Side Effects of nortriptyline: A Synthesis of Findings from 26 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Nortriptyline is a medication used for treating depression, neuropathic pain, and even aiding in smoking cessation. While studies have demonstrated its potential benefits, 16 found that nortriptyline combined with nicotine replacement therapy was more effective in helping smokers quit than a placebo and nicotine replacement therapy. 12 suggests that nortriptyline can be helpful in managing nicotine addiction. However, as with many medications, it is important to be aware of potential side effects, as they can limit its use. 13 highlights various side effects associated with nortriptyline, while 22 presents a case study of nortriptyline abuse, illustrating a less common but important consideration.

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of nortriptyline are often tied to its mechanism of action. Nortriptyline works by preventing the reabsorption of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps alleviate depression symptoms. However, this mechanism can also influence other neurotransmitters, leading to potential side effects. Additionally, nortriptyline can impact the heart and digestive system. 23 documents a case where a patient experienced a Brugada syndrome-like pattern due to nortriptyline overdose, illustrating its potential effects on the heart's electrical activity.

Common Side Effects

Drowsiness

Drowsiness is a common side effect of nortriptyline. 16 notes the possibility of nortriptyline causing drowsiness. 13 also mentions drowsiness as a potential side effect of this medication.

Dry Mouth

Nortriptyline can cause dry mouth. 10 reports dry mouth as a side effect of nortriptyline.

Constipation

Nortriptyline can cause constipation. 10 reports constipation as a side effect of nortriptyline.

Sweating

Nortriptyline can cause sweating. 10 reports sweating as a side effect of nortriptyline.

Insomnia

Nortriptyline can cause insomnia. 10 reports insomnia as a side effect of nortriptyline.

Anxiety

Nortriptyline can cause anxiety. 13 reports anxiety as a side effect of nortriptyline.

Weight Gain

Nortriptyline can cause weight gain. 13 reports weight gain as a side effect of nortriptyline.

Sexual Dysfunction

Nortriptyline can cause sexual dysfunction. 13 reports sexual dysfunction as a side effect of nortriptyline.

Dizziness

Nortriptyline can cause dizziness. 13 reports dizziness as a side effect of nortriptyline.

Tremor

Nortriptyline can cause tremor. 13 reports tremor as a side effect of nortriptyline.

Headache

Nortriptyline can cause headache. 13 reports headache as a side effect of nortriptyline.

Side Effect Countermeasures

Drowsiness

You should avoid driving or operating machinery while taking nortriptyline. 16 states that you should avoid driving or operating machinery while taking nortriptyline.

Dry Mouth

If you are concerned about dry mouth, drink plenty of water. 10 recommends drinking plenty of water if you are concerned about dry mouth.

Constipation

If you are concerned about constipation, eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of fluids. 10 recommends eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of fluids if you are concerned about constipation.

Sweating

If you are concerned about sweating, wear loose-fitting clothing and stay hydrated. 10 recommends wearing loose-fitting clothing and staying hydrated if you are concerned about sweating.

Insomnia

If you are concerned about insomnia, try to relax before bed. 10 recommends trying to relax before bed if you are concerned about insomnia.

Anxiety

If you are concerned about anxiety, talk to your doctor. 13 recommends talking to your doctor if you are concerned about anxiety.

Weight Gain

If you are concerned about weight gain, talk to your doctor. 13 recommends talking to your doctor if you are concerned about weight gain.

Sexual Dysfunction

If you are concerned about sexual dysfunction, talk to your doctor. 13 recommends talking to your doctor if you are concerned about sexual dysfunction.

Dizziness

If you are concerned about dizziness, talk to your doctor. 13 recommends talking to your doctor if you are concerned about dizziness.

Tremor

If you are concerned about tremor, talk to your doctor. 13 recommends talking to your doctor if you are concerned about tremor.

Headache

If you are concerned about headache, talk to your doctor. 13 recommends talking to your doctor if you are concerned about headache.

Comparison between Studies

Commonalities among Studies

Many studies have shown that nortriptyline is an effective drug. 16 , 12 state that nortriptyline is effective in smoking cessation and treating nicotine addiction. Some studies have shown that nortriptyline is effective in treating depression. 10 shows that nortriptyline is effective in treating depression.

Differences among Studies

The side effects of nortriptyline may vary from study to study. 16 reports drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation as side effects of nortriptyline. 10 reports dry mouth, constipation, and sweating as side effects of nortriptyline. 13 reports drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, sweating, insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, dizziness, tremor, and headache as side effects of nortriptyline. Thus, the side effects of nortriptyline may vary from study to study. This may be due to differences in the study population or research methods.

Things to Keep in Mind When Applying to Real Life

Nortriptyline is used for a variety of purposes, including depression, neuropathic pain, and smoking cessation aid. However, nortriptyline can cause side effects, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it. In particular, if you are performing activities that require caution, such as driving or operating machinery, you should avoid these activities while taking nortriptyline. 16 states that you should avoid driving or operating machinery while taking nortriptyline.

