Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used in the treatment of depression.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 6 references
Though prescribing information does not identify a specific mechanism of action for nortriptyline, is believed that nortriptyline either inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin at the neuronal membrane or acts at the level of the beta-adrenergic receptors. It displays a more selective reuptake inhibition for noradrenaline, which may explain increased symptom improvement after nortriptyline therapy. Tricyclic antidepressants do not inhibit monoamine oxidase nor do they affect dopamine reuptake. As with other tricyclics, nortriptyline displays affinity for other receptors including mACh receptors, histamine receptors, 5-HT receptors, in addition to other receptors.
- Primary indication
- Nortriptyline is indicated for the relief of the symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD).Curator reviewed · 6 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C19H21N · 263.3767 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1995 · United States, 1977
- Also known as
- Demethylamitriptyline · Desmethylamitriptyline
- Code names
- NCI-169453
- Brand names
Resolves to
PHVGLTMQBUFIQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCNCCC=C1C2=CC=CC=C2CCC2=CC=CC=C12What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Nortriptyline, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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