How to Use Nortriptyline & Paxil Together

Paxil and nortriptyline both treat depression and mood disorders. Although both medications are classified as antidepressants, nortriptyline and Paxil work in completely different ways. Drugs.com reports that Paxil and nortriptyline should be taken together with caution due to possibly dangerous interactions. Combining Paxil with nortriptyline significantly increases the concentration of nortriptyline in the bloodstream, resulting in an increased risk of adverse reactions to both medications. You need to know how to take nortriptyline with Paxil to avoid adverse affects and drug interactions.

Instructions

• 1

  Educate yourself on the benefits and risks of Paxil. Paxil belongs to a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which doctors often use as a first-choice treatment for moderate to severe depression. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can treat depression effectively, they commonly cause sexual side effects, resulting in discontinuation of therapy for some individuals.

• 2

  Familiarize yourself with the drug nortriptyline, a medication that belongs to an older class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. According to the Mayo Clinic, tricyclic antidepressants are often prescribed after other medications have failed. They possess a high risk of adverse reactions including dry mouth, weight gain, constipation, sedation and sexual side effects. Physicians sometimes add a low dose tricyclic antidepressant to an SSRI medication to increase the antidepressant effect.

• 3

  Search government sites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to obtain reliable and up-to-date information on both medications. The CDC seeks to provide consumers with credible information on statistics, diseases, conditions and healthy living. The CDC website also hosts an online channel that provides current information on medications, diseases and conditions.

• 4

  Schedule an appointment with a physician who specializes in mental health to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Paxil with nortriptyline. Avoid the use of nortriptyline with Paxil if possible, or approach the notion with caution if your physician decides that the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Mental health physicians specialize in medications that treat depression and mood disorders, so they are best prepared to guide a patient on combining medications.

• 5

  Inform your physician of any prescription medications you are currently taking. Drugs.com reports that nortriptyline interacts with more than 500 medications and Paxil interacts with over 300 medications, so you need to accurately report your current medication list. Both medications can also interact with over-the-counter medicines, supplements and herbal products, so make sure to include these products on your list.

• 6

  Discuss taking Paxil and nortriptyline together with your pharmacist. Pharmacists receive special training on the interactions, side effects and adverse reactions of medications. Ask the pharmacist how to correctly take Paxil and nortriptyline together to avoid interactions or adverse affects.

• 7

  Take Paxil and nortriptyline exactly as your physician prescribs. Monitor for adverse reactions and report serious reactions to your physician immediately. As always, seek emergency treatment for allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the lips, face or throat.