Limitations of Current Research

Although much research has been conducted on nortriptyline, there are still points that are not fully understood. For example, the side effects of nortriptyline may vary from person to person. Also, sufficient research has not yet been conducted on the long-term effects of nortriptyline. 13 states that sufficient research has not yet been conducted on the long-term effects of nortriptyline.

Future Research Directions

Future research on nortriptyline needs to further investigate the side effects of nortriptyline. Research on the long-term effects of nortriptyline is also needed. 13 states that research on the long-term effects of nortriptyline is also needed.

Conclusion

Nortriptyline is an effective drug, but it can cause side effects. If you are taking nortriptyline, it is important to talk to your doctor and understand the side effects. 16 , 12 , 10 , 13 , 22 , 23 are among many studies on nortriptyline. These studies have revealed that nortriptyline is an effective drug, but it can cause side effects. If you are taking nortriptyline, it is important to talk to your doctor and understand the side effects.

Literature analysis of 26 papers
Positive Content
23
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
3
Article Type
6
2
2
8
25
1.

Amitriptyline or not, that is the question: pharmacogenetic testing of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 identifies patients with low or high risk for side effects in amitriptyline therapy.

Author: SteimerWerner, ZöpfKonstanze, von AmelunxenSilvia, PfeifferHerbert, BachoferJulia, PoppJohannes, MessnerBarbara, KisslingWerner, LeuchtStefan

Improved therapy response
Adverse effects

Amitriptyline is a common antidepressant, but its tolerability and effectiveness can vary greatly. This study examines the relationship between genetic factors, drug levels, and adverse events associated with amitriptyline treatment.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

2.

Nortriptyline for smoking cessation: a review.

Author: HughesJohn R, SteadLindsay F, LancasterTim

Smoking cessation
Adverse events

This paper reviews the efficacy of nortriptyline for smoking cessation. The study found that nortriptyline doubles quit rates, with a magnitude of effect similar to bupropion and nicotine replacement therapies. However, the potential for serious side effects in healthy smokers remains unclear and further research is needed.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

3.

Combination pharmacotherapy for the treatment of neuropathic pain in adults.

Author: ChaparroLuis Enrique, WiffenPhilip J, MooreR Andrew, GilronIan

Improved analgesic efficacy
Reduced side effects

Combining different drugs for neuropathic pain treatment may improve analgesic efficacy and reduce side effects. This is particularly relevant as current medications are often associated with limited efficacy and dose-related adverse effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

4.

Geriatrics on beers criteria medications at risk of adverse drug events using real-world data.

Author: ShinHyunah, KimNanyeong, ChaJaehun, KimGrace Juyun, KimJu Han, KimJong-Yeup, LeeSuehyun

Safety concern
Side effects

Beers Criteria medications (BCMs) are often used appropriately under unavoidable circumstances despite potential side effects and safety concerns in elderly patients.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

A secondary analysis of PAIN-CONTRoLS: Pain's impact on sleep, fatigue, and activities of daily living.

Author: BhaiSalman F, BrownAlexandra, GajewskiByron, KimminauKim S, WaitmanLemuel R, PasnoorMamatha, BarohnRichard J,

Neuropathy treatment
Quality of life improvement

This study aims to assess the impact of four medications, nortriptyline, duloxetine, pregabalin, and mexiletine, on pain, sleep, and fatigue in patients with cryptogenic sensory polyneuropathy (CSPN). The authors recognize the significant impact of peripheral neuropathies on patients' quality of life and seek to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments in addressing those concerns.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

6.

Domestic abuse of the European rave drug prolintane.

Author: KylePatrick B, DaleyWilliam P

Death
Hallucinations
Insomnia
Irritability
Nervousness
Psychosis

Prolintane is a stimulant drug that is not available in the United States. This report describes the first two documented cases of prolintane abuse in the United States. Prolintane can cause symptoms similar to amphetamines and may not be detected by routine drug screens.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

7.

Nortriptyline and gabapentin, alone and in combination for neuropathic pain: a double-blind, randomised controlled crossover trial.

Author: GilronIan, BaileyJoan M, TuDongsheng, HoldenRonald R, JacksonAlan C, HouldenRobyn L

Neuropathic pain treatment
Dry mouth

Combined gabapentin and nortriptyline seems to be more efficacious than either drug given alone for neuropathic pain.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

8.

Pharmacogenomics in chronic pain therapy: from disease to treatment and challenges for clinical practice.

Author: YamamotoPriscila Akemi, Conchon CostaAna Carolina, LaurettiGabriela Rocha, de MoraesNatália Valadares

Chronic pain management

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) can play a valuable role in chronic pain management by guiding treatment decisions based on individual genetic variations. However, there are challenges in implementing PGx in clinical practice.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

9.

