Does taking nortriptyline increase the chance of miscarriage?
Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is not known if nortriptyline can increase the chance of miscarriage. However, depression itself might increase the chance of miscarriage. More information on depression can be found in our fact sheet here.
Does taking nortriptyline increase the chance of birth defects?
Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. Information on the use of nortriptyline in pregnancy is limited. A small number of studies have not found a higher chance of birth defects with doses of nortriptyline used for treatment of depression.
Does taking nortriptyline in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?
It is not known if nortriptyline can increase the chance of pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth). One study found that use of other tricyclic antidepressants (not nortriptyline) might increase the chance of preterm delivery or low birth weight. However, research has shown that untreated depression during pregnancy can increase the chance of pregnancy complications. This makes it hard to know if it is the medication, untreated depression, or other factors that might increase the chance for these problems.
I need to take nortriptyline throughout my entire pregnancy. Will it cause withdrawal symptoms in my baby after birth?
The use of other tricyclic antidepressants (not nortriptyline) during pregnancy can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal and can include colic (crying a lot), cyanosis (skin looks blue), breathing problems, and irritability. In most cases the symptoms go away in a few days without long-term health effects. Not all babies exposed to tricyclic antidepressants will have these symptoms. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking nortriptyline so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them.
Does taking nortriptyline in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?
It is not known if taking nortriptyline in pregnancy can affect future behavior and learning for the child. Reports of 11 children who were exposed to nortriptyline in pregnancy showed no differences in IQ, language, or behavior compared to children exposed to a different antidepressant or children who were not exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. More research is needed to confirm.
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