Nortriptyline and Dry Mouth: What Users Say

• Hea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 24, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started taking this nortriptyline medication back in February for chronic migraine with daily chronic headaches. I feel like I have tried just about everything to get rid of these headaches that just never went away. I finally had a referral to Neurology, where they suggested taking nortriptyline. I was so skeptical as everything else I had tried had failed. After the first night of 30 mg, I saw an improvement in my headaches and continue to have great relief still today. No more daily headaches, and migraines are pretty rare now. The main side effect I have is the dry mouth. The effect this has had on my life has been shocking. Because my head doesn't hurt all the time, I finally have energy, and I actually want to participate in other activities. Because of this, I am down 15 lbs! Haven't been able to lose weight in over ten years! This has been a lifesaver for me!"

• Kar...
• December 9, 2014

For Pain "You name it, I have every back problem known to man. I have been on this medicine for only a month. And I live a pain-free life. I do have hyperactivities, but that's disappearing. Dry mouth and no appetite, and without eating as much, my blood sugar levels have been wonderful (hypoglycemia). I love the way I feel, I have told many people, this is a miracle."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2014

For Pain "I have been taking nortriptyline 10mg capsules (6 capsules for 60 mg) every night before I go to bed for over 3 months now. I was involved in a MVA collision by a drunk driver and I now suffer constant head pain. I now have Post Concussive Head Syndrome. I was taking narcotics constantly because of the head pain, I do not have migraines. I was able to be seen by a neurologist and because of the frustration and anger I had against the drunk driver, well the nortriptyline has helped considerably in my head pain and also feeling depressed. The only side effect I am experiencing is dry mouth and sleeplessness. I am now taking it 2 to 3 hours before I go to sleep. There were a couple of times I missed the doses and the pain was there again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2014

For Pain "I have been taking nortriptyline for a little over a month now and have found it has helped in several areas of my life. I have been suffering from headaches for over 10 years due to nerve trauma from a wisdom tooth extraction. I have been on every medication under the sun and then some. Usually strong narcotics and several at a time with no real results at all. I have also suffered from chronic depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. I happened to see a doctor not my own who asked if I would be willing to try it. Why not can't hurt was my thought. I am so grateful for his suggestion. I have stopped taking the narcotics and anxiety/depression medicines. I am currently at 50mg, going to start 60mg with no side effects other than dry mouth."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2012

Nortriptyline for Pain "I have calf pain (mainly when sitting) due to small fiber neuropathy. I tried Neurontin, Lyrica, Cymbalta...without any luck. Tramadol provided limited relief, but not nearly enough. Finally, I tried Pamelor and after a few weeks, the calf pain started to dissipate. I take 100mg/day, and the side effects have been pretty mild. The drowsiness tapered off after a few days, but the dry mouth and constipation go with the territory. I get occasional tinnitus as well."

• Sea...
• February 21, 2012

For Panic Disorder "Have had GAD (Anxiety, sometimes severe) on and off for about 12 years. I'm a 58-year-old male in excellent health, otherwise. Nortriptyline was the 7th med prescribed (after Lexapro, Beta Blockers, Zoloft, etc.) and for me, it was radically better than all the other meds. Tried to take at night but was too activating. Started taking 10 mg in the AM and another 10 mg in the afternoon (if needed). Completely controlled my anxiety, gave me more energy, improved sex drive, and cleared up both acne & rosacea. EXCELLENT drug...worth a try. Due to the low dose, I had none of the typical side effects (dry mouth, etc.)"

• Hol...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 23, 2017

For Pain "Been using this drug for 2 years. I used to have bad pain in lower back and numbness in my legs due to nerve damage. Started with 30mg, now only take 10mg. It works for me, virtually pain-free. Do have dry mouth and sometimes have bad dreams, but I can manage that as I can walk without pain and still go to work."

• chi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 26, 2014

For Pain "I'm being treated with nortriptyline for abdominal wall pain due to having irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for almost 40 years now. I still have pain in other areas but this does the trick for the abdominal pain, which is like the pain you get in your side after you've been running for a long time. It wasn't just a stabbing pain, though, it came, it stayed, and wouldn't go away. I only take 10mg and my prescription says to increase as necessary, but I've been on it successfully for over a year now. I stopped it once with the OK of the doctor, but within three weeks, the pain returned, so I started back up on it. I do have the dry mouth and sometimes restless sleep, but I can handle that...I couldn't handle the abdominal pain...this worked!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 10, 2017

For Depression "Fell into major depression at age 40. Tried 5 different SSRIs and no improvement. Then started Pamelor. Wow, the light went on. On 100mg for 25 years. Life saver. I'll put up with constipation and dry mouth to stay happy."