Identifying Molecular Targets for New Drug Development for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: What Does the Future Hold?

Author: BarnesPeter J

COPD treatment
Side effects

This review discusses the need for more effective therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that target the underlying inflammatory disease process.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

10.

The clinical efficacy and side-effects of mianserin and nortriptyline in depressed out-patients: a double-blind randomized trial.

Author: HocJ

Antidepressant action
Side effects

Mianserin and nortriptyline were both effective antidepressants. However, mianserin was much better tolerated, with significantly fewer side effects such as tachycardia, dry mouth, constipation, sweating, insomnia, agitation, and edema.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

11.

Effect of Information Intervention on Prescribing Practice for Neuropathic Pain in Older Patients: A Nationwide Register-Based Study.

Author: AhomäkiIiro, BöckermanPetri, PehkonenJaakko, SaastamoinenLeena

Improved medication management

The study addresses the challenge of managing prescription medicines in older patients with multiple chronic conditions. The paper proposes a policy intervention to mitigate the harms caused by Potentially Inappropriate Medications by providing physicians with accurate and up-to-date information about national clinical guidelines.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

12.

Targeting nicotine addiction: the possibility of a therapeutic vaccine.

Author: Escobar-ChávezJosé Juan, Domínguez-DelgadoClara Luisa, Rodríguez-CruzIsabel Marlen

Smoking cessation

Nicotine vaccines are a promising new approach to smoking cessation. They work by preventing nicotine from reaching the brain, thereby reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Three anti-nicotine vaccines are currently in clinical trials, and they are expected to be available on the market by 2012.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

13.

New trends in the treatment of nicotine addiction.

Author: Sliwińska-MossońMariola, ZieleńIwona, MilnerowiczHalina

Nicotine addiction treatment
Side effects

This study discusses the therapeutic substances used to treat nicotine addiction, not registered in Poland. The article reviews the latest clinical trials on various medications, including clonidine, nortriptyline, venlafaxine, fluoxetine, moclobemide, rimonabant, anxiolytics, and beta-blockers, for treating nicotine addiction. The study also explores the potential of nicotine vaccines for preventing and treating nicotine addiction.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

16.

Nortriptyline plus nicotine replacement versus placebo plus nicotine replacement for smoking cessation: pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

Author: AveyardPaul, JohnsonCarol, FillinghamSally, ParsonsAmanda, MurphyMike

Prolonged abstinence
Reduced anxiety
Reduced depression
Constipation
Dry mouth
Shakiness
Sweating

Nortriptyline and nicotine replacement therapy are both effective for smoking cessation, but the effect of the combination is less than either alone.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

17.

Tricyclic and related drugs for nocturnal enuresis in children.

Author: CaldwellPatrina H Y, SureshkumarPremala, WongWicky C F

Enuresis treatment
Adverse effects
Dizziness
Gastrointestinal discomforts
Headache
Mood changes
Neutropenia

Tricyclics are effective at reducing the number of wet nights during treatment, but do not have a sustained effect after treatment stops. Alarm therapy has better short- and long-term outcomes. Tricyclics combined with anticholinergics may be more effective that tricyclic monotherapy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

18.

Correlation of subjective side effects with plasma concentrations of nortriptyline.

Author: AsbergM, CronholmB, SjöqvistF, TuckD

Side effects

Plasma levels of nortriptyline varied among 40 psychiatric inpatients but were stable within individuals. Side effects decreased over time and were correlated with plasma levels.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

19.

An OMOP-CDM based pharmacovigilance data-processing pipeline (PDP) providing active surveillance for ADR signal detection from real-world data sources.

Author: ShinHyunah, LeeSuehyun

Drug safety surveillance

The study developed a pharmacovigilance data-processing pipeline using electronic health records and spontaneous reporting system data to explore drug safety signals.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

21.

Venlafaxine versus nortriptyline in the treatment of elderly depressed inpatients: a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial.

Author: KokRob M, NolenWillem A, HeerenThea J

Improved depression
Side effects

Venlafaxine and nortriptyline were equally effective and well tolerated in elderly inpatients with severe depression.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

22.

Nortriptyline Abuse: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Author: MillerJohn Jeffrey, WhitingWilliam L, CatalanoGlenn, SanchezDeborah L

Drug abuse

Tricyclic antidepressants, particularly the tertiary amines, can be abused for their euphoric effects. This article reviews the literature on tricyclic antidepressant abuse and presents a case of a patient abusing nortriptyline, a secondary amine.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

26.

A randomized trial of nortriptyline combined with transdermal nicotine for smoking cessation.

Author: ProchazkaAllan V, KickSteven, SteinbrunnConnie, MiyoshiThomas, FryerGeorge E

Smoking cessation
Dry mouth
Sedation

Nortriptyline combined with transdermal nicotine may be an option for smokers who have not been successful with standard smoking cessation therapy.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.

Language : English

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