl work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Aventyl?
• What form(s) does Aventyl come in?
• Who should NOT take Aventyl?
• What side effects are possible with Aventyl?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Aventyl?
• What other drugs could interact with Aventyl?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Aventyl work? What will it do for me?

Nortriptyline belongs to the group of medications known as tricylic antidepressants. It is used to treat depression. It works in the central nervous system to elevate the mood of people with depression. It is believed to work by affecting the balance of natural chemicals (called neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Aventyl?

The recommended adult dose ranges from 30 mg to 150 mg daily in divided doses. The usual adult starting dose is 25 mg 3 or 4 times daily. The dosage can be increased until the desired effect is achieved.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Aventyl come in?

10 mg
Each capsule with white, opaque body and yellow, opaque cap with Identi-Code "H 17", contains nortriptyline 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: butylparaben, benzyl alcohol, D&C Yellow No. 10, dimethicone, edetate calcium disodium, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium propionate, starch, and titanium dioxide. This medication does not contain tartrazine.

25 mg
Each capsule with white, opaque body and yellow, opaque cap with Identi-Code "H 19", contains nortriptyline 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: butylparaben, benzyl alcohol, D&C Yellow No. 10, dimethicone, edetate calcium disodium, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium propionate, starch, and titanium dioxide. This medication does not contain tartrazine.

Who should NOT take Aventyl?

Nortriptyline should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to nortriptyline, other antidepressants in the same family (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine), or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has recently had a heart attack
• takes MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) - MAO inhibitors should be stopped at least 2 weeks before nortriptyline treatment is started

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Depression Symptom Checker Tool

The Depression Symptom Checker tool can help you learn about depression. Use this tool to create a list of your symptoms and rate how much the symptoms impact your life on a daily basis. The checklist is divided into 6 symptom categories that are associated with depression. You can also learn more about symptoms of depression here.

For each statement choose a number from 0 to 4 that describes the impact on your daily life, where 4 has the highest impact and 0 has no impact:

• 0 = no impact on daily life/no symptoms
• 1 = mild impact on daily life
• 2 = moderate impact on daily life
• 3 = severe impact on daily life
• 4 = debilitating impact on daily life

It is important to remember that this is not a “score” but a way to help you communicate how much you feel the symptom impacts your daily life. When you finish you will be able to print out your symptoms and share this information with your doctor. Use the Doctor Discussion Guide to prepare for your doctor’s visit.

Rate how much the following symptoms apply to you.

1. Emotions

Depression can affect anyone at any age, although it most commonly appears between 15 and 45 years of age.

I feel a sense of sadness and/or hopelessness

No Impact Mild Moderate Severe Debilitating

0 1 2 3 4

I feel restless and/or irritable

No Impact Mild Moderate Severe Debilitating

0 1 2 3 4

I have lost interest in hobbies and activities I once enjoyed

No Impact Mild Moderate Severe Debilitating

0 1 2 3 4

I have thoughts of self-harm, death, or suicide (if you have these thoughts, please seek medical help immediately)

No Impact Mild Moderate Severe Debilitating

0 1 2 3 4

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2. Fatigue

Serious depression affects about 11% of Canadians at some time in their lives, and about 4% during any given year

I do not have the energy to do the things I need or want to do

No Impact Mild Moderate Severe Debilitating

0 1 2 3 4

I think the lack of energy could be related to depression instead of another health issue

Yes Possibly No

Yes Possibly No

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3. Sleep

During depression treatment, sleep and appetite often improve before your mood improves.(

I am sleeping too much

No Impact Mild Moderate Severe Debilitating

0 1 2 3 4

I am having trouble getting enough sleep

No Impact Mild Moderate Severe Debilitating

0 1 2 3 4

I have other sleep problems that are impacting my life

No Impact Mild Moderate Severe Debilitating

0 1 2 3 4

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4. Weight

Weight loss is considered significant if you gain or lose more than 5% of your body weight within a month.

I have been losing weight recently without trying

No Impact Mild Moderate Severe Debilitating

0 1 2 3 4

I have been gaining weight recently without trying

No Impact Mild Moderate Severe Debilitating

0 1 2 3 4

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5. Thinking and concentrating

Having a close relative with depression, experiencing childhood trauma or the death of a loved one, or worrying a lot about problems may increase the likelihood of experiencing an episode of depression

I have difficulty concentrating

No Impact Mild Moderate Severe Debilitating

0 1 2 3 4

I have difficulty thinking clearly

No Impact Mild Moderate Severe Debilitating

0 1 2 3 4

I have trouble making decisions

No Impact Mild Moderate Severe Debilitating

0 1 2 3 4

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6. Unexplained Aches and Pains

Up to 76% of people with depression also experience physical symptoms, such as headache, stomach pain, and back pain

I am bothered by unexplained aches and pains (headache, stomach pain, other pains)

No Impact Mild Moderate Severe Debilitating

0 1 2 3 4

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