Aventyl: Drug Information

Generic name: Nortriptyline

Brand Name: Nordep, Nortin, Promox, Sensival, Aventil

Drug Class: Tricyclic, Antidepressant

Uses of Aventyl:

Aventyl is a tricyclic antidepressant drug (TCA) and is used to treat various depressive disorders including manic depressive psychosis, neurotic depression, reactive and involutional depression. Aventyl is known as the main metabolite of amitriptyline. It prevents the reuptake of non-adrenaline and serotonin in the brain and is also known for its antimuscarinic and sedative properties.

Indications and dosage:

You must take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor. It is recommended to take Aventyl with food in order to avoid indigestion. Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly as it may result in various side effects or unwanted withdrawal symptoms.

Warning and precautions:

In case you are allergic to Aventyl or any other medicines you must tell your doctor prior to taking the medicine.

This medicine should not be given if the patient is suffering from mania, hypersensitivity, epilepsy or MI.

Pregnant and lactating women must tell their doctor prior to taking Aventyl.

The medicine is not meant to be given to neonates and children below the age of six years.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of high blood pressure, cardiovascular, disease, close angled glaucoma, asthma, diabetes, enlarged prostrate, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disorder or any other illness.

Alcohol should NOT be taken with Aventyl as it may increase its sedative effect.

DO NOT drive or operate heave machinery when taking this medicine.

Drug Interaction:

Aventyl should not be taken if the patient is on mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). There should be a gap of at least 14 days prior to switching over to Aventyl or it may cause severe hyper pyretic reaction with MAOIs.

Aventyl may augment the hypersensitive effect of non-adrenaline and anticoagulant action of caumarins.

Aventyl should be avoided with Phenothiazines as it raises the blood level and interrupts with the anticonvulsant controlling properties of the medicine.

Side Effects:

Some of the most common side effects of Aventyl are nausea, dizziness, confusion, dryness of mouth, constipation, decreased conduction, increased heart rate, lowered seizure control, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, weight changes, skin rash, insomnia, excitement, nocturia, changes in appetite, jaundice, urinary retention, drowsiness, blurred vision, flushing and vomiting.