Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Aventyl (NORTRIPTYLINE)

Aventyl (Nortriptyline) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) small molecule that targets the sodium-dependent noradrenaline transporter. Originally developed and currently owned by Specgx LLC, it was FDA-approved in 1964 for treating depressive disorder. As an off-patent medication, Aventyl is available as a generic from multiple manufacturers. Key safety considerations include its potential for cardiac side effects and interactions with other medications. Aventyl has a half-life of 30 hours and bioavailability of 51%.

At a glance

Approved indications

• Depressive disorder

Boxed warnings

• Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules are not approved for use in pediatric patients (see WARNINGS, Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk; PRECAUTIONS, Information for Patients; and PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use).

Common side effects

• angle-closure glaucoma
• Fatigue

Drug interactions

• pargyline
• paroxetine
• phenelzine
• pimozide
• procarbazine
• quinidine
• rifabutin
• rifampicin
• rifapentine
• ritonavir
• selegiline
• sertraline

Key clinical trials

• Procedural Framing and Epidural Steroid Injection Outcomes (NA)
• Vestibulodynia: Understanding Pathophysiology and Determining Appropriate Treatments (PHASE2)
• An Artificial Intelligence Driven Approach to Optimize Patient Selection for a Transitional Pain Service (PHASE3)
• Management of Acute Tinnitus With Migraine Medications (PHASE4)
• Pediatric Concussion Outcomes (PHASE4)
• Nortriptyline for the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia (PHASE3)
• RCT of Brain Longitudinal Biomarker Study (OPT-Neuro RCT) (PHASE4)
• Optimizing Outcomes of Treatment-Resistant Depression in Older Adults (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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