Brand Name

Aventyl {Lilly}

Generic Name

nortriptyline, pronounced nor-TRIP-ti-leen

What is Aventyl?

Aventyl is an antidepressant that is prescribed to treat depression. Aventyl is a tricyclicantidepressant, and it is thought to work by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in yourbrain which can help elevate your mood.

Key Facts About Aventyl

You should not take Aventyl if you are currently taking thioridazine (Mellaril), or an MAOinhibitor like furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline(Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You could sufferfrom a dangerous drug interaction if you take any of the above medications along withAventyl.

When you first start taking Aventyl you may have thoughts about suicide, especially if you areyounger than 24 years of age. You must tell your doctor if you have these thoughts, and be sureto keep regular appointments with your physician, particularly for the first 3 months oftreatment.

If you have any new or worsening symptoms, like mood changes, panic attacks, trouble sleeping,impulsiveness, irritability, aggression, hyperactivity, or thoughts of suicide or harmingyourself tell your doctor immediately.

You should avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Aventyl as it may increase your risk ofliver damage.

Be aware that Aventyl may impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful whendriving or doing anything which requires you to be alert, especially when you first startAventyl.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Aventyl has not been given aFDA pregnancy category. It is not known whether Aventyl will harm an unborn baby. It is also not
known if Aventyl can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctorbefore you start breast-feeding while taking Aventyl.

Before You Take Aventyl

If you are allergic to nortriptyline you should not take Aventyl.

If you take a medicine that contains methylene blue you should not take Aventyl.

Do not take Aventyl if you are recovering from a heart attack.

Tell your doctor if you are currently taking an MAO inhibitor like furazolidone (Furoxone),isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam,Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You will need to wait at least 14 days after stoppingyour MAO inhibitor before you can take Aventyl..

If you have a thyroid disorder or untreated or uncontrolled glaucoma you may not be able totake Aventyl.

Tell your doctor before starting Aventyl if you have liver disease, heart disease, seizures,diabetes, porphyria or difficulty urinating.

You should inform your doctor if you have previously been diagnosed as manic depressive,bipolar, or if you have had a history of suicidal thoughts or drug abuse.

If you are undergoing electroshock therapy; or you are scheduled to have any surgery youshould tell your doctor before starting treatment with Aventyl.

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to medications, foods or other substances beforeyou take Aventyl.

Older adults, like senior citizens, may be more sensitive to the side effects of Aventyl.

Aventyl Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• antifungal medications, like fluconazole
• cimetidine
• duloxetine
• flecainide
• methylphenidate
• mibefradil
• phenothiazines (chlorpromazine)
• propafenone
• quinidine
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like fluoxetine
• terbinafine

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Aventyl. You should tell yourdoctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins,supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking anew medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Aventyl

You should take Aventyl exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Aventyl in larger orsmaller amounts, or for shorter or longer than recommended. Follow the directions on yourprescription label.

You should take Aventyl at the same time every day.

Take Aventyl with or without food.

It may take at least 4 weeks or longer before your symptoms improve while you are takingAventyl. Continue using Aventyl as your doctor has directed . Do not stop using Aventyl withoutconsulting your doctor, as you may experience adverse side effects if you stop taking thismedication suddenly.

Aventyl needs to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Aventyl you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as youremember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dosein addition to your regular dose.

Aventyl Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Aventyl and seekemergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of your face, lips, throator tongue
• aggressive, agitated or hostile behavior
• anxiety or panic attacks
• chest pain
• confusion
• depression that has increased
• ear ringing
• faint feeling
• fever
• hallucinations
• increased, decreased or irregular heartbeat
• insomnia or trouble sleeping
• jaundice
• seizures
• suicidal thoughts or thoughts about hurting yourself
• swelling of your testicles
• uncontrolled movements
• urination that is frequent or difficult
• vision changes, such as blurry vision

Less serious side effects of Aventyl may include:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• impotence
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• nightmares
• sensitivity to sunlight
• sweating that has increased
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• weakness
• weight changes

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Aventyl. Youshould contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Aventyl Description and Dosing

Aventyl is available in 10 mg and 25 mg capsules. The 10 mg capsules have a white opaque bodyand a yellow opaque cap, with Identi-Code “H 17” on it. The 25 mg capsules have a white opaquebody and yellow opaque cap, with Identi-Code “H 19” on it.

The dose of Aventyl is based on each individual. Your doctor will tell you what dose ofAventyl is right for you and will treat your condition effectively. Do not attempt to alter orchange your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Aventyl you should seek emergency helpimmediately.

Ingredients in Aventyl

The primary active ingredient in Aventyl is nortriptyline. The 10 mg capsules also containbutylparaben, benzyl alcohol, D&C Yellow No. 10, dimethicone, edetate calcium disodium,FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodiumpropionate, starch, and titanium dioxide. The 25 mg tablets also containbutylparaben, benzyl alcohol, D&C Yellow No. 10, dimethicone, edetate calcium disodium,FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodiumpropionate, starch, and titanium dioxide. This medication does not contain tartrazine.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

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