• PHa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 16, 2020

For Depression "I have been on nortriptyline for 2.5 years due to anxiety, and it has significantly improved my quality of life. I do have a dry mouth as a side effect, but it is very worth it in comparison to the benefits that it brings. Prior to starting nortriptyline, I experienced a number of secondary symptoms caused by my anxiety: insomnia, headaches, and loss of appetite. In addition to reducing my anxiety, I now sleep well every night, no longer have frequent headaches, and I have an appetite that allows me to keep my weight at a healthy spot (I was too thin before). These things seem to help my immune system too because I seem to be much better at fighting off/avoiding colds than before I was on this medication. So in summary: This medication helped address my anxiety and a bunch of secondary symptoms that I hadn’t realized were anxiety-related. On this medication, I feel happier and healthier than ever before."

• Tre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have migraine-associated vertigo (1 year +). I forget how many meds I have tried, but 10 mg nortriptyline was fine. I was having good sleep. Dry mouth. My doctor increased it to 20 mg. I started feeling more dizzy and nauseous. In week 2, I experienced blurry vision and slurred speech. I declined further with mobility and strength. I was told to go to the ER and received migraine IV. I was slowly weaned off nortriptyline and thankfully had no more blurry vision or slurred speech. My doctor never talked about these side effects, and this was very frightening."

• Kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 1, 2016

For Pain "I was given 25 mg Nortriptyline for shingles pain, along with Gabapentin and Tramadol for shingles and back pain. I now have PHN. I have had this pain for 6 months now. I had pretty severe burning pain. Within 3 days, the burning stopped. Most of the pain went away except at night. I went up on the Gabapentin several times. I didn't want to go up on Nortriptyline due to side effects (extreme dry mouth, and it was hard to wake up in the morning). Occasionally, I miss a dose by accident and go to sleep without it. I will hurt so much that I can't do anything but sit and use ice packs all day. Also, my pain will be much worse for 3 whole days following a missed pill. This has happened 5-6 times. Nortriptyline is the most effective medicine I've tried."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 17, 2013

For Migraine Prevention "I've been on nortriptyline for close to 15 years now for migraine treatments after a significant head injury. Before being put on the medicine, I'd get migraines that would put me out for days at a time. After starting out at a low dose, it helped control my migraines and has continued to do so over the past 15 or so years (though with increased dosage). The most common side effects have been drowsiness, dry mouth, quivers in my hands, along with an adverse reaction to prolonged periods of being in the sun. I've also put on a few pounds over the past few years, but that may be the result of moving from an active job to a more sedentary one and not the medication. Overall, nortriptyline has been great at controlling my migraines without too many negatives."

• Vib...
• October 30, 2015

For Pain "I started at 10 mg at bedtime for pain in my lower back. The pain would go down both legs and was ruining my life. After a few weeks, I was up to 60 mg, and I am virtually pain-free. I am sleeping great, too. The dry mouth usually comes for me after I up the dose. One thing though, I had a numb spot right above my right knee, which is caused by a pinched nerve in my pelvic region. The numbness has turned to a fullness in my knee now... weird but I can live with it."

• JZ6...
• March 7, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "This medication has been a lifesaver. I am a 23-year-old female and was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome 10 years ago. It wasn't until 2 years ago that my primary care doctor suggested this medication after finding success with another patient. Only 10 mg a day at bedtime and I am IBS symptom-free. I used to have 5 bowel movements a day and now I am very regular. My life is so different now that I am on this medication. When I started the medication, I had extreme dry mouth that went away after a couple of months and now I sometimes become constipated (which is something I've never had in my life)."

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2012

For Neuralgia "For the last 10 years my fibromyalgia has gone downhill. This medicine has given me some of my life back. I had horrible pain in my neck and back, fatigue, not sleeping, migraines, nervous stomach, and several other problems. I was run through a battery of tests and no one could figure out why I was having all these problems. Finally, a doctor said it sounded like fibromyalgia. I was put on a small dose of nortriptyline (20mg) and within a week, I was feeling somewhat better. Within 2 weeks, I felt almost normal again. This medicine has changed my life. I can finally do the things I used to do. I still get migraines and sometimes feel unwell again, but it's not very often. I do get dry mouth a lot, but I can deal with that over feeling sick."

• aly...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "I've been on this for a month or so at 25mg a day, and it has reduced my headaches down from one every day with a migraine once a week to about a headache a week, and I haven't had a migraine yet. When I take this, I have noticed that I sleep better. I also have dry mouth with this, unfortunately, but it is nothing compared to having daily headaches. (18 years old, female, migraines since age 4)."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2019

For Pain "I’m impressed. The pain of arthritis was relentless, and I thought it would never go away. After 10 years, finally a neurologist helped and prescribed nortriptyline! After figuring out what time of day worked for me (5 pm), because taking it at bedtime would keep you talking to yourself all night long! I can finally get sleep and no pain. Yes, dry mouth comes with it. Try taking ACT lozenges, it helps!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2012

Nortriptyline for Migraine Prevention "This is month 3 and the headaches I lived with for many years have vanished with a 30 mg dose every night. I sleep well. Dry mouth is tolerable and treated with an oral rinse. I never thought I could feel this good!"

• Ros...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 20, 2019

For Pain "I was prescribed Nortriptyline 50 mg at night for back pain and sciatica in 2012. It helped me sleep with no pain. I did have weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, decreased urination, and heartburn. In 2014, I had a right hip replacement. In 2019, most of my chronic pain was gone. My doctor lowered my dosage to 25 mg at night per my request. After two months, I have finally stopped Nortriptyline. I have more energy, have lost 13 lbs, and my memory and concentration have improved. I sleep all night and feel energetic when I wake up. After seven years, I hope to never have to take this drug again."

• mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 1, 2017

For Depression "I was originally prescribed this drug for insomnia. I've struggled with depression and anxiety for years. Therapy had been helpful, but there was a marked improvement in both conditions after I began this drug. Primarily, I am more able to let things go when I am distressed instead of compulsively fixating on them. My quality of life is so much better now. I initially had some light-headedness. This side effect went away within a few months. I have a bit of dry mouth, and I believe I suffered some hair loss. I was most troubled by the hair loss because I am pretty vain. But I decided my mental health was more important to my happiness than my appearance. It appears to be regrowing after around 6-12 months."

• tst...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "It works for me! I've had chronic daily headaches, migraines, and neck pain for over 18 years. Once diagnosed with migraines about four years ago, I was able to reduce the frequency and severity by avoiding known triggers (see Buchholz's 'Heal Your Headache'), but recently the headaches returned in force. I convinced my doctor to let me try nortriptyline, and it works very well with very mild side effects. I had dry mouth, which is not very noticeable now, a higher incidence of heartburn than normal, firmer stools, and frequent 'weird', vivid dreams. Relief started at 25 mg, but I now take 75 mg daily. Migraine frequency is down from 20+ days a month to 1-2. I still avoid most triggers to be safe, but this has helped tremendously."

• LFu...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 21, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "This medicine has changed my life. I went a solid 10+ years living in pain and with constant diarrhea. My life revolved around going to the bathroom. I started taking nortriptyline and after a few days, the pain subsided. Then, after a few months and increasing to a max dose of 40 mg, I now have normal bowel movements. This medicine is a miracle. It also prevents my migraines, which were occurring up to several times a month. I only experienced side effects of dry mouth, fatigue, and brain fog for the first couple of months. I now have no negative effects. Thank you, nortriptyline, for giving me a normal life."

• Emi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "My doctor prescribed me this tricyclic antidepressant, nortriptyline 25 mg, at bedtime as our second try at a migraine preventive. My previous prophylaxis was a beta blocker that I stopped due to side effects. Oddly, my pulse was high when I started taking it. Luckily, that ended up being temporary; it returned to normal in a few weeks. I do have a dry mouth but am fine when I'm drinking enough water and chewing gum. Dry mouth increases the risk for cavities, so good dental hygiene is now essential. It took a few weeks to work, but I haven't had as many bad migraines while on it. I think nortriptyline has mildly helped with anxiety and sleep. My favorite thing is how affordable it is. Not having to use as much expensive sumatriptan also has helped financially."

• Suz...
• December 10, 2016

For Pain "I tried 2 medications for pain from a pinched nerve, and neither worked, so the doctor placed me on Nortriptyline, starting off with 10 mg and titrating up to 40 mg due to increased pain. I am now titrating down as my pain has lessened due to acupuncture, aqua jogging, and physical therapy. Side effects for me have been extremely dry mouth, blurry vision, skin darkening on my face (cheeks), and memory/focus problems, some hair loss. I want off of this as soon as possible due to the side effects, but it has been very effective for the pain relief. I hope the side effects go away quickly and I regrow my hair. Can't remember the cost of the drug, but most likely inexpensive as I have Kaiser."