NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Nortriptyline

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) approved for major depressive disorder. The active metabolite of amitriptyline with a more favorable side effect profile, including less sedation and anticholinergic burden. Commonly used for neuropathic pain and migraine prophylaxis. Has a well-defined therapeutic window (50–150 ng/mL serum levels) and is better tolerated than amitriptyline, making it the preferred TCA in many clinical settings. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 1994–2026
Interactions
0
Depletes
1 nutrient
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) approved for major depressive disorder. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 25–150 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete sodium. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Depression symptom relief
  • Neuropathic pain relief8
  • Migraine prophylaxis
  • Better tolerated than amitriptyline
  • Well-defined therapeutic drug levels7
What to watch for
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Recent myocardial infarction

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: depression symptom relief, neuropathic pain relief, migraine prophylaxis. 10 sources indexed (1994–2026), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Primarily inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine (NET blockade) with secondary serotonin reuptake inhibition (SERT blockade). Compared to amitriptyline, has greater NET selectivity and reduced antihistaminic, anticholinergic, and alpha-1 adrenergic antagonism, contributing to its improved tolerability.

Class
Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)
Absorption
Fat-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
25–150 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Capsule or oral solution

Can be taken with or without food. May be taken at bedtime to minimize daytime sedation. Therapeutic drug monitoring available (target 50–150 ng/mL).

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

Sodium

Moderate

Antidepressant-associated SIADH can increase renal free-water retention and dilute serum sodium, producing hyponatremia.

Monitor Serum sodiumOnset Often within the first 2 to 4 weeks; can occur later
Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Sedation
  • Urinary retention
  • Weight gain
  • Orthostatic hypotension

Contraindications

  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Recent myocardial infarction
  • Known hypersensitivity to nortriptyline1,2
  • Severe cardiac conduction defects
  • Concurrent use of cisapride
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

1

Randomized controlled trials

1

Reviews & position papers

4

Reference material

4
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Nortriptyline, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Nortriptyline?

Prescription tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) approved for major depressive disorder. The active metabolite of amitriptyline with a more favorable side effect profile, including less sedation and anticholinergic burden. Commonly used for neuropathic pain and migraine prophylaxis. Has a well-defined therapeutic window (50–150 ng/mL serum levels) and is better tolerated than amitriptyline, making it the preferred TCA in many clinical settings. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Nortriptyline used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Nortriptyline include: Depression symptom relief; Neuropathic pain relief; Migraine prophylaxis; Better tolerated than amitriptyline; Well-defined therapeutic drug levels. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Nortriptyline?

A typical adult dose of Nortriptyline is 25–150 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Capsule or oral solution. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Nortriptyline?

Reported side effects include dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, sedation, urinary retention, weight gain. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Nortriptyline?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Nortriptyline in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.