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Imipramine

Updated on : October - 2012
Latest prescription information about Imipramine. Learn how to pronounce the drug’s name, its indications, dosage, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, its storage instructions and warnings if any when taken during pregnancy. Also listed are the International and Indian trade name(s) of the drug and its price list.
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Generic Name : Imipramine
Pronunciation : im ip' ra meen
Therapeutic Classification : Psychotherapeutics
ICD Code : Y49.0
Trade Name(s): 
India- Antidep Tab, Antipres Film-Coated Tab, Anxitab Film-Coated Tab, Depik Forte Tab, Depik Plus Tab, Depik Tab, Depranil Film-Coated Tab, Depsodep Tab, Depsol Tab, Depsonil Tab, Depsonil-Pm Cap, Diamin Plus Tab, Diamin Tab, Elamin Tab, Eldep Tab, Impramine Cap, Impramine Tab, Imprine Film-Coated Tab, Microdep Tab, Ultra Dep Tab.
International- Tofranil.
Why it is prescribed (Indications) : This medication is an antidepressant, prescribed for depression. It is also used to treat bedwetting in children. It increases the amount of certain natural substances in the brain.
When it is not to be taken (Contraindications):  Contraindicated in patients with recovery period after a heart attack, who are taking MAOIs, linezolid or intravenous methylene blue and hypersensitivity.

Pregnancy Category :

A B C D X
Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Dosage & When it is to be taken : Adult: PO- Initial dose: 100 mg per day given in 3 to 4 divided doses.
Pediatric Dose for Primary Nocturnal Enuresis: Initial dose: 25 mg per day orally 1 hour before bedtime.
How it should be taken : It comes as a tablet and capsule to take by mouth, with or without food.
Warnings and Precautions : 
* Caution should be exercised in patients with history of increased eye pressure, prostate enlargement, difficulty in urinating, seizures, overactive thyroid, liver, kidney or heart disease, any allergy, who are taking other medications, during pregnancy and breast feeding.
* It may cause drowsiness or dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.
* Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking while taking this medication.
* Avoid exposure to sunlight; otherwise it may cause skin sensitivity.
Patient may develop Serotonin Syndrome with the following symptoms: increased heart rate, shivering, sweating, dilated pupils.
Side Effects : 
Heart - Low/high blood pressure, fast heart rate, palpitations, heart attack, abnormal heart rhythm, heart block, ECG changes, heart failure and stroke.
Psychiatric - Confusion, hallucinations, disorientation, anxiety, restlessness, agitation, sleeplessness, abnormal dreams and irritable mood.
Central Nervous System - Numbness, tingling, incoordination, tremors, seizures, alterations in EEG patterns and ringing in the ear.
Eye - Blurred vision, visual disturbances and dilatation of pupil.
Allergic Reactions - Skin rash, hives, itching, photosensitization, swelling in the face and tongue and fever.
Blood - Bone marrow depression.
Gastrointestinal - Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, loss of appetite, constipation, stomach upset, diarrhea, intestinal obstruction, mouth ulcer, abdominal cramps and black tongue.
Genitourinary - Breast enlargement in the male, spontaneous milk secretion in the female, increased or decreased sexual drive, impotence, testicular swelling, elevation or depression of blood sugar levels, urinary retention and dilation of the urinary tract.
Other - Jaundice and hair loss.
Other Precautions : 
* Avoid excess dosage.
Storage Conditions : 
Store it at room temperature (20° to 25°C), and in an airtight container. Keep away from children.
♦ Safety Labeling Changes Approved By FDA

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Member Comments ( 3 )
my mother whose age is 70 years old is having severe urination. too frequently she passes urin. can she take depsonil 25 mg one every day?? She is known asthematic patient. pl.advice.
(Posted by NALINIRAMAN, India Date : 2/2/2013 )
Taking sodium valporate 3 times a day each time 200 and amixide 25mg a day, feeling anxiety and panic and mood remains off sometimes, feeling 80 percent ok
(Posted by ussein gazi, India Date : 1/26/2008 )
As I experienced, Imipramine is one of the best antidepressents.
(Posted by SANJYA MAHADEO AMBULKAR, India Date : 3/11/2007 )

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Reference  

  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • PubMed
  • CIMS
  • Indian Pharma Reference Guide 2012
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