AVENTYL 10 MG — DIN 00015229

What is AVENTYL?

AVENTYL 10 MG contains NORTRIPTYLINE (NORTRIPTYLINE HYDROCHLORIDE) : 10 MG. It is listed in the Health Canada Drug Product Database under DIN 00015229, held by AA PHARMA INC, supplied as CAPSULE for ORAL administration. Health Canada currently lists it as marketed, status dated 10-Jan-2022. Nexara Health is a licensed Canadian wholesale distributor (DEL 3-002896-A) and can source this product for hospitals, pharmacies and clinics. Availability and lead time are confirmed per order.

What is AVENTYL used for?

AVENTYL (nortriptyline hydrochloride) is indicated for the relief of symptoms of depression. Endogenous depressions are more likely to be alleviated than are other depressive states.

Authorized indication as written in the Health Canada product monograph. For healthcare professionals and licensed purchasers; this is not medical advice.

How is it administered?

Adults (≥ 18 years): The recommended dose of AVENTYL is 25 mg, taken orally 3 - 4 times daily. When initiating treatment with AVENTYL, dosage should begin at a low level and increase gradually, as required. Doses above 100 mg/day are not recommended. Pediatrics (< 18 years): Health Canada has not authorized an indication for pediatric use. The use of AVENTYL in children is not recommended. When considering the use of nortriptyline in adolescents, the clinical need should outweigh the potential risks and uncertainties. Dosing in adolescents should be reduced to 30 to 50 mg/day, in divided doses. Geriatrics: Dosing for elderly patients should be limited to 30 to 50 mg/day, in divided doses. If a patient misses a dose of AVENTYL, the patient should be instructed to skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular dosing schedule. When discontinuing AVENTYL, the dosage should be tapered gradually.

Included because it drives pack selection and wastage. Consult the monograph.

Contraindications

AVENTYL is contraindicated: • in patients with hypersensitivity to this drug or to any ingredient in the formulation, including any non-medicinal ingredient, or component of the container. Cross-sensitivity between nortriptyline and other dibenzazepines is a possibility. • with concomitant use of a MAO inhibitor or use within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with a MAO inhibitor. • during the acute recovery period following myocardial infarction.

Warnings and precautions

Increased risk of self-harm, harm to others, suicidal thinking and behaviour with antidepressant use. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and for emergence of agitation-type and/or suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Patients with cardiovascular disease should be given nortriptyline only under close supervision because of the tendency of the drug to produce sinus tachycardia and to prolong the conduction time. Myocardial infarction, arrhythmia and strokes have occurred. Great care is required if nortriptyline is administered to hyperthyroid patients or those receiving thyroid medication, because cardiac arrhythmias may develop. Abrupt cessation of treatment following prolonged therapy may produce withdrawal symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, dizziness, nausea, headache, agitation, malaise, and abdominal cramping. Nortriptyline may cause somnolence, dizziness, and confusion. Exercise caution when driving or operating a vehicle or potentially dangerous machinery. Nortriptyline is known to lower convulsive threshold. Extreme caution should be exercised when using AVENTYL in patients with a history of seizures. Serotonin toxicity, also known as serotonin syndrome, is a potentially life-threatening condition and has been reported with tricyclic antidepressants. If serotonin toxicity is suspected, discontinuation of the serotonergic agents should be considered. The use of nortriptyline in schizophrenic patients may result in an exacerbation of the psychosis or may activate latent schizophrenic symptoms. If the drug is given to overactive or agitated patients, increased anxiety and agitation may occur. In manic depressive patients, nortriptyline may cause symptoms of the manic phase to emerge. Inform the patient that their response to alcohol may be exaggerated. Excessive consumption of alcohol in combination with nortriptyline therapy may have a potentiating effect, which may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behaviour and/or overdosage, especially in patients with a history of emotional disturbances or suicidal ideation. The possibility of a suicidal attempt by depressed patients remains even after initiation of treatment. It is important that the least possible quantity of drug be dispensed at any given time.