Nortriprtyline (a Tricyclic antidepressant)

Indications

1. depressive illness
2. nocturnal enuresis of children

Cautions to be considered

1. cardiac diseases (arrhythmias)
2. Epilepsy
3. Pregnancy and breast feeding.
4. Elderly
5. Hepatic impairment
6. Thyroid diseases
7. Phaeochromocytoma
8. History of mania
9. Angle closure glaucoma
10. History of urinary retention

Plasma level of the drug should be monitored if the dose is above 100 mg.

Contraindications (where you have to avoid the drug)

1. recent myocardial infarction
2. arrhythmias (particularly heart block)
3. severe liver disease

Doses

1. depression

Low dose initially increased as necessary to 75-100 mg daily in divided doses or single dose (max. 150 mg daily)

ADOLESCENT and ELDERLY; 30-50 mg daily in divided doses

CHILD; not recommended for depression

2. nocturnal enuresis

CHILD 7 years 10 mg, 8-11years 10-20 mg, over 11 years 25-35 mg, at night; maximum period of treatment (including gradual withdrawal) 3 months, full physical examination before further course.

Preparations

1. tablets; 10 mg, pink