Imipramine is used to treat depression. It is also sometimes given to children who wet the bed.
What is imipramine?
Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. It works by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain.
How should Imipramine be taken?
Imipramine is administered orally. In order to reduce its side effects (especially daytime sleepiness); it is preferable to take it before going to sleep.
Side effects associated with Imipramine
Taking Imipramine may be associated with emergence of serotonin syndrome. In addition, the drug may increase the risk of eye and skin sensitivity to sunlight. It is also important to be aware of the risk of heat stroke.
Among the other possible side effects of Imipramine include the following:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Excitement
- Headache
- Impotence
- Nausea
- Nightmares
- Dilated pupils
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Stomach problems
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Weight changes
You should immediately contact your doctor if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Sexual problems
- Chest pains
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Fainting
- Rapid, slow or irregular heartbeat
- Fever
- Difficult or frequent urination
- Hallucinations
- Compulsive behaviors or other changes in behavior
- Muscle, neck or jaw spasms
- Mood changes
- Panic attacks
- Tinnitus
- Convulsions
- Dizziness or serious drowsiness
- Sore throat
- Stomach ache
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Swelling of the testicles
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Trouble walking or loss of coordination
- Tics in the face or tongue
- Muscle stiffness
- Bleeding or bruising
- Worsening of depression
- Jaundice
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Imipramine
Imipramine can interfere with the ability to drive or operate dangerous machinery because it triggers dizziness. Alcohol or other drugs may aggravate side effects of this drug. Treatment with imipramine should be given for at least 1-3 weeks. In any case, treatment should not be stopped abruptly without first consulting with a doctor. The drug may increase the risk of symptoms of withdrawal.
Before starting treatment with Imipramine, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: MAO inhibitors (even if treatment was discontinued 14 days prior), thyroid medications, medications that contain methylene blue, busipirone, cimetidine, fentanyl, flecainide, lithium, methylphenidate, phenothiazines, propafenone, quinidine, SSRIs, SNRIs, St. John's wort, tramadol, linezolid, tryptophan, barbiturates, phenytoin, anticholinergics, sympathomimetics, clonidine, guanethidine, or guanfacine
- You have recently suffered from myocardial infarction
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from diabetes, alcoholism, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, increased eye pressure, heart problems, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, seizures, porphyria, urination problems, suicidal thoughts or behavior, bipolar disorder or other psychiatric illnesses
- You are undergoing electroshock therapy
- You are planning on undergoing surgery
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
It is also important to inform surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Imipramine.
