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Suggest Alternative Medication For Nortriptyline

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Posted on Thu, 10 Dec 2015
Question: I need to try a medication for bad vestibular migraines/facial numbness aura I am having.

Doc suggested Nortriptyline. However I do not want to take anything that can cause palpitations as this gives me extreme anxiety as its happened before. This is a common side effect with this medicine.

Are there any other medicines in the antidepressant class for migraines that do not have the palpitation side effects?

If not do you have any other medications you can suggest for vestibular like migarones?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Valproate is an alternative.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Unfortunately, tricyclic antidepressants use such nortriptyline, amitryptiline, could result in side effects such palpitations.

In addition, palpitations can be encountered with the use of other antidepressants that are used to treat migraines such duloxetine, venlafaxine.

Other possible treatments of vestibular migraines include beta-blockers (propranolol etc.), calcium channel blockers (verapamil), anti seizure drugs such valproate, gabapentin etc.

In my opinion, you could try valproate as treatment for vestibular migraines, since valproate shows and mood stabilizing properties too.

Since it is a prescription drug, you should discus with your primary care Doctor about its use.

Hope you found the answer helpful

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4494 Questions

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Suggest Alternative Medication For Nortriptyline

Brief Answer: Valproate is an alternative. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Unfortunately, tricyclic antidepressants use such nortriptyline, amitryptiline, could result in side effects such palpitations. In addition, palpitations can be encountered with the use of other antidepressants that are used to treat migraines such duloxetine, venlafaxine. Other possible treatments of vestibular migraines include beta-blockers (propranolol etc.), calcium channel blockers (verapamil), anti seizure drugs such valproate, gabapentin etc. In my opinion, you could try valproate as treatment for vestibular migraines, since valproate shows and mood stabilizing properties too. Since it is a prescription drug, you should discus with your primary care Doctor about its use. Hope you found the answer helpful Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care.