Nortriptyline

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Dec 19, 2022

Common Questions


Common Questions about Nortriptyline


Is nortriptyline a sleeping pill?

Nortriptyline is not a sleeping pill. However, it is sometimes used off-label to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or trouble sleeping) because it has a sedative effect, i.e., it causes drowsiness. 



Does nortriptyline calm you down?

Nortriptyline can calm you down by relieving anxiety, improving mood, and increasing feelings of well-being.



How long does it take nortriptyline to kick in?

You should start to feel the effects of nortriptyline within 2 weeks of starting the medicine. However, it can take 6-8 weeks to get the full benefits.



Can I drink alcoholic beverages while on nortriptyline?

You should not drink alcohol during treatment with nortriptyline. Alcohol can make side effects like drowsiness and dizziness worse, increasing your risk of falls and accidents.



When is the best time to take nortriptyline?

Your doctor may ask you to take nortriptyline 1-4 times a day. If your doctor has prescribed a single daily dose of nortriptyline and the medicine makes you drowsy, taking it an hour before bedtime may help.



Is nortriptyline hard to get off of?

Stopping nortriptyline suddenly can lead to withdrawal and symptoms like nausea, headache, and tiredness. Your doctor can help you decrease the dose gradually to avoid these side effects.



What is the price of nortriptyline without insurance?

Without insurance, nortriptyline can be as high as $25.99, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $11.02 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of nortriptyline with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on nortriptyline—copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for nortriptyline. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.