Desipramine: Drug Information

Generic Name: Desipramine

Brand Name: Pertofrane

Drug Class: Tricyclic antidepressant

Uses of Desipramine:

Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used in the treatment of depression. This active metabolite of imipramine works by inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters in the descending pathways of the spinal cord. It is also used to treat other disorders such as Attention deficit disorder (ADD), neuropathic pain and disorders associated with the withdrawal of cocaine.

Dosage:

Desipramine is available in the form of tablets and needs to be taken orally. It is essential for you to take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor at regular intervals everyday. Do not stop taking it abruptly without your doctor’s consent as it may worsen your present condition. This medicine is not recommended for infants and children and should be kept out of their reach.

Warning and Precautions:

Do not take Desipramine if you are allergic to it or to any other tricyclic antidepressants. Individuals who have recently had a heart attack or are on mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should not take this medicine. Desipramine may increase the risk of suicidal tendencies and caution is advised when giving it to elderly patients. In case, you have been diagnosed with seizures, psychotic illness, urinary hesitancy, enlarged prostrate or glaucoma, you must tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Pregnant and nursing women also need to tell their doctor prior to taking Desipramine as safety of this drug during pregnancy has not yet bee established.

Drug Interactions of Desipramine:

Desipramine interacts with other drugs that lower brain activity such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, diazepam, lorazepam, valium, ambient, serax, clonazepam and mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Do not take Desipramine if you are taking tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs as this can result in high fever, convulsions and even death. Increase in blood levels have been observed if Desipramine is taken along with cimetidine, propafenone, flecainide, quinidine and fluoxetine.

Side effects of Desipramine:

Some of the mot common side effects of the medication include dry mouth, seizures, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, vertigo, diarrhea, headache, blurred vision, weight gain, rash, hives, hepatitis, low blood pressure, urinary retention, increased heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias and elevated pressure in patients with glaucoma.

Overdose:

Symptoms of Desipramine overdose include convulsions, high fever, irregular heart rate, coma, agitation, hypotension, drowsiness, hallucinations, stupor and vomiting. In case of an overdose of the medication, you must report to your doctor at the earliest or contact your local poison control center.