Imipramine: Drug Information

Generic name: Imipramine

Other names: Antidep, Depranil, Depsol, Depsonil, Elamin.

Drug Class: Tricyclic, Antidepressant

Uses of Imipramine:

Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used in the treatment of various mental illnesses such as anxiety with depression, mood disturbances, obsession states and phobias. In addition to this, it is also used for adjunctive therapy in children above 6 years for enuresis.

Imipramine works by inhibiting the re-uptake of non adrenaline and serotonin. Its sedative potential is lesser than that of Amitriptyline. It also has anticholinergic properties.

Dosage:

Imipramine can be taken orally with or without meals at regular intervals. Take in the exact dosage as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly even if you feel that you are getting better. For treatment of bedwetting in children, give it at least one hour before bedtime.

Warning and Precautions:

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, foods or substances before taking this medicine.

This medicine should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation. Thus, it is important for pregnant and nursing mothers to notify their doctor before taking Imipramine.

Caution should be maintained while taken this medicine if you are suffering from high blood pressure, epilepsy, cardiac disease etc.

Strict drug monitoring is required when administering the drug to children and the elderly.

Withdrawal from Imipramine should be gradual and under supervision of a doctor.

DO NOT take alcohol when on this medicine.

Drug Interactions:

Imipramine should not be taken with levodopa as it interferes with the latter’s absorption.

It should not be taken with major tranquilizers or oral contraceptives.

Barbiturates reduce the plasma levels thereby reducing the antidepressant effect of the drug

Cimetidine and Imipramine should not be taken together.

When combined with alcohol, it causes drowsiness and impaired performance.

It can result in fatal drug reaction if taken with mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

It tends to result in severe hypertension when taken along with adrenaline, non-adrenaline and methylphenidate.

Imipramine reverses the hypotensive effects of guanethidine, bethanidine, debrisoquine and bretylium.

It should not be taken with methyldopa and clonidine as it interferes with the antihypertensive action of thee drugs.

Side effects of Imipramine:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include sinus tachycardia, bundle branch block, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurring of vision, impotence, liver dysfunction, weight gain and tremors.