Nortriptyline is an antidepressant forming part of the class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). TCAs inhibit the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain. They are older, but effective, drugs that are less selective than more modern reuptake inhibitors, such as SSRIs. Nortriptyline is prescribed to treat depression and neuralgia, as well as to aid smoking cessation.
Nortriptyline and the benefit of DNA analysis
The rate at which nortriptyline is processed within your body varies from one individual to another. This means that the efficacy and side effects of nortriptyline can be predicted to some extent on the basis of your genes.
Preventive DNA analysis can therefore be an important tool in optimising your medication.
Also known as
Ateben, Avantyl, Demethylamitriptyline, Desmethylamitriptyline, Noritren, Nortriptyline, Psychostyl, Sensaval, Aventyl, Norventyl, Pamelor, Allegron, Norpress, Nortrilen, Sensoval