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Imipramine

Information about Imipramine

Imipramine Uses

Imipramine is used in the treatment of depression and bed-wetting. It is used in patients intolerant of or unresponsive to other treatment options for depression.

How Imipramine works

Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. It increases the levels of chemical messengers in the brain that help in regulating the mood and treat depression.

Common side effects of Imipramine

Blurred vision, Constipation, Difficulty in urination, Dryness in mouth, Increased heart rate, Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Swati Mishra

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

02 Mar 2020 | 02:51 PM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Imipramine

Expert advice for Imipramine

Imipramine is used for the treatment of depression and bedwetting in children.
The main dose should be taken at night as this medicine may produce drowsiness or sleepiness.
You may be asked for regular blood tests to monitor the blood cell count or level of sodium and sugar in the blood.
Inform your doctor if you notice behavioral changes, mood changes and suicidal thoughts while taking this medicine.
Do not drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medicine affects you.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.

Frequently asked questions for Imipramine

Imipramine

Q. What is Imipramine used for?

Imipramine is mainly used to treat depression. It is also used to treat bed wetting in children older than 6 years of age. It works by restoring the chemical imbalance in the brain, thereby enhancing mood and behavior.

Q. What are the side effects of Imipramine?

Imipramine may cause side effects like increased heart rate, blurred vision, dryness in mouth, difficulty in urination, constipation and orthostatic hypotension (sudden decrease in blood pressure on standing). Consult your doctor if these side effects do not go away or worry you.

Q. Can I just stop taking Imipramine?

No, you must not stop taking Imipramine suddenly even if you are feeling good as it may worsen your condition. Continue taking Imipramine for the duration prescribed by your doctor to get maximum benefit. If any of the side effects are bothering you, consult your doctor. In case you have completed your course of treatment, your doctor will reduce your dose gradually before taking you off this medicine completely.

Q. Can a pregnant woman take Imipramine?

No, pregnant women should avoid taking Imipramine, unless recommended by the doctor. Studies have shown significant risks to the developing baby and it is given only if the benefits are clearly more than the risks involved. Taking this medicine during the last trimester of the pregnancy may cause symptoms such as breathing problems, weakness, irritability, changes in blood pressure, tremors, and spasms in the newborn. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.

Q. Does Imipramine make you sleepy?

Yes, Imipramine may make you feel sleepy. Therefore, it is advised that you should not drive, use any heavy machinery or do any work that requires concentration while taking Imipramine. Also, refrain from taking alcohol if you are being treated with Imipramine as it will increase your drowsiness.