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Posted 8/19/2019 9:23 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on 10mg of Nortriptyline for almost 3 weeks. I've found that if I don't get enough sleep I have side effects such as feeling breathless, light headed and dizzy. At times my heart pounds. Today has been really bad that I haven't felt comfortable driving - or really anything else. I've set my alarm as a reminder to take it at 9pm.

My concern is that several times over the next 3 weeks I'm looking after 2 babies (overnights and days) and I don't know what I should do. I'm afraid that if I take my pill that I won't get enough sleep (if any!) and the side effects will be intense like today. Should I skip my dose? At this point it looks like it's 3 overnights in the 3 weeks. What if I take it and it knocks me out that even screaming babies won't wake me?!
Any advice? This is the 4th anti-depressant I've tried this year and by far the most tolerable.

Thank you

Post Edited (U B Tough) : 8/19/2019 3:26:27 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/19/2019 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know if you should just "stop" it. Have you asked the prescribing doctor about this?

The side effects you are getting from the Nortriptyline sound a lot like anxiety. Have you discussed this with the doc?

Before I would skip a dose I would talk to the doctor. Sometimes after taking a medication for a bit, you can have withdrawal effects when not taking a pill. Though you say you have been taking it for three weeks.

I know you are thinking of the baby's safety and you want to be able to hear them, but I really would talk to the prescribing doctor before skipping a dose. Tell them of your concerns.

I wish you the best.

Hugs, Karen...

U B Tough, welcome to the depression forum.
Posted 8/20/2019 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Karen,
My doc suggested I keep at it for another couple of weeks. I hope these side effects subside soon. Today is only marginally better...but I’ve had days without any side effects so I’m finding this strange.

I don’t want to stop this drug as my mood is better & most importantly it’s really helping my crohns!!

Any idea how much more it will take for this to subside?
Posted 8/20/2019 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
Generally side effects from antidepressants subside within 10 days to 2 weeks. Nortriptyline is an older antidepressant I believe, so it shouldn't be much longer. I am glad it is helping with moods and your crohns.

I think you will do alright with the little one too. For some reason at night our hearing is on full alert when babies are involved. Mine is puppies. When I have a puppy around I wake up to the slightest whimper. So I know you will wake up for the babies.

Best wishes and I am happy for you. Hang in there...

Hugs, Karen...
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