Nortriptyline is a prescription medication used to treat depression and anxiety. As an antidepressant, it is particularly effective in treating major depressive disorder - a condition characterized by persistently depressed mood and loss of interest in daily activities. The CDC estimates that nearly 19 percent of the American population experiences some symptoms of depression over the course of a year.
Nortriptyline isn’t just for treating depression; it may also help you quit smoking, relieve tension and anxiety, and feel more energetic. Patients starting any antidepressant therapy should be monitored for unusual behavior or worsening symptoms. Nortriptyline is not recommended for children.