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Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li)

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li) is a Tricyclic antidepressant + mood stabilizer combination Small molecule drug developed by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). It is currently FDA-approved for Major depressive disorder (particularly treatment-resistant depression), Bipolar disorder depression.

Nortriptyline inhibits norepinephrine reuptake while lithium modulates intracellular signaling pathways, together enhancing monoaminergic neurotransmission and stabilizing mood.

Nortriptyline inhibits norepinephrine reuptake while lithium modulates intracellular signaling pathways, together enhancing monoaminergic neurotransmission and stabilizing mood. Used for Major depressive disorder (particularly treatment-resistant depression), Bipolar disorder depression.

At a glance

Generic nameNortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li)
SponsorNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Drug classTricyclic antidepressant + mood stabilizer combination
TargetNorepinephrine transporter (NET); inositol monophosphatase and GSK-3
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaPsychiatry / Mental Health
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic neuron, increasing its synaptic availability. Lithium augments this effect by inhibiting inositol monophosphatase and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), modulating second-messenger systems and neuroprotective pathways. This combination is used to enhance antidepressant efficacy and mood stabilization.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li)

What is Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li)?

Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li) is a Tricyclic antidepressant + mood stabilizer combination drug developed by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), indicated for Major depressive disorder (particularly treatment-resistant depression), Bipolar disorder depression.

How does Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li) work?

Nortriptyline inhibits norepinephrine reuptake while lithium modulates intracellular signaling pathways, together enhancing monoaminergic neurotransmission and stabilizing mood.

What is Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li) used for?

Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li) is indicated for Major depressive disorder (particularly treatment-resistant depression), Bipolar disorder depression.

Who makes Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li)?

Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li) is developed and marketed by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (see full National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) pipeline at /company/national-institute-of-mental-health-nimh).

What drug class is Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li) in?

Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li) belongs to the Tricyclic antidepressant + mood stabilizer combination class. See all Tricyclic antidepressant + mood stabilizer combination drugs at /class/tricyclic-antidepressant-mood-stabilizer-combination.

What development phase is Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li) in?

Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li)?

Common side effects of Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li) include Dry mouth, Constipation, Tremor, Polyuria / polydipsia, Weight gain, Sedation.

What does Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li) target?

Nortriptyline-lithium (NOR-Li) targets Norepinephrine transporter (NET); inositol monophosphatase and GSK-3 and is a Tricyclic antidepressant + mood stabilizer combination.

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