Nortriptyline

Tricyclic antidepressant (low dose for pain)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (low dose for pain) found in 11 medicines sold in India, such as Gabapin NT 400, Gabanyl-NT 400, Laregab NT. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

In low doses, eases nerve pain and helps sleep.

How it works

A tricyclic antidepressant, used at low doses for nerve pain and migraine prevention.

How to take it

Usually 10 to 25 mg at night, increased slowly; pain relief takes 2 to 4 weeks.

Common side effects

  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain
  • Dizziness on standing

Get medical help straight away if

  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Confusion
  • Thoughts of self-harm

Be careful

Causes drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation; dangerous in overdose.

Other medicines and interactions

Dangerous in overdose; keep away from children. More drowsiness with alcohol and sedatives. Serotonin syndrome risk with tramadol, SSRIs and triptans; avoid with MAOIs.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask your doctor; some tricyclics are used in pregnancy and breastfeeding at low doses when needed.

Combination medicines that contain Nortriptyline (11)

Acegaba-NT 400Baga NTGabaloy-NTGabaneuron NT 400Gabantin-NTGabanyl-NT 400Gabapin NT 400Gabator NTLaregab NTPentanerv-NTTrugaba-NT 400

Common questions

What is Nortriptyline used for?

In low doses, eases nerve pain and helps sleep.

How does Nortriptyline work?

A tricyclic antidepressant, used at low doses for nerve pain and migraine prevention.

How should I take Nortriptyline?

Usually 10 to 25 mg at night, increased slowly; pain relief takes 2 to 4 weeks.

What are the side effects of Nortriptyline?

Common: Dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, weight gain, dizziness on standing. Get help straight away for: Fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty passing urine, confusion, thoughts of self-harm.

Does Nortriptyline interact with other medicines?

Dangerous in overdose; keep away from children. More drowsiness with alcohol and sedatives. Serotonin syndrome risk with tramadol, SSRIs and triptans; avoid with MAOIs.

Is Nortriptyline safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Ask your doctor; some tricyclics are used in pregnancy and breastfeeding at low doses when needed.

Does Nortriptyline need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Nortriptyline?

Acegaba-NT 400, Baga NT, Gabaloy-NT, Gabaneuron NT 400, Gabantin-NT, Gabanyl-NT 400, Gabapin NT 400, Gabator NT, Laregab NT, Pentanerv-NT, Trugaba-NT 400.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.