- Dry mouth
- Excessive sweating
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Headache
- Tremor
- Dizziness
For the full list of side effects, check the patient package insert that comes with your medication.
Authorised and Regulated by:
2-5 day shipping by secure courier
Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.
Last updated on September 22, 2026.
Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that helps treat depression.
2-5 day shipping by secure courier
Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.
Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that helps treat depression. Unlike SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which primarily target serotonin, tricyclic antidepressants have a broader effect on the brain, which increases the risk of side effects. But they can be beneficial for people if SSRIs didn’t work for them. It comes in three strengths, and you typically take 10 mg three times a day.
Nortriptyline works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters important for regulating mood.
Serotonin affects your mood, sleep, and overall well-being, while norepinephrine regulates stress, anxiety, and mood. Low levels of both neurotransmitters can cause symptoms of depression.
By blocking the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, higher levels remain in the brain, which improves your mood and overall well-being.[1]
Nortriptyline comes in three strengths of 10 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg. You typically start on a low dose of 10 mg three times a day, and if necessary, it may be increased to a higher dose of 75 mg to 100 mg. Older adults will start on a lower dose because they can be more sensitive to the medication. Your healthcare provider will determine the best dose for you based on your symptoms and how well the drug is working for you.

How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, weโll tell you where this came from. And weโll only present data as clinically reliable if itโs come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Swallow the tablet whole with water. It can be taken with or without food. It’s best to take the tablet at the same time each day for optimal effectiveness.
If you’re taking multiple doses daily, split them evenly throughout the day. If you’re unsure how to take it, you can contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Nortriptyline is absorbed relatively quickly, but it can take a few weeks or even months for your mood and symptoms to improve. This is because, although the medication is absorbed, it may take time to build a steady concentration of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain to produce a noticeable effect. You should continue taking Nortriptyline even if you don’t feel better right away. If, after 12 weeks, you feel no difference, contact your healthcare provider.

How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, weโll tell you where this came from. And weโll only present data as clinically reliable if itโs come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Nortriptyline isnโt suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.
Hereโs all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our healthcare provider know, and they can talk with you about it.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you canโt find what youโre looking for.
Last updated on Sep 22, 2026.
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Sep 22, 2026
Published by: The Treated Content Team. Medically reviewed by: Dr Daniel Atkinson, Clinical ReviewerHow we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, weโll tell you where this came from. And weโll only present data as clinically reliable if itโs come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
All from the comfort of your device. Get access to what you need, when you need it.
Ask questions and get expert recommendations, at the touch of a button.
We'll narrow down some treatments for you to choose from based on your medical profile.
Receive your treatment by express delivery, in discreet packaging.
Set your own delivery schedule and pause or make changes any time you like.
Get to know our clinical team. They review our info, prescribe and dispense your treatments.
Registered with NPI (No. 1043478878)
Meet Joseph
Registered with NPI (No. 1376740092)
Meet Rami
Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet Craig
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet DanielIt's working
Was easy for me to get generic chantix. I wanted to quit smoking and this helped me. I am a week cigarette free today. Iโd recommend using treated.
very good and reliable
I was very satisfied
They worked and were super good
Hyperpigmentation can have many causes, including pregnancy, acne, and birth control pill use. Find โฆ
Understand the difference between low testosterone levels and aging. Find out the causes of low testโฆ
Understand why you canโt take WLI with a BMI of 25, and how it may affect your health.โฆ
We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
Clinical Reviewer
Dr Daniel is a UK doctor who reviews medical content across the site to make sure it's clinically accurate. On specific pages he's reviewed you'll see his reviewer card.
Meet DanielHow we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, weโll tell you where this came from. And weโll only present data as clinically reliable if itโs come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
By clicking 'Subscribe now' you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
We couldn't find what you're looking for.
Here's everything we treat. Or, if you're looking for something we don't have yet, you can suggest something.