They are related chemically. Nortriptyline is the active metabolite of amitriptyline. "Nor" is just faster acting in the body by a couple of hours.
If you have a liver metabolic enzyme deficiency:
Quote:
Metabolism
Nortriptyline is metabolized in the liver by the hepatic enzyme CYP2D6. Approximately 7-10% of caucasians are poor metabolizers and might experience more adverse effects, so a lower dosage is often necessary in these individuals.[6] Blood levels of nortriptyline should be obtained during long term treatment to avoid toxicity and optimize response.
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but....
Quote:
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However, the incidence of side effects with nortriptyline is lower than with the first-generation tricyclics (e.g., imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil)). For this reason it is often used in elder patients instead of other TCAs to reduce side effects and improving patient's compliance.
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from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nortriptyline
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Weezie looking at petunias 8.25.2017
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