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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Nortriptyline Cause Rashes All Over The Body?

I have been taking Amitriptyline for almost 2 years. At the beginning of treatment I noticed itching on the top of my feet, then on my fingures, turning into a reddness like the beginning of a rash. In the past year the itching increased, rash spread over top of hands, elbows and top of feet, I was seen by a doctor who did not know what was causing the rash and itchiness, but gave me prednisone (?) a steroid. The rash cleared somewhat. About 3 months ago, my doctor changed the prescription to Nortriptyline and the rash symtoms returned spreading over my face, neck,shoulders, arms, and is more severely itching, reddness and scaly. I was not aware of the side effects of this medication until I just did research on it, realizing it could be the reason for the rash, itching, scaling. My question is 1. Can I discontinue the medication abruptly, and 2. is there an otc medication that I can buy right away until I can get into see the doctor?
Thu, 27 Aug 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic

I can understand your concern. Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline both belongs to same group of antidepressants. Nortriptyline in some patients is known to result in rashes and itching. But in most of cases symptoms are observed in first few weeks of therapy. You have been on Nortriptyline and rashes are persistent and if your doctor is thinking then the medicine can be discontinued and should be substituted by some other safer drug.

To discontinue the drug the doses should be reduced gradually by dose reduction. Abrupt stoppage would lead to withdrawal symptoms. Doses should be reduced slowly in about 4-6 weeks. Consult your doctor for proper advise. For persistent medicines like Cetrizine can help till you see a doctor.

Thanks, Hope this helps you, Take care
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Can Nortriptyline Cause Rashes All Over The Body?

Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic I can understand your concern. Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline both belongs to same group of antidepressants. Nortriptyline in some patients is known to result in rashes and itching. But in most of cases symptoms are observed in first few weeks of therapy. You have been on Nortriptyline and rashes are persistent and if your doctor is thinking then the medicine can be discontinued and should be substituted by some other safer drug. To discontinue the drug the doses should be reduced gradually by dose reduction. Abrupt stoppage would lead to withdrawal symptoms. Doses should be reduced slowly in about 4-6 weeks. Consult your doctor for proper advise. For persistent medicines like Cetrizine can help till you see a doctor. Thanks, Hope this helps you, Take care