Imipramine

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive and compulsive symptoms, panic disorder, eating disorders, and chronic pain conditions.
• It is also used to prevent migraine headaches and bedwetting in children.

How does it work?

• Imipramine increases chemicals in the brain. Sleep and appetite may improve quickly, other depressive symptoms may take up to 4-6 weeks to improve.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• Tablet may be crushed and mixed with food or liquid.
• Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it for a long time. Medicine should be slowly decreased.
• May take at bedtime if it causes too much drowsiness.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects. Feeling sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded could be dangerous. There are other choices if this medicine is too strong for you.
• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Do not use this medicine with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. These include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Separate use by 2 weeks. These medicines are used for the treatment of depression.
• Make sure to get good dental care. You may have a higher risk for cavities.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling sleepy, lightheaded, or having blurred vision. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
• Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
• Unable to pass urine. Go to the bathroom before taking medicine. Talk with healthcare provider if it becomes a problem.

What should I monitor?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
• Too tired or sleepy.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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