Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update: Slide Presentation (Full)

Precautions, warnings, contraindications and side effects (see FDA package insert for complete list)

Pregnancy—Pregnant smokers should be encouraged to quit without medication. Nortriptyline has not been shown to be effective for tobacco cessation in pregnant smokers. (Nortriptyline is an FDA pregnancy Class D agent.) Nortriptyline has not been evaluated in breast-feeding patients.

Side effects—Most commonly reported side effects include sedation, dry mouth (64-78%), blurred vision (16%), urinary retention, lightheadedness (49%), and shaky hands (23%).

Activities—Nortriptyline may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a car; therefore, the patient should be warned accordingly.

Cardiovascular and other effects—Because of the risk of arrhythmias and impairment of myocardial contractility, use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease. Do not co-administer with MAO inhibitors.

Dosage

Doses used in smoking cessation trials have initiated treatment at a dose of 25 mg/day, increasing gradually to a target dose of 75-100 mg/day. Duration of treatment used in smoking cessation trials has been approximately 12 weeks, although clinicians may consider extending treatment for up to 6 months.