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Suggest Treatment For Migraine Headaches When On Nortriptyline
Question: I've been prescribed nortriptyline by a neurologist for cephalgia. After being seen by gp, and ent, she did a full examination that was completely normal and determined that I probably had an atypical pain syndrome. I've had migraine headaches for 20 years or so that have been relatively stable. I also have a flow murmur and a bit of what feels like an arrhythmia from time to time with my heart jumping in my chest. The dosage prescribed is 10 mg increasing 10 mg per week if needed up to 70mg.
I'm concerned about side effects of antidepressants, even older class ones. I know this one is typically considered safe for younger people (I'm 37) but I still have reservations about taking it. What are likely side effects and though I know everyone is different, at what dosage are those effects typically experienced?
I'm concerned about side effects of antidepressants, even older class ones. I know this one is typically considered safe for younger people (I'm 37) but I still have reservations about taking it. What are likely side effects and though I know everyone is different, at what dosage are those effects typically experienced?
Brief Answer:
Nortriptyline is fairly safe.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have noted your symptoms and current medication.
Nortriptyline is fairly safe in headaches. The usual starting dose is 10 mg per day usually taken at night. The dose can be gradually increased to 75 mg either taken as one dose at bed time, or split in 3-4 doses per day.
At lower doses (<50 mg per day), generally no side effects are noted. However, mild drowsiness or confusion may occur at times. Also, dry mouth may occur.
At higher doses, 75 mg or higher, additional side effects such as palpitations, low BP, insomnia, sleepiness, confusion, etc may occur.
These side effects are more common in older people. At your age, we do not expect any side effects especially at the dose and titration recommended.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Nortriptyline is fairly safe.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have noted your symptoms and current medication.
Nortriptyline is fairly safe in headaches. The usual starting dose is 10 mg per day usually taken at night. The dose can be gradually increased to 75 mg either taken as one dose at bed time, or split in 3-4 doses per day.
At lower doses (<50 mg per day), generally no side effects are noted. However, mild drowsiness or confusion may occur at times. Also, dry mouth may occur.
At higher doses, 75 mg or higher, additional side effects such as palpitations, low BP, insomnia, sleepiness, confusion, etc may occur.
These side effects are more common in older people. At your age, we do not expect any side effects especially at the dose and titration recommended.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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