Who can and cannot take nortriptyline

Most adults can take nortriptyline. Teenagers aged 12 to 17 years old can take it for depression.

Nortriptyline is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, check with your doctor before starting to take nortriptyline if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to nortriptyline or any other medicine
• have a heart problem – nortriptyline can make some heart problems worse
• have liver or kidney problems
• have epilepsy or are having electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) – nortriptyline can increase your risk of seizures or fits
• have ever taken any medicines for depression – some antidepressants can affect the way nortriptyline works, even after you've stopped taking them
• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
• have glaucoma – nortriptyline can increase the pressure in your eye
• have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life
• have type 1 or type 2 diabetes – if you have diabetes, nortriptyline may affect your blood sugar levels. If you usually test your blood sugar level, you may have to do this more often for the first few weeks of treatment. Talk to your diabetes nurse or doctor if the reading is high or low