Nortriptyline Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Nortriptyline (Pamelor) is a prescription antidepressant medication. It belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Nortriptyline is FDA-approved to treat depression, but it’s also prescribed off-label to treat other conditions, too. Some examples include chronic pain, migraines, and neuropathy (nerve pain).

Below, we’ll cover the recommended nortriptyline dosages for depression. Keep in mind that your healthcare provider may prescribe nortriptyline differently than described below, especially if you’re taking it for an off-label use. It’s best to follow their instructions.

What dosage forms does nortriptyline come in?

Nortriptyline is an oral medication that’s available as capsules or an oral solution. You can take nortriptyline with or without food, and it’s best to take it at the same time(s) every day. 

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Nortriptyline can be prescribed as a once-daily dose or divided into several smaller doses throughout the day. Your provider will work with you to find a dosing schedule that works best for your needs.

Nortriptyline capsules come in the following doses:

• 10 mg

• 25 mg

• 50 mg

• 75 mg

The oral solution contains 10 mg of nortriptyline per 5 mL. It may be a helpful option if you have trouble swallowing pills.

Good to know: Nortriptyline oral solution contains 4% alcohol. This may lead to increased drowsiness. And you may not want to take this dosage form if you’re sensitive to alcohol or prefer to avoid it.

What’s the typical nortriptyline dosage for adults?

The typical nortriptyline dosage depends on your age and other health conditions. Generally, your provider will start you on a low dosage and increase it over time based on your response.

The usual adult nortriptyline dosage for depression is 75 mg to 100 mg daily. Doses over 150 mg per day aren’t recommended. If you’re taking more than 100 mg daily, your provider may want to keep an eye on the amount of nortriptyline in your blood. The optimal blood level is 50 ng/mL to 150 ng/mL.

Dosage adjustment for adults ages 65 and over

The suggested nortriptyline dosage is lower for people who are 65 years old and over. The usual nortriptyline dosage in older adults is 30 mg to 50 mg per day. A lower dose is preferred because older adults are at a greater risk of serious side effects from nortriptyline. And they may not break it down as quickly, which can lead to higher levels in the body.

What’s the typical nortriptyline dosage for adolescents?

The manufacturer’s labeling for nortriptyline states that the medication isn’t approved for children. But it does provide a suggested dose for adolescents. The dose is the same as for adults ages 65 and over — 30 mg to 50 mg per day.

Good to know: The safety and effectiveness of nortriptyline hasn’t been tested in children and adolescents. But we do know that thoughts of suicide are a rare nortriptyline side effect. And this side effect seems to be more likely in people under the age of 25. So it’s a good idea to keep an eye on adolescents taking nortriptyline to watch for any negative changes in behavior.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, you’re not alone, and help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

What happens if you miss a dose of nortriptyline?

It’s possible that you might forget a dose of nortriptyline now and then. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose and take your next one at the normal time. Don’t double up on doses to make up for one you missed.

If you miss more than one dose, or find that you’re forgetting your doses frequently, let your healthcare provider know. They may want to change how you’re taking nortriptyline to help you remember it. You can also try strategies like leaving yourself notes or setting daily reminder alarms. Medication reminder apps can also be helpful.

What should you do if you take too much nortriptyline?

If you take an extra dose of nortriptyline by mistake, it’s not likely to cause a problem. But you may feel more dizzy or drowsy than usual. So it’s best to use caution when driving until you know you can do so safely.

Taking large amounts of nortriptyline can be dangerous. Symptoms of taking too much nortriptyline include confusion, heart rhythm changes, and hallucinations. Trouble breathing, coma, and even death are also possible. If you or someone you know takes a large amount of nortriptyline, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 and notify your healthcare provider. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

How to save on nortriptyline

There are ways to save on nortriptyline, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. GoodRx can help you save over 70% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic nortriptyline’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $4.00 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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