nortriptyline

This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.

Can taking nortriptyline affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?

According to the MotherToBaby fact sheet, it is not known whether nortriptyline can make it harder for someone to get pregnant. If you have questions or concerns about fertility while taking this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Does taking nortriptyline increase the risk of miscarriage?

Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons, and the fact sheet states it is not known whether nortriptyline increases this chance. It also notes that depression itself might increase the chance of miscarriage, which can make it difficult to separate the effects. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh these considerations.

Does taking nortriptyline increase the risk of birth defects?

The fact sheet notes that about 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect for various reasons, and information on nortriptyline in pregnancy is limited. A small number of human studies have not found a higher chance of birth defects with doses used to treat depression. Decisions about continuing or changing medication should be made with your healthcare provider.

Can taking nortriptyline during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?

It is not known whether nortriptyline increases the chance of complications such as preterm delivery or low birth weight, though one study suggested other tricyclic antidepressants (not nortriptyline) might. The fact sheet also notes that untreated depression itself can increase the chance of pregnancy complications, making it difficult to know what is contributing to risk. Some newborns exposed to other tricyclic antidepressants near delivery have had temporary symptoms such as colic, bluish skin, breathing problems, or irritability, so providers should be aware of the exposure.

Can taking nortriptyline during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?

The fact sheet says it is not known whether nortriptyline use in pregnancy affects future behavior or learning. A report of 11 children exposed to nortriptyline in pregnancy showed no differences in IQ, language, or behavior compared to children exposed to a different antidepressant or to no antidepressant. This is a small amount of information, so discussing it with your healthcare provider is recommended.

Is it safe to breastfeed while taking nortriptyline?

The fact sheet reports that nortriptyline passes into breastmilk in small amounts, and a limited number of cases have not shown side effects or negative effects on infant growth and development. For some people, the benefit of continuing nortriptyline while breastfeeding might outweigh the risks of an untreated mental health condition. Your healthcare provider can help you decide what is best for your situation.

Